Childminder in Southend on Sea

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children have tremendous fun with this dedicated and caring childminder. Relationships with parents are exemplary. The childminder provides extensive and varied opportunities to get to know the children and their families before children start. This results in incredibly secure attachments. The childminder uses information gathered to plan immediately for children's learning. Children settle swiftly and demonstrate that they feel safe as they snuggle into him when they are sleepy. The childminder is an outstanding role model for children. Along with his co-childminder, he sets very high standards for children's good behaviour. Children learn excellent manners and are consistently kind and polite to the childminder, visitors and each other.

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The provision is outstanding

Children learn to be imaginative and determined in their learning. When very young children begin to make marks in the sand, the childminder encourages them with words and gestures. He praises their efforts, which supports them to keep trying. The childminder focusses carefully on teaching children to understand how to keep themselves safe. Children learn to follow instructions closely as they cross the road. They know not to stand behind the childminder and to be silent so that they can hear his instructions. He shares these strategies with other childminders so that children beyond the setting learn excellent road safety skills.

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need to do better?

n Children have plentiful opportunities to read and listen to stories that are strategically placed in all areas of the setting. The childminder skilfully promotes their storytelling as they make up songs along to him playing his guitar. He encourages them to make up nonsense rhymes and notice the patterns in the words they sing. Children learn a deep appreciation of the sounds they will need to know for later writing. n Children chatter happily and practise their finger skills as they roll out play dough with adult-size kitchen implements. They measure and estimate sizes as they make pretend cakes. When the play dough does not fit in the tin, the childminder wonders what they can do. Children share their ideas and the childminder listens carefully, scrupulously following children's instructions. He fully respects children's ideas. This promotes children's self-esteem and their determination to persevere when things get tricky.

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need to do better?

n The childminder teaches children that every second is a learning opportunity. When they are walking around the local area, the childminder helps children to notice and talk about what they see. Children become aware of the rich variety of people and cultures in their local area. The childminder provides children with ample opportunities to further explore the wider world. For example, they explore the diverse range of cultural objects and images in the sensory area.

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need to do better?

25 February 2022 Children are excellently prepared for life in modern Britain. n Children learn how to manage their own hygiene as they wash their hands and become increasingly independent in their toileting. Fresh fruit is provided at snack times and children collect eggs from the childminder's chickens and discuss the healthy foods they can cook using the eggs. Children are on the go all the time, lifting and transporting toys in the garden, and on walks in the woods. They are excellently prepared to live healthy lives. n The childminder expertly supports children who are not yet speaking. He encourages them to indicate their needs through gestures and non-verbal cues. He responds to every attempt to communicate, adding in words for the things that capture children's interest. Where children are slower to speak, the childminder encourages them to play with their friends, who provide additional encouragement to motivate children to try out their words and sounds.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works diligently with his co-childminder to look for opportunities to improve. They have created a magical garden and rich opportunities for children to fully explore their individual fascinations. The childminder completes extensive training that raises his skills in supporting children's development and learning to the highest level. He always looks for opportunities from challenges, such as making a seat and camp from a fallen tree in the garden. He is an inspiring example of a caring and creative male presence for the children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of risks to children's safety and welfare. He can clearly explain the signs that might indicate that a child is at risk of harm, including from radicalisation and grooming. He understands fully how and when to report any concerns, and has a detailed knowledge of local safeguarding partners' guidance. The childminder shares with parents important information learned through regular training and his own research with parents. This helps them to understand how to keep their children safe. The childminder understands the steps he would need to take should an allegation be made about him or a member of his household.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY343766 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10137540 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 17 March 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. He operates all year round from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. He holds a level 3 qualification in childcare. The childminder works alongside a co-childminder at his home address.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector viewed a sample of key documentation.

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Inspection activities

25 February 2022 We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

25 February 2022 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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