Childminder in Southend on Sea

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children benefit from the childminder's kind, caring and attentive nature. She has an excellent understanding of how to promote younger children's care needs. She quickly recognises when children need to eat, sleep or play outside. Children develop close attachments to her. They show that they feel safe, settled and happy. Young children demonstrate this at sleep times, as they settle well and quickly fall to sleep. The childminder is a positive role model and teaches children the importance of kindness, sharing and taking turns. Children begin to negotiate and solve problems for themselves, such as when they want to play with the same toy as another child.

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The provision is good

Children quickly become absorbed in their learning as they play with toys that spark their interest and curiosity. For example, toddlers enjoy making 'tea' in the role-play kitchen. They confidently say the colour of the cups as they hand them to visitors. Young children show perseverance as they work out how to complete number puzzles. The childminder encourages them to think about the shape of the numbers and where they fit. Children of all ages and abilities achieve well and enjoy their time with the childminder. They are quickly acquiring the skills they will need when they go to school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses her observations to understand children's level of achievement, interests and learning styles. She incorporates their next steps in learning into her planning to build on what children already know and understand. Consequently, all children make very good progress. n Children have a wonderful time with the childminder. For example, they enjoy picnics on the beach and learn about sea animals at the sea-life centre. They love to accompany the childminder when she takes her dog for a walk in the woods. Children hunt for animal sculptures and have great fun following the 'Gruffalo' trail. They climb trees and look for squirrels. The childminder also takes children to see the animals at the local farm and zoo. These experiences help to develop their understanding of the world. n The childminder is aware of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on some of the children in her care. For example, she has noticed that some

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need to do better?

children's social skills have been adversely affected. To help develop their confidence, the childminder takes children to local toddler groups. They enjoy meeting other children and learn to take turns, share resources and take part in group activities. n Children's physical well-being is given high priority. They have daily opportunities to play outdoors. They benefit from being in the fresh air to develop their physical skills and strength. Children enjoy healthy snacks and meals. The

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need to do better?

25 May 2022 childminder encourages children's understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. For example, they regularly wash their hands and find their own towel to dry themselves. n The childminder interacts well with the children. She speaks clearly to them and encourages them to repeat new words to increase their vocabulary. Toddlers excitedly pretend to talk on a mobile phone to mummy. All children love to sit in the cosy book area. They enjoy listening to stories and singing familiar songs and rhymes, which helps to build their vocabulary further. n Children have many opportunities to talk about their culture and traditions. The childminder links craft activities and stories to calendar events, such as the Queen's platinum jubilee. Children thoroughly enjoy making bunting and dressing up. They excitedly decorate their crowns with 'jewels', glitter and sparkly tape. n The childminder works closely with parents and keeps them well informed about

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need to do better?

their children's progress. She shares ideas and information that parents can use to support their children's learning at home. Parents are extremely happy with the childminder's provision. They particularly appreciate her flexibility when arrangements need changing. They value the enjoyable activities the childminder arranges for their children in the holidays. n The childminder completes all mandatory training. She has attended training and online courses to refresh her knowledge of first aid and safeguarding children. However, the childminder has not fully explored ways to continually build on the quality of her practice to enhance her good teaching skills to an even higher level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She keeps her knowledge up to date by accessing regular safeguarding training. The childminder is fully aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows what to do should she be concerned about a child's welfare. She understands the importance of working with external agencies to report her concerns. The childminder ensures that hazards are minimised, such as children tripping on toys on the floor. She carries out risk assessments at home and for outings. This helps her to ensure children's safety while they are in her care.

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should:

n make the most of all professional development opportunities to continually strengthen existing knowledge and further enhance the quality of teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY471143 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10126186 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 6 Date of previous inspection 16 May 2014

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Westcliff-on-Sea. She operates from Monday to Thursday all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. Sessions are from 7am to 7pm during term time and from 7am to 6pm during school holidays. The childminder provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector, including evidence of training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed children and the childminder taking part in activities and assessed the impact on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the childminder's house. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback

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Inspection activities

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 May 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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