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 Good

p.1

The provision is good

The qualified and experienced childminder has a broad experience of working with early years children and has a sound knowledge of how children learn. She provides children with a wide variety of learning opportunities within the home. The childminder's aims are to provide a high-quality provision, in an environment that is inviting, friendly, caring, and safe. She delivers a well-planned and ambitious curriculum that supports children's interest in the moment, builds on what they already know and what they need to learn next. She also plans a range of outings and learning experiences within her education programme through daily outings. The childminder is skilful in her interactions with children as they play. Children make good progress and are sufficiently challenged and supported.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder invests time in getting to know the child and their family and what is important for them. Children feel safe and secure and are very settled. They confidently move around the home, selecting toys and resources of their choice. Children have made friendships with others attending and have established close and trusting bonds with the childminder. Even the youngest children show they are confident and willing to engage visitors to the home in their games. The childminder teaches children the skills that they need to be independent learners effectively. Children show curiosity and enthusiasm to engage in activities. There is a strong focus on children's emotional and language development. They understand the childminder's high expectations and play well together, and children's behaviour is good.

p.2

need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good. The childminder secure knowledge of what children need to learn ensures she supports their progress well through everyday activities. For example, children's mathematical development is thoroughly supported through all their play. They are encouraged to count, match and order numbers during activities. Children learn mathematical language as they discuss jugs of rice being heavy, light, full or empty. They are gently encouraged by the childminder who offers lots of praise for their achievements. n The childminder has established professional, positive, and welcoming partnerships with parents. She encourages parents to contribute effectively to their children's learning through regular conversations and updates to keep the childminder aware of their children's development and interests at home. Parents comment on her 'exceptional professionalism and dedication'. They

p.2

need to do better?

value her support and 'nurturing help' and comment on how she manages behaviour, and her 'expertise' in supporting children who require extra support. Parents say they feel completely reassured their children are safe and make

p.2

need to do better?

14 May 2024 excellent progress. n The childminder is fully aware of the importance of continuous professional development and has completed many courses to improve outcomes for children in her care. She is committed to improving her knowledge through training opportunities and demonstrates a passion to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The childminder evaluates the service she provides and seeks parents' views to improve outcomes for all children. n Children relish their time outdoors and understand the importance of fresh air and exercise as the childminder encourages lots of outdoor play. Planned outings further enhance children's experiences. They have immense fun in the forest, they visit the library to choose books and further develop their physical skills when playing in the park. Children enjoy the slide and are gently reminded to use the steps to keep safe. They throw balls and play imaginary games in the

p.2

need to do better?

garden. Children show curiosity when they find snails and are helped to find a safe home for them. n The attentive childminder ensures the home and activities are fully inclusive and accessible to all. For example, a well-planned rice activity provides children with opportunities to find hidden shapes and numbers, supporting their mathematical development. Meanwhile, younger children learn the skill of filling and pouring rice into pots using scoops. Children play very well together. n Children delight in mealtimes. They are familiar with the routines and know they must wash their hands. Mealtimes are regarded as social occasions, and children sit together chatting while they eat. The childminder is fully aware of children's dietary needs and allergies and provides children with a well-balanced healthy menu. n The childminder engages children in meaningful conversation. She has a clear understanding of how children develop their conversation skills and introduces

p.3

need to do better?

new words to challenge their ability to communicate and their vocabulary. Opportunities are provided for interactive story time to help children's language skills. However, on some occasions, the childminder does not ask questions to encourage children to think critically and solve problems for themselves.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n use effective questioning techniques to extend children's language, help them think critically and solve problems independently.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY498306 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10339242 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 5 July 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Southend-on-Sea. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has 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 premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder explained her intentions for the children's development and how she plans and implements the educational programme. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection and took account of the views of parents by reading written testimonials.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

14 May 2024 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6