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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder provides children with a fun and ambitious curriculum. She positively promotes learning outdoors and provides children with ample opportunities to challenge their physical development. Activities are planned to support the skills children need to be independent learners. The childminder plans regular visits outdoors so that children learn about the local community in which they live. For example, they enjoy trips to the beach, forest, library and toddler groups. The childminder is committed to providing children with a welcoming and fun place to learn. Quality toys are provided and easily accessible so that children can initiate their own play.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are very settled, excited and confident learners. They have established close bonds with the childminder, who has invested time in getting to know them, their abilities and interests. Children enjoy cuddles and approach the childminder for reassurance when needed. Children are happy and secure in their environment. They play well together, and the childminder offers lots of praise and celebrates the children's efforts and achievements. Activities are planned around children's interests, but there is also a strong focus on their well-being and promoting positive attitudes toward learning and trying new experiences. The childminder is calm, attentive and caring. The children understand the childminder's high expectations and their behaviour is good.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is aware of where children are in their development and what they need to learn next. Therefore, all children make good progress as they have a variety of opportunities to learn that cover all seven areas of learning. n Children show a keen interest in books and stories. They regularly visit the local library to select books of their choice. They enjoy cuddles and interactive stories with the childminder. They have ample opportunity to practise early writing skills as they make marks on the floor using chunky chalks. They have a go at writing their names on their work. They paint with water and use tongs and tweezers in sand play, which helps with pencil grip. n The quality of teaching is good because the childminder is committed to improving her own knowledge through training opportunities. She has completed a variety of courses since her registration to further improve her knowledge. The

p.2

need to do better?

childminder positively evaluates completed training and, if appropriate, implements changes to her practice to improve outcomes for children attending. n Children's communication skills are supported. The childminder understands how to engage children in conversation and models language well. The childminder is skilful in how she asks questions and is aware of the importance of allowing children time to think and respond. As a result, children ask questions. For

p.2

need to do better?

6 June 2024 example, they ask where rain goes. The childminder teaches them about evaporation and the clouds, adding new words to extend their vocabulary. n Parents speak extremely highly of the service the childminder provides. They comment that they are reassured their children are in safe hands and are comfortable leaving their children with the 'incredible' childminder. Parents appreciate the daily communication and outings that are arranged. Parents say their children make good progress and they are very happy with the healthy food menu that is offered to their children. n The childminder builds on children's interests. For example, they enjoy trips to the beach or sealife centre, as they are fascinated with fish and mermaids. The childminder teaches simple mathematics through all activities and children learn positional language. For example, they talk about what lives under the sea and on top of the water. Children talk excitedly about the 'massive' spider and fish

p.2

need to do better?

they see. n The childminder continues and extends children's learning following their outings. For example, they make large collages of the sea, and a treasure chest at the bottom of the ocean. Older children show sustained concentration as they stick, colour and paint. However, some group activities are not sharply focused on each child's individual needs and, at times, younger children lose interest and concentration.

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 consider more closely how to adapt group activities to ensure all children, in particular younger children, fully engage and benefit from the learning opportunities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2672263 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10339509 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 14 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Westcliff-on-Sea. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday 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 provider 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 they are 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.4

Inspection activities

6 June 2024 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.4

Inspection activities

6 June 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