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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish and thrive in the childminder's home-from-home environment. They form the most loving of bonds with the childminder and each other. The childminder and children are often giggling together. Children show excellent manners and always think of others. They often help their peers to find toys, or step out of the way so another child can see something, such as the caterpillars in the garden.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are exceptionally well behaved and know exactly what is expected of them. They learn patience, listen extremely well and follow instructions like it is second nature. They are very familiar with the setting's routines and carry them out with ease. Children self-regulate effortlessly. They accept explanations from the childminder and promptly respond to what is being asked of them. Children have the upmost respect for the childminder and her home.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder provides an environment that allows children to develop high levels of creativity. Children have well-developed imaginations. They excitedly crawl across the floor as a group, pretending to be crocodiles swimming in a lake. Children work well as a team and are considerate of each other's interests and choices in play. They learn to negotiate decisions together. The childminder helps children to gain high levels of independence and autonomy. Children attend to their own personal care needs. Older children help younger children with tasks, such as putting on their shoes and hats.

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need to do better?

n Children benefit greatly from the childminder's superb knowledge of how they learn and develop. Her curriculum is meticulously tailored to the individual needs and interests of children. As a result, all children make excellent progress. The childminder has high expectations of herself. She makes sure her knowledge and skills are up to date. She continually looks at ways in which she can improve her practice. n The childminder creates a highly engaging and stimulating environment that ignites children's curiosity, problem-solving and confidence. Children develop critical thinking skills. They enjoy filling funnels with stones and determine how many are needed to stop the water flowing through them. The childminder is close by and builds on what the children already know to extend their learning. n Making every activity and daily tasks a learning opportunity is at the heart of the childminder's practice. For example, children learn their right and left while

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need to do better?

applying sun cream, numbers while choosing snack and colours when studying butterflies in the garden. As a result, children gain knowledge fast and learn how to apply their new skills quickly.

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need to do better?

30 July 2024 n The childminder makes sure children feel valued for who they are and recognised for their achievements. She praises children throughout the day and shows them she enjoys their company and what they have to say. Consequently, children show high levels of confidence and self-esteem. n The childminder fosters highly effective parent partnerships. She works closely with parents to support their children's learning. The childminder completes further training and research so she can provide parents with high-quality information. Parents comment on the invaluable support the childminder has given them with their children's development, such as toilet training, language delays and behaviour. They say they would highly recommend the childminder to other parents. n Children develop advanced communication and language skills for their ages. The childminder continually adds new words into their vocabulary. She talks to

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need to do better?

children and asks them questions during their play. Children develop excellent listening and attention skills and acquire an extensive vocabulary. n Children enjoy conversing with each other and the childminder about their families and confidently ask questions about the world around them. They listen intently as the childminder explains the life cycle of a tadpole to a frog. They ask questions about how the tadpoles grow legs. The childminder extends children's knowledge by introducing other life cycles, such as a caterpillar to a butterfly. n The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe and healthy. Children understand that they need to wear sun cream when it is hot. They learn that exercise is good for them and what happens to their bodies during physical activities. The childminder educates children about the importance of staying hydrated, especially in hot weather and after exercise.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY536718 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10344358 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 3 Date of previous inspection 12 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Westcliff, Essex. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early 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 joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants the children to learn. 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 The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector took account of parents' views in written testimonials. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder and other household members.

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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

30 July 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.

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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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