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

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The provision is good

Children make good progress in their learning because the childminder ensures an exciting curriculum is in place. Children benefit from a child-friendly, organised and dedicated playroom in which to play. The curriculum is organised to support what children already know and can do, and it builds on what they need to learn next, following their interests. There is a strong emphasis on teaching children the skills they need to be independent learners. For example, even very young children are gently encouraged to wipe their noses, and they attempt to put their shoes on in preparation for going outdoors.

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The provision is good

There is a focus on children's well-being. The childminder ensures she has relevant information regarding children's routines, abilities and interests before they attend. She encourages a thorough settling-in period and accommodates each child's individual needs to ensure they feel secure, confident and settled in her care. Children have formed close and trusting relationships with the caring childminder. They make friendships with others that are attending and are kind to each other. The childminder has high expectations. Children thrive on the routines in place. For example, they happily wash their hands in preparation for snack and settle quickly when it is time to sleep. The childminder is a calm and nurturing role model and consistently acknowledges children's achievements and efforts. They delight in the praise and encouragement they receive.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good, and children make good progress from their starting points. This is because the childminder is experienced and understands how children learn. She works closely with parents and is effective in her observations of children's progress. n Children's communication skills are supported effectively. The childminder models language well, repeats simple words for young children learning to communicate, and is skilful in allowing children time to think and respond to her questions. She positively engages children in conversation. For example, children explore and put in order the animals they find in the play farm. The childminder encourages them to name and make the sounds of the animals. Children listen with intent as the childminder teaches them about the animals. n While children have access to an abundance of quality resources, there are few opportunities for the younger children to express high levels of creativity and

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need to do better?

imagination through sensory activities or the use of resources that have no fixed purpose. n Parents speak highly of the 'kind and patient' childminder. They comment that they feel reassured their children are cared for in a 'safe and loving' environment. They say their children are progressing well, enjoy the healthy

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need to do better?

15 November 2024 nutritious meals provided and appreciate the outdoor opportunities provided for them. n Children learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the wider community through the everyday routines and experiences provided. For example, they enjoy physical exercise and fresh air on planned nature walks and learn about the natural world around them. They have fun at the local beach, where they collect sand and shells that they use in their play. n Children enjoy snack and mealtimes. They enthusiastically help tidy the playroom when it is time to prepare for snack. The childminder is fully aware of children's dietary needs and allergies and provides children with a menu of well- balanced home-cooked healthy dinners. n The childminder has an extremely calm and reassuring approach when caring for young children. She knows the children well and is aware when they become tired and need to rest. She fully respects parents' wishes regarding sleep

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need to do better?

routines. Children are offered their comforters and reassurance. They can enjoy uninterrupted restful sleep as they are made comfortable in cots. The childminder soothes them until they sleep, keeping regular checks on them until they wake. n The childminder is reflective on her practice to provide children with quality care and education. She completes regular mandatory training, such as first aid and safeguarding. However, commitment to undertake professional development opportunities to enable her to provide children with even higher learning and development experiences is not as strong.

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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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should:

n extend opportunities for younger children to develop higher levels of imagination, exploration and creativity n take advantage of training opportunities to strengthen knowledge and promote children's learning even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2695625 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10260105 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 2 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Westcliffe on Sea, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7am until 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for children aged between nine months and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures 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 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. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents. This included evidence about suitability and training.

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Inspection activities

15 November 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.

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Inspection activities

15 November 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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