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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder creates an incredibly homely environment for children. Children arrive excited each day. They build amazing bonds with the warm and supportive childminder. The childminder has a focus on understanding each child individually and planning activities based on their interests and needs. She aims to encourage children to think creatively, problem solve and build important skills for their future. Children quickly feel comfortable and confident. They freely access enjoyable activities and play opportunities.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder embeds clear routines and expectations for behaviour. As a result, children behave exceptionally. They know what is expected of them and look forward to what is happening next. The childminder acts as an incredible role model for kindness and consideration. As a result, children show incredible care towards others and enjoy tidying up.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder instils a love and respect for animals and nature. Having a tortoise and cats, as well as wildlife in the garden, children develop a keen interest in animals. The childminder teaches children about different types of animals, habitats and diets. Children ask questions with curiosity about the wood pigeons and squirrels that visit. They gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, especially in looking after pets and supporting wildlife.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides exceptional snack and mealtimes. Children watch with admiration as the childminder puts a cottage pie in the oven. They talk about what it smells like when cooking. Children thrive on the challenge to chop up fruit and count the pieces. The childminder sits with children and engages in stimulating conversation. This supports children's communication and language to the highest levels, as children confidently ask questions and express opinions. n The childminder ensures resources and activities are incredibly well considered. The childminder closely tracks children's development. She creates wonderfully stimulating activities for children to meet their targets. Children eagerly play with toy farm animals. They look at images of animals and match to the toys, talking about the sounds animals make. The childminder then plans a trip to the farm to extend learning. As a result, children show impressive levels of engagement and

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need to do better?

learning. n The childminder creates environments that are superbly rich in language. Children sign themselves in and talk about the date, weather and seasons. The childminder uses extensive visual representations as talking points throughout the setting. Children enjoy singing, talking about characters in stories and repeating new words. They make amazing progress, fast becoming confident

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need to do better?

16 January 2025 and expressive communicators. n The childminder teaches to outstanding levels. She has brilliant knowledge and understanding of how children learn. The childminder consistently challenges children to think of solutions and gain stronger understanding. During a story, the childminder pauses to ask questions and make comments so that children deepen their knowledge of farms. She includes mathematical learning during handwashing and snack time. Children make rapid progress in all areas of learning as a result. n The childminder prioritises development of children's self-care. Children concentrate and persist with mark-making. They love opportunities to wash their hands, take their shoes off and put slippers on to play. Children thrive on the praise for their efforts and take pride in learning new skills. They develop a firm sense of who they are and what they can achieve. n The childminder creates wonderful community experiences for children. The

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need to do better?

childminder feels passionately about providing new experiences. Children adore going to the park, seafront, soft-play centres and library. The childminder uses these opportunities to build on what children know and can do. Outings are often an extension of planned activities aimed to deepen children's skills and understanding. As a result, children enjoy educational and fun social events. n The childminder builds commendable parent partnerships. Parents value the range and quality of activities and learning opportunities. They believe the childminder has excellent communication, sharing what children enjoy and learn daily. Parents state that children's eating habits have improved as well as their interest in new foods. They appreciate that their children's development is rapid across all areas.

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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 128644 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10372269 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 5 Date of previous inspection 9 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Thorpe Bay, Essex. She operates from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, all year round. The childminder holds a qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk of the setting to discuss the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

16 January 2025 16 January 2025 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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