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

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The provision is good

The childminder welcomes children into her home-from-home setting with immense joy. She has created a warm and welcoming environment where children relax and immerse themselves in a range of interesting and enjoyable experiences. Younger children kick their legs with delight as the childminder chats to them. Older children delight in the kind and gentle cuddles the childminder provides.

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The provision is good

Children show a sense of belonging. The childminder provides extensive resources and opportunities for children to make choices and lead their play and learning. Older children make 'pancakes' in the play kitchen and discuss their favourite toppings, such as strawberry and raspberry, with the childminder. Children navigate the childminder's home with much confidence. The childminder supports older children to use the bathroom by themselves and manage their personal hygiene.

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The provision is good

The childminder sets clear and realistic expectations for children's behaviour. Children listen well to instructions and show care and respect for their environment. When children have disagreements, the childminder helps them to think about their actions and how they can resolve the problem. For example, when children want the same toy, the childminder uses words such as 'kindness' and 'sharing' to remind children of the house rules.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows what skills and knowledge she wants children to have for their future. She bases her teaching on what children enjoy and connects real- life experiences to learning. For example, when children show an interest in birds during a nature walk, the childminder extends the interest back at home and children make bird pictures from seeds. n Children are developing mathematical concepts. They use counting in their songs and the childminder helps them to estimate and match numerals to quantity. Children are developing concepts such as heavy, light and balanced as they weigh natural materials on scales. n The childminder plans for children, following their lead. She uses what the children enjoy and builds on this through an extensive range of learning experiences, both at home and in the community. However, planned learning experiences do not always support the individual needs of children and focus

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need to do better?

sharply on what individual children need to learn next. n Children explore the local community. They access a vast number of experiences, such as going to the park, beach and woodland. Children learn skills, such as recognising bird calls, and develop a positive approach to risky play when visiting forest school environments. n Youngest children explore with wonderful curiosity. They post shapes into boxes

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need to do better?

31 January 2025 and explore the sound that wooden blocks make when knocked together. They receive warm and responsive interactions built on love and nurture. n Children enjoy stories and rhymes. A rhyme of the week helps to promote children's enjoyment of traditional rhymes and develop new language. They join in with action rhymes and counting songs with enthusiasm. The childminder provides props, such as finger puppets and pictures, to engage all children. The childminder uses open-ended, enquiring questions that help children think about what they see in books and predict what might happen next. n Children are developing important fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They enjoy materials such as clay, rolling it out flat and making 'pizzas'. Children use large tweezers to gather natural materials, such as pine cones. n The childminder has a secure understanding of child development and uses this,

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need to do better?

combined with assessment, to identify the progress children make. She has a very positive outlook and seeks as many ways as possible to develop her practice. She attends a wealth of training and attends conferences and webinars. She visits other provision types, such as forest schools, to seek new and interesting ways to deliver her curriculum. n Parents speak highly of the childminder and the care she provides. They express gratitude for knowing her and say that she is like extended family. Parents state they have absolute trust in the childminder and know their children are happy and safe. They commend the excellent activities and experiences children have and how much progress they make.

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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 build on the already strong learning experiences to focus more sharply on individual children, building on what they already know and can do, and what they need to learn next.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 119405 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10367769 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 7 Date of previous inspection 25 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1977 and lives in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for eligible children. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. 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. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children.

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Inspection activities

31 January 2025 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

31 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

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