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 qualified, experienced and dedicated childminder ensures children are warmly welcomed into an inviting, home-from-home environment. She provides children with a fun and enabling environment in which to learn. She plans a varied curriculum around the children's interests, and builds on what they already know. Organised outings enhance and broaden children's experiences further and helps them understand the wider community other than their own. For example, children enjoy routine trips to the local beach or sea life centre. They develop large physical skills as they regularly visit the park for fresh air and exercise, and use the play equipment. They also have fun as they socialise with other children at toddler groups.

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The provision is good

The childminder skilfully promotes child-led play, and supports children's curiosity and ideas. The childminder is extremely calm and reassuring and is careful in her interactions with children. She understands the importance of allowing children time and space to discover for themselves and when to interact and support play. She speaks with genuine respect to the children as she explains what needs to happen, for example, when it is time to tidy up for snack. She has high expectations for the children and their behaviour is good. The childminder models well how to treat others with kindness and respect. Children demonstrate they feel safe and secure in her care and have established close and trusting bonds with the childminder and her family.

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need to do better?

n The childminder welcomes and values parents input with regard to their children's learning. She has established professional but friendly partnerships with them to ensure the best outcomes for their children. Parents speak highly of the 'exceptional level of care' offered their children. They comment on the secure bonds their children make with the childminder and appreciate the daily communication, and photographs they receive regarding their child's day. n The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and is committed to strengthen her already good knowledge and skills further through research of completing training, as she is fully aware of the positive impact and outcomes this has for children in her care. n Children play in a very organised, clean environment. The childminder teaches them the importance of a healthy lifestyle through everyday routines. For example, the importance of handwashing before eating, and after using the

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need to do better?

bathroom. Children have opportunities for exercise and fresh air daily, through walks in the local community or playing in the garden. They learn about taking care of wildlife. For example, they make birds feeders and excitedly, and quietly watch using binoculars, from the kitchen window, as birds eat.

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need to do better?

12 February 2025 n Young children demonstrate they feel safe and secure in their environment. They confidently talk to visitors to the home and show curiosity as they ask lots of questions as to the purpose of the visit. The nurturing childminder speaks respectfully to the children, who listen intently to her and follow instruction. The childminder engages them in conversation through their play and understands how to support their language development. n Children delight in a game of hide and seek. They invite the childminder in their games and giggle when they find her. Children enjoy the praise they receive for their efforts. They access good-quality toys and resources and are busy throughout the morning. The childminder ensures toys are readily available that support children's interests as this also helps them settle. They are made comfortable with little beds, blankets and cushions if they feel tired or need to

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need to do better?

relax, or sleep uninterrupted. n While children have access to quality resources, there are few opportunities for the younger children to express high levels of creativity and imagination through the use of resources that have no fixed purpose. n Children's behaviour overall is good. They have formed friendships and generally play well together. They demonstrate good manners. While the childminder is aware of the importance to support children's emotional development, there are fewer focused opportunities for children to learn about emotions, how to regulate their feelings and learn the vocabulary they need to express themselves and resolve conflict independently.

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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 include more focused activities in the curriculum to support children's understanding of emotions and develop their vocabulary further, to enable them to express how they feel.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 119400 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10368278 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 4 Date of previous inspection 14 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000 and lives in Shoeburyness, Essex. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors 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. 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

12 February 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

12 February 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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