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 in the childminder's care and make rapid progress in their learning. Their natural curiosity is expertly nurtured by the experienced childminder, who has a deep-rooted knowledge of how children learn and how to provide them with a rich and magical learning environment. The ambitious and challenging curriculum is planned to support and extend what children already know, while following their interests. The childminder takes some principles of Montessori and the 'curiosity approach' to promote children's learning. She skilfully implements her well-sequenced curriculum to provide every child with the skills they need to succeed.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder takes great care to ensure the environment is exciting and inviting for all attending. Children demonstrate confidence and a motivation to explore and discover. As a result of the childminder's highly effective engagement with them and knowledge of how children learn, they are prepared exceedingly well for their next steps in learning, and in preparation for the transition to school. The childminder places a strong focus on children's emotional development. Through her superb care and activities available, children develop a sense of self-worth. They understand the high expectations of the childminder and increasingly show high-levels of self-control. Children are very secure in their relationship with the childminder and have also made meaningful friendships with other children attending. This leads to a highly relaxing and happy atmosphere for learning, and children's behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n Children are deeply engaged during their play and display the highest levels of motivation. For example, children have an excellent attitude to learning and make attempts to solve problems for themselves before asking for help. They independently devise different ways of using resources. For example, they persevere, working together to fill wheelbarrows with water. When this is knocked and the water spills, they decide, along with the childminder, using the hose may be a quicker option. Children talk about the water being fierce and powerful and the speed in which the barrow fills up. n The childminder encourages children to develop a love of reading and to have respect for books. Even the youngest children select books and turn the pages with care while deeply absorbed in looking at the pictures. The childminder provides a variety of fun and interesting books for children to self-select. Children giggle and interact with the childminder as she reads. They predict

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need to do better?

what will happen next in the story. Children also borrow books from the childminder, who positively encourages them to bring a favourite book from home to share with their friends.

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need to do better?

19 March 2025 n Children explore exciting activities in safe and meaningful ways. They have opportunities to manage risks safely through play opportunities and with the subtle support of the childminder, who understands the importance of allowing children to problem solve. The childminder is sensitive in her interactions with them. For example, older children express concern that younger children will not know how to get down from the playhouse. While keeping a watchful eye, the childminder gently reminds them that they know what to do. They watch together with satisfaction as toddlers turn to safely come down the ladder backwards. n The childminder understands the importance of partnership working. She places a strong emphasis on working with parents and positively encourages parents' involvement in their children's learning. The childminder shares useful information and knowledge gained from training with them. In addition, she is

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need to do better?

proactive to establish links with other early years settings children attend to ensure continuity. n Parents speak exceptionally positively and comment they feel 'incredibly fortunate' to have this childminder caring for their children. They say her thoughtfulness, dedication and commitment to their children goes beyond their expectation. They comment on her remarkable approach to the promote children's learning within a nurturing environment and are well informed and reassured their children are safe and learning to an outstanding level. n Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to highly effective professional development. She consistently strives to build on her already extensive knowledge of child development. There is a culture of continual evaluation, and she implements changes gained from training and research to elevate learning to an even higher level. n Mathematical concepts are embedded in all activities. Children have a secure

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need to do better?

knowledge of numbers, shapes and volume. For example, they talk about how many legs a spider has and compare this to an octagon. They competently follow recipes to make dough and count proficiently as they scoop up flour. They talk about the pots being half full and compare weight. For example, when using a pestle and mortar in their play, they understand this is heavy. n Young children are fully supported in their communication skills as the childminder engages them in high-quality conversation and has a deep knowledge of how to promote language development. Children use a wide range of vocabulary in their play. For example, they make dens of leaves and twigs to hide their toys. They discuss how the dinosaur is 'camouflaged' and cannot be seen.

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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 EY557072 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10376252 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 8 Date of previous inspection 22 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Tuesday to Thursday, except for family holidays. The childminder 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 that 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 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

19 March 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

19 March 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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