Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children develop a deep sense of security and community under the exceptionally kind and consistent care provided by the childminder. The childminder works with a co-childminder and their assistant. Together they develop a precise understanding of what each child needs to thrive. The childminder uses detailed information gathered from parents before children start to immediately plan an extensive and exciting range of opportunities to meet their individual needs. She provides a wide range of opportunities for children to experience the wider community. For instance, they visit the beach, the fire station, meet the rescue dog in their favourite books and regularly attend a residential care home. Children become immersed in their play and make impressive progress.

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The provision is outstanding

Babies' drive to communicate is valued and comprehensively supported. The childminder is extremely adept at interpreting their non-verbal cues. She rewards every communication with encouraging words, songs and body language. The childminder builds strong attachments with children, who confidently turn to her for comfort and cuddles. The childminder fully embeds good manners and kind behaviour in every interaction. Children are listened to with respect and delight in helping each other and the childminder. For example, children search for interesting toys for younger children and involve their younger friends in their play with patience and humour.

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need to do better?

n The childminder teaches children to be skilful and determined communicators. Where children are slower to develop their speaking and listening skills, she uses a wide range of strategies to help them to progress. For example, she makes sure that they can see how she forms words and encourages them to use words for favourite toys. Children know that attempts to communicate will be rewarded with the childminder's full attention. Where children have specific communication difficulties, the childminder works collaboratively with parents and other professionals to support the best possible outcomes. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. When children are beginning to learn how to manage their own behaviour, the childminder works tirelessly to develop strategies that will help them. For example, she spends time playing alongside children, modelling and supporting turn taking and sharing. She is endlessly

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need to do better?

calm and patient. She teaches children to name and label their emotions and persevere when things are tricky. n Relationships with parents are superb. The childminder works closely with them to develop a consistent, shared approach that reinforces children's well-being. Parents particularly value how quickly their children settle into the setting, and are fully involved in a shared approach to their children's learning and

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need to do better?

16 January 2020 development, designed to deliver the best possible outcomes for children. For example, parents are supported to devise personalised menus and recipes when their children struggle with food. n The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of how to teach children the skills they will need to become competent writers. For example, she teaches older children to recognise and write their names and younger children have plentiful opportunities to use tools and make marks. The childminder introduces phonics, such as when she helps children to compare the sounds at the beginning of their names. Children listen with rapt attention as the childminder reads books that link to their experiences. n The childminder teaches children excellent self-care skills. For example, they cut their own fruit at snack time and manage their own coats and shoes as they move in and out of the garden. The childminder provides extensive opportunities

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need to do better?

for children to develop excellent physical skills. For instance, they run and jump in the garden, build train tracks and move carefully around the setting. The childminder provides excellent support and encouragement for babies who are learning to walk. n The childminder works closely with her co-childminder and their assistant to precisely evaluate the setting. They make accurate assessments of children's development, which are shared with parents and used to ensure that all children are making progress with their learning. The assistant states that she values the extensive support that the childminder provided as she completed her childcare qualification. n The childminder incorporates mathematical language naturally as she plays alongside children. For example, children count all the time and sing number rhymes. Older children learn about two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes as they make these out of modelling sand.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms that a child might be at risk of abuse. She updates her safeguarding knowledge through regular training and discussions with her co-childminder and their assistant. The childminder has robust procedures to record and report safeguarding concerns, including concerns about co-workers. She has a determined approach to keeping children safe. She has completed training, and has a firm understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as grooming, the 'Prevent' duty and female genital mutilation. Recruitment procedures are thorough and checks are made on the continued suitability of assistants to work with children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY554609 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10139656 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 to 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and operates in Maidstone, Kent. The childminder works with a co-childminder and their assistant. She provides care from Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, for most of the year. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. Together with her co- childminder she provides funded education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Throughout the inspection, the inspector discussed various issues with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living and working in the household. n The inspector interacted with and spoke to children during the inspection. n The childminder and the inspector evaluated activities that the children engaged in throughout the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided and discussion with a parent.

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Inspection activities

16 January 2020 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 2020 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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