Childminder, Out-of school day care in Kent

This provision meets requirements

Children are extremely happy and content as they are greeted by the friendly and cheerful childminder. Her warm and welcoming manner instantly engages children who immediately begin to tell her about their weekend. The childminder ensures they settle quickly with activities she knows they will enjoy. For instance, children love to put number puzzles together, prompting them to proudly share what they know about numbers. Children confidently choose what they want to do from the toy library. They confidently express what their favourite activities are and know that these are always available to them.

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This provision meets requirements

The childminder accommodates children's needs and routines exceptionally well. For example, she serves a variety of nutritious foods at breakfast so that all children can eat what they prefer. Breakfast is a sociable occasion, with children sharing stories about their lives and experiences. The children are exceptionally well behaved and polite as they listen to one another and say 'thank you' for their meal.

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This provision meets requirements

The childminder has strong attachments with the children. She understands how they are feeling when they are unsure or nervous and speaks with them in a soothing and supportive way. Children hug the childminder as she drops them off at school, confident and happy knowing she will be there to meet them at the end of the day.

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need to do better?

n The dedicated and exceptionally well-organised childminder provides children with a happy and safe home-from-home environment. She reflects on every aspect of her practice with the children and their parents, using their views to create clear and targeted improvement plans. Her commitment to updating her own skills and knowledge are excellent. n The childminder acts as a positive role model for children's respectful and friendly behaviour. All children enthusiastically include others in their play, such as drawing with chalk on the chalk board or taking turns to put in pieces of a puzzle. n Parents are delighted with the service the childminder provides. They are confident that their children have the best possible start and end to the day when they are with her. They talk about how pleased children are when they come to the childminder's house. They feel her communication with them is excellent. n The childminder provides children with opportunities to express their feelings

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need to do better?

and emotions in appropriate ways. For example, where children experience

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need to do better?

3 February 2020 some frustration or difficulty, she quickly steps in to support them. She speaks gently while getting them to think of a different approach to solve the issue. n Children benefit from learning how to keep healthy in meaningful ways. For instance, she ensures children understand the importance of good hygiene when they wash their hands before meals. They enjoy lots of days out and visits to interesting places during the holidays. For instance, children enjoy picnics and running around in local parks, or learning about other cultures and traditions at the museum. The childminder has plenty of space for children to run around and play inside and outdoors. n The childminder has built very strong connections with other professionals, including those in the schools children attend. She works closely with them and parents to share information to create a seamless transition for the children before and after school.

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need to do better?

n Children demonstrate excellent independence skills as they get themselves ready for school. They put on their coats and shoes and wait patiently for one another. They hold hands and listen carefully to the childminder as she teaches them to cross the road safely during the walk to school. n Children demonstrate excellent levels of well-being. They are given adequate time and space to relax and enjoy quiet activities if they choose. The childminder has thought carefully about what children need before and after school to support their unique emotional needs and personalities. Children are motivated and interested in exploring the broad range of stimulating activities she provides.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder ensures her training is always up-to-date and relevant. She has an excellent knowledge of how to keep children safe. She knows what signs to look for that might make her concerned about a child's welfare. Her knowledge of wider safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty and county lines helps her understand how children might be exposed to extreme or radicalised behaviours. She has robust procedures in place to help children stay safe on the internet. Her policies, alongside any newly researched information, are shared with parents to help them keep children safe within their community.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY330446 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10136460 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 4 to 14 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 14 Date of previous inspection 26 February 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Kings Hill, in West Malling, Kent. She offers care, Monday to Friday, before and after school, and during school holidays. The childminder walks to the local school to drop off and collect children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed all areas of the premises used for childminding. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n Parents spoke with the inspector who took their views into account. n The inspector viewed a range of documentation including suitability checks, policies and procedures. n The childminder discussed her future plans for developing her practice with the inspector.

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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

3 February 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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