Childcare on Domestic Premises, Full day care in Kent

Report for childcare on domestic premises

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children make good progress in their learning and development, and behave extremely well. Children are very sociable and form strong, positive relationships with the staff and with each other. They cooperate well as they play, happily sharing and taking turns.

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The provision is good

Children freely explore the resources and choose what activities and games they want to take part in. They spend time building, reading, writing and busily hunting for bugs. Children develop good physical coordination as they use tools, ride balance bicycles and play running games. They also benefit from regular outings where they explore more challenging physical play equipment.

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The provision is good

Children enthusiastically choose to join activities that have been skilfully planned by staff to teach new skills and provide new challenges. For example, older children concentrate extremely well on making sandwiches to take home. They are knowledgeable about the different filling options. When they are all unable to identify cress, they make educated guesses at it being either radishes or broccoli. They select their fillings and work out which knife is appropriate for spreading and which to use for cutting tomatoes and cucumbers. When they have finished, they very competently write their names on their sandwich bags.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff communicate very effectively, creating a positive, friendly and well-organised environment. The manager provides support and guidance for staff that results in consistently strong teaching across the setting. n All staff know the children well and successfully plan experiences that they enjoy and that extend their learning. For example, dinosaurs are currently very popular with a group of children. Staff purposefully place dinosaurs around the setting to encourage children to try different activities. Staff have a precise understanding of the learning and developmental goals for each child and tailor their interactions very effectively to meet these. n The support for children to develop their language and their knowledge of the world is extremely effective. Children use their rapidly developing language to express their views and engage in animated conversations. Young children

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need to do better?

vocalise to show their excitement and older children confidently experiment with using new words, such as 'gigantic'. Staff ambitiously introduce new vocabulary and ideas. For example, the idea of 'resistance' is introduced as children try to operate a wind-up pencil sharpener. Children listen intently as the staff member introduces the word and then explains its meaning using words they already understand. n The thoughtful organisation of resources significantly enhances children's

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need to do better?

12 July 2021 enjoyment and learning. The manager and staff recognise that children learn by practising skills regularly. They ensure that toys are set out to engage children's interests and they display books prominently. There are always writing materials available and they are very well used. Children freely draw pictures with pens, pencils and chalks, but access to more extensive arts materials is limited. This means that children do not receive the same good opportunities to explore different media and produce artwork as they do for other areas of learning. n Children's health is promoted well. The environment is cleaned thoroughly and children wash their hands regularly. Nappy changing and toileting arrangements are hygienic and the manager has plans to offer more privacy for children during these times. n The key-person system is not well established. This has little impact on children's learning as all staff know them so well. However, children do not fully

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need to do better?

benefit from the opportunity to form close attachments to a specific adult who will consistently meet their personal care needs. n Staff are highly effective in preparing children for their future lives in education. They work with parents and other professionals to help all children, including those with special educational needs, to reach their full potential. The oldest children repeatedly ask staff if it is 'homework' time. They are eager to take part in the daily sessions focussed on more formal learning. For example, they very capably follow instructions in activity books to work out the different values of money.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager has lead responsibility for safeguarding. She has recently taken action to ensure that her own child protection knowledge, and that of all staff, is fully secure. Staff are aware of the signs that may indicate that a child is at risk. There are clear procedures in place to report any concerns about children's well- being. In addition, information relating to responding to allegations against staff or household members has been updated and shared with all staff. The premises are secure and staff are vigilant in checking the identity of all visitors.

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should:

n improve the opportunities for children to explore a range of materials and media to be able to express themselves artistically n strengthen the key-person arrangements to help children form attachments to a familiar person that they know they can turn to, for example, if they want emotional support.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2577939 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10201808 Type of provision Childcare on domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 52

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Georgia's Explorers registered in 2020. It is located in Maidstone, Kent and operates from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. There are seven staff, of whom four hold qualifications at level 2 or level 3. The manager has a relevant qualification at level 5. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager led the inspector on a tour of all areas of the premises used by children. She explained the intentions behind the organisation of space and the planned educational programmes. n The inspector observed the interaction of staff and children during a range of activities and conducted a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a discussion with the manager and spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The views children and parents were considered as part of the inspection. n A range of relevant documentation was viewed.

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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

12 July 2021 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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