Childminder in Kent

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 form close bonds with the childminder in her welcoming, home-from-home environment. They feel safe and confident to approach her for a cuddle while they explore the activities she provides. The childminder has high expectations for all children. Children learn to do things for themselves. The childminder supports their independence and encourages them to complete small tasks. For example, young children can find their own shoes and coats ready to play in the outdoor environment.

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The provision is good

Children make good progress in their physical development. They enjoy trips to the local park and the childminder provides challenges to help develop their balance and coordination skills. Children are gaining a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. For example, they follow good health and hygiene routines and engage in discussions about healthy food choices. The childminder provides nutritious snacks and meals that the children thoroughly enjoy.

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The provision is good

Children behave well and know how to share and take turns. The childminder has high expectations for behaviour and models the use of good manners effectively. Children respond positively to her continual praise and encouragement, which helps to raise their self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is kind, nurturing and responsive to the children's needs. She supports children's early communication skills well. For example, the childminder clearly emphasises key words within her interactions, introduces new vocabulary and provides children with a narrative during their play and exploration. This helps to support children's understanding and speaking. However, on occasions, she asks the children several questions without giving them sufficient time to think and respond. n The childminder has a good understanding of how to support children's overall development. She undertakes regular assessments of their learning. As a result, she knows the children in her care well and what they need to learn next. The childminder makes good use of this information, along with children's interests, to plan a broad and well-sequenced curriculum. She prepares children well for the next stages of their learning.

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need to do better?

n Mathematics is integrated as part of everyday activities. The childminder encourages children to count during daily routines and activities. She provides many opportunities for children to develop their literacy skills. For example, children can access a range of resources, and they enjoy making marks in various ways. In addition, they select their favourite stories from a wide range of books on offer and enjoy interactive stories with the childminder.

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need to do better?

7 February 2022 n The childminder supports children promptly when they need occasional support. She plays and explores alongside them, encouraging their curiosity and building their confidence. Young children eagerly experiment with a range of textures and materials. The childminder discusses colours with them and role models techniques to explore. Children follow their ideas and concentrate well on things that interest them. They develop their dexterity and coordination effectively. n The childminder builds warm and worthwhile partnerships with parents to help children settle and feel secure in her home. She gains lots of information to help her obtain a good overview of children's starting points. The childminder shares detailed information with parents about children's care and learning. This supports good continuity for children between the setting and home. Parents express that they are very satisfied with the service provided and the support

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need to do better?

they receive from the childminder. Good links are made with the local pre-school and effective systems are in place to share information about children. n The childminder reviews her activities and resources regularly. She checks that she is offering children a variety of opportunities that help to promote their learning and prepare them for the future. The childminder ensures that statutory training is updated, such as first aid and safeguarding. However, she has not yet explored ways to further extend her knowledge, to continually raise the quality of her teaching. n Children develop a good understanding of diversity beyond their immediate family. For example, the environment has positive cultural images, books and role play resources for them to explore.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibilities to protect children. She ensures that her home is clean and well maintained. The childminder supervises children closely, putting arrangements in place to ensure they can explore and play safely. She conscientiously implements her health and hygiene procedures to reduce the risk of infection and illness to children. The childminder assesses and minimises risks when taking children out of her home, for example during visits to local parks. She knows the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child and has undertaken safeguarding training to refresh her knowledge.

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should:

n ensure children have enough time to think and respond to the questions they are asked, to help improve their learning n explore more ways to broaden skills and knowledge, to continually enhance the quality of teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY559008 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10190626 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 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. She lives in Gravesend, Kent. The childminder provides care Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 5pm, all year round.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector carried out a learning walk to discuss the childminder's curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and jointly assessed with the childminder the impact that this has on children's learning and personal development. n The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including the paediatric first- aid certificate and public liability insurance. n The views of parents were gathered through written feedback.

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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

7 February 2022 7 February 2022 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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