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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy. They enjoy the time they spend in the childminder's welcoming and nurturing home. Children settle quickly and form strong attachments with the childminder. She is highly responsive to children's individual needs, and children are secure in their familiar routines. Children have fun with the childminder, who skilfully joins in with their play. She assesses the children's progress and plans to extend their learning through exciting and stimulating activities.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well and are developing good social skills. The childminder treats them with kindness and consideration and, as a result, they think of others. For example, children make sure there is enough milk for their friends when independently pouring from a jug during snack time. Children respond positively to the continual praise and encouragement from the childminder, which helps raise their confidence and self-esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

Children learn independence skills. For instance, they make choices and decisions about what they do and help themselves to resources that meet their interests. Children are gaining a good understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene. The childminder encourages thorough handwashing at appropriate times. She teaches children the importance of good oral hygiene and promotes visits to the dentist.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and the experiences she provides for children. She gathers the views of parents to help improve her practice. The childminder is dedicated and passionate about the service she provides. n The childminder keeps her knowledge up to date through regular training and her own online research. She uses the information and ideas gained from these to influence her practice. For example, children benefit from the careful consideration given to the organisation of resources. This supports their individual learning styles effectively. n The childminder clearly knows the children in her care well. She monitors their progress and targets the next steps in their learning effectively. The childminder is skilled at supporting children with good learning opportunities and provides an interesting curriculum. For example, children enjoy creating 'funny faces' with play dough and natural materials collected from the garden. The childminder

p.2

need to do better?

interweaves new language to help children identify and understand emotions such as 'cross' and 'happy'. n Partnerships with parents and other providers that children also attend are strong. The childminder exchanges useful information about children's

p.2

need to do better?

9 March 2022 achievements regularly. Parents speak highly of her and praise the service that she provides. They feel well supported and informed in their children's learning and development. However, she does not consistently offer parents ideas about how they can continue to support their children's learning at home. n The childminder takes children on regular outings to support their physical and emotional well-being. They investigate nature as they explore surrounding natural areas, play in parks and learn about life in the local community as they access playgroups. This helps to build children's confidence in larger groups, ready for school. n Overall, the childminder supports children's early communication skills well. She clearly emphasises key words within her interactions and introduces new vocabulary. However, at times, she misses opportunities to effectively support children's pronunciation of words to help children develop their speaking skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder provides children with lots of opportunities to develop their early mathematical skills. She effectively teaches children how to count within activities and learn about concepts, such as size and number. n The childminder 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. They enjoy exploring different letters and the sounds that they make. The childminder takes children to visit the lending library. Children borrow carefully selected books and enjoy listening to stories with the childminder. 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 the children to explore.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children. She demonstrates a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that indicate a child may be at risk of harm. The childminder attends safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. She knows how to report any concerns she may have about a child's welfare. The childminder understands her duty to be vigilant to possible indicators that a child or family may be at risk of being drawn into extremist behaviours. She carries out safety checks to minimise any risks to children. The childminder supervises children well in all areas of her home.

p.3

should:

n consider ways to further provide parents with ideas and guidance about how they can continue to support their children's learning at home

p.3

should:

9 March 2022 n strengthen ways to further support children's emerging speech development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2549358 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10221542 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 3 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019. She operates her service on Monday to Thursday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year round. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector looked at a sample of documents and certificates. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at various points throughout the visit. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback. n The inspector held a discussion with the childminder to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

9 March 2022 9 March 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7