Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision requires improvement

Children respond well to the warm welcome they receive on arrival and quickly settle. The environment is calm and relaxed, offering a home-from-home feel. For example, the children confidently and freely explore their environment as they choose where to play and immediately engage with the resources on offer. They form secure relationships with the childminder and her assistant. Children feel happy and safe. This is demonstrated through their eagerness to join in and help. For instance, after group time, even the youngest of children are keen to help the assistant tidy up and put the mats away.

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The provision requires improvement

Children learn to manage their feelings and behaviour well as they play cooperatively together. They respond positively when, on occasions, they are gently reminded of the rules, such as when the childminder says 'we play gently with our toys' and 'that's too loud for inside'. The childminder and her assistant know the children very well. They plan engaging activities that support the children's own interests and build successfully on what they already know and can do. For example, they set up activities to make cakes using play dough, as a child's parent had recently had a birthday. Children are engaged in the activity as they successfully develop their small-muscle skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is not fulfilling her statutory duties. For example, she has not notified Ofsted of significant changes to her living arrangements. In addition, she has not provided the information needed for Ofsted to be able to complete the required suitability checks on those living and working on the premises. However, this does not have a significant impact on children's safety, well-being and personal development as children are not left unsupervised with these individuals. n The childminder carries out risk assessments daily. However, this does not cover all the areas that are accessed by parents and children at pick-up and drop-off times. The patio that is used to access the setting is cluttered and may pose a risk to children if not directly supervised by their parents. n Children are learning to be independent in their self-care. For instance, at snack time they know the handwashing routine well and follow this before sitting down

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need to do better?

to eat their healthy snacks. This helps to promote children's self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. n Children benefit from regular walks. They learn about the local environment as they safely explore the village with the childminder and her assistant. For instance, they often visit an allotment where they learn about growing different fruits and vegetables, and take part in physical activities at the local park. This helps to ensure that children make good progress across the seven areas of the

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need to do better?

10 March 2022 early years foundation stage. n The childminder and her assistant successfully arrange the environment and activities to support all the children in their care. For example, small loose parts are available for the older children who are working on their small-muscle skills. These are replaced with larger items when very small children are in attendance to reduce the risk of choking. n Children are taught in a range of different ways about feelings and emotions. For instance, they share stories and use picture cards to help them label their own feelings. Children are effectively learning to manage their behaviour, which is reflected in their positive attitudes to learning. n The childminder and her assistant have developed good relationships with the children's parents. They engage in daily discussions and share information about their child's progress. For example, parents feed back how they receive regular

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need to do better?

updates in a variety of ways from the childminder. This helps parents to feel involved in their children's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a good understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures that are in place. They recognise their duty to protect children in their care from harm. They can confidently talk about a range of safeguarding and child protection issues, including how to identify children that may be exposed to extreme views. They understand what they must do if they are concerned about a child and know who to report their concerns to in a timely manner. Their knowledge is kept up to date through accessing regular training.

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Due date

provide information to Ofsted to enable suitability checks to be completed on all adults who live and work on the premises. 24/03/2022

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should:

n improve risk assessments to cover all accessible areas of the premises.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY477890 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10225851 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 12 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 8 September 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Canterbury. She operates her service Tuesday to Friday from 8am until 6pm, and receives funding for early education for three- and four-year-old children. The childminder works with an assistant.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistant and children. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

10 March 2022 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

10 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.

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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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