Childminder in Medway

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 settle extremely well and form secure relationships with the childminder and her co-minders. They receive endless praise and encouragement throughout the day, which helps them to gain confidence and self-esteem in their increasing abilities. Children learn from a young age how to manage their feelings. For example, the childminder provides gentle explanations and reassurance to children when they become upset during a change in routine. Older children are loving and caring towards babies and are kind to each other. The childminder models good behaviour. She teaches the children to be respectful and learn good manners. They say 'please' and 'thank you' frequently throughout the day. Children behave very well.

p.2

The provision is good

Children confidently select what they would like to play with from a range of activities that the childminder has planned for them. They show perseverance and determination to pick up small objects with tweezers. This supports the development of their small-muscle skills and dexterity.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have daily opportunities to explore their local community. The childminder plans activities outside the home to give children new learning experiences. For example, they regularly visit local parks and zoos, and take walks in the local area.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder creates a curriculum that challenges children's learning and enables them to make good progress. She gathers useful information when children start at the setting, and uses this well to sequence their learning. The childminder knows the children well and what they can do and what they need to learn next. She plans activities around the children's interests. For example, children engage in imaginative play with toy dinosaurs. The childminder helps the children to learn the different names of dinosaurs and recognise the difference between big and small. n Children have good opportunities to develop their self-care skills and independence. The childminder encourages children to take off their coat and shoes and place them on their pegs. Children confidently put on their coats to go outdoors, wash their hands independently, and make choices in their play. n The childminder supports children well to learn about how to keep healthy and

p.2

need to do better?

stay safe. They enjoy nutritious meals and snacks, and have regular access to fresh air and physical exercise. Furthermore, children clearly understand the hazards of cars and respond well to the childminder's instructions when crossing the road. n Overall, the childminder supports children's emerging speech and language skills well. She talks with the children as they play, naming objects and asking

p.2

need to do better?

10 March 2022 questions about what they can see and hear when outdoors. However, the childminder does not always offer children the opportunity to extend their thinking skills, in order to maximise their learning. n Partnerships with parents and local schools are established. The childminder and her co-minders work with all the children and have a system in place for communicating with parents. However, the key person does not have a central role in respect of specific children to act as a point of contact for parents and support home learning. n Children develop an awareness of different faiths and cultures through using resources that depict different cultures and having conversations with the childminder. There are not enough opportunities for children to learn about the range of people and family structures that make up our society. n The childminder regularly updates her skills and knowledge through online

p.2

need to do better?

training and research. She works closely with her co-minders and, together, they evaluate their provision well to provide a good standard of care and education.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibility to keep children safe from harm. She ensures the areas used by children in the home are safe, and carries out regular checks to maintain a suitable environment. There are clear procedures in place to keep children safe when on outings. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. She knows the procedure to follow to report her concerns about a child and in the event of an allegation being made against herself or another adult working with the children.

p.3

should:

n increase the opportunities for children to have enough time and support to help extend their thinking skills and maximise their learning n strengthen the key-person system to provide a point of contact for specific children and further support learning at home n increase the opportunities for children to share information about their cultural backgrounds and learn about the diverse world we live in.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2513810 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10207849 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Gillingham. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 2. The childminder works alongside two other childminders at the same address.

p.4

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 that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and her co-minders at convenient times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children during care routines and activities. The inspector assessed the impact these have on children's well-being and development. n The inspector spoke with parents during the inspection and took account of written reviews provided by the other parents. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and policies.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6