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 have fun in this warm and welcoming setting. They enjoy drawing and show consideration for others as they carefully fold up their pictures to take home for their parents. Younger children laugh with pleasure at the noise the cars make when they run them along the radiator. Warm and trusting relationships are evident between the children and the childminder. Children feel safe, secure and are happy in the setting. The childminder has clear boundaries and routines, which children understand and follow, such as washing their hands before eating. They behave well and understand how to share and take turns. For example, an older child sits with a younger child and they share a book together. At mealtimes, children share out the plates and cutlery, inviting their friends to choose which colour they would like.

p.2

The provision is good

Children develop good manners and respond to gentle reminders to say 'please' and 'thank you.' They benefit from the childminder's high expectations of what they can achieve independently. Younger children show good levels of concentration in relation to their age, as they manipulate the train track to fit it together. Older children demonstrate perseverance as they dress up as princesses and dragons. Children move around the setting confidently, leading their own learning and freely choosing their own resources.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder works with parents when children join her setting to establish what they can and cannot do. She plans appropriate activities to enable them to make good progress. Where she identifies gaps in learning, the childminder discusses these with parents and they work together to address these delays. If there continues to be a lack of progress, the childminder seeks the advice and support of external professionals, such as speech therapists. n Children enjoy playing outside in the fresh air. They visit local parks and woodland, where they can climb and develop their physical skills. In the childminder's garden, they use the slide and ride-on toys. They enjoy making marks with chalk on the patio, but further opportunities for mark making outside are limited. n The childminder provides effective support for children's speech and language. Children enjoy playing with the farm animals and the childminder repeats the

p.2

need to do better?

names of the animals to the children to support correct pronunciation. They have great fun copying the sounds the animals make. Children play with the modelling dough, developing the strength in their fingers, in readiness for early writing. They learn to use simple tools, such as scissors to cut the dough. They develop their vocabulary, describing the texture of a rolled out piece of dough as being, 'smooth.' The childminder encourages children to feel the smoothness of

p.2

need to do better?

25 March 2022 the dough, helping to support their understanding of new words. At times, the childminder does not fully recognise opportunities to introduce mathematical terms, such as the names of common shapes and comparative language, into children's play, particularly for older children. n The childminder and parents have strong partnerships. They work together to support children in achieving their next steps in learning. Parents are pleased with the level of communication they have with the childminder. They are appreciative of the many and varied activities the childminder provides, including outings to places of local interest, such as castles. n The childminder is reflective about her practice and is constantly seeking to improve her skills and knowledge. For instance, she has completed additional training in the use of books to address issues, such as bereavement, that children may have to cope with.

p.2

need to do better?

n Where children attend other settings, including school, the childminder shares information to ensure that education and care are consistent. n The childminder provides children with a healthy and nutritious diet which helps to support their physical development. She works with parents to ensure that children develop good oral hygiene practices. For example, following training, she gave parents a pack of information to encourage dental hygiene. n Children behave well. They show understanding of boundaries and respect for the childminder. For instance, they immediately respond to her request to put some toys away before getting others out to play with. They listen to her explanation that someone might trip and hurt themselves.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder ensures that her safeguarding knowledge is kept up to date. She can recognise the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child at risk of danger and knows who to contact should she have any concerns about a child's safety or welfare. The childminder understands the need to regularly check her attendance and accident records for patterns that may suggest a child at risk of harm, including radicalisation. She risk assesses her premises daily to ensure they are safe for children to use. The childminder has a clear procedure in place should an allegation be made against her, or a member of her family.

p.3

should:

n provide a greater range of mark making activities outside to help to support children's fine motor skills n introduce more mathematical vocabulary into older children's play, with particular focus on naming shapes and comparing sizes.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY561990 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10190791 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. She lives in Sandhurst, Kent. The childminder provides care from Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, throughout the year apart from bank holidays and planned family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded places for children aged two-, three-, and four-years of age.

p.4

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 her evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the parts of the premises used for childminding and discussed the learning experiences she had planned for the children. n The inspector spoke to children and parents and considered their views. n The childminder and the inspector observed children as they engaged in a range of activities and discussed the learning that took place. n The inspector reviewed documents relating to safeguarding, suitability and record keeping. n The childminder talked about her responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm and the steps she took to ensure they were safe and secure in her care.

p.4

Inspection activities

25 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

25 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