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 Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children are very happy and enjoy their time in the care of the friendly childminder and her assistant. Children confidently express themselves, including with unfamiliar adults. They show high levels of engagement as they explore the resources readily available to them. They select toys of interest to play with both indoors and outdoors, alongside their friends. For example, children enjoy playing imaginatively in the shop set up for them. They select food items as requested by the childminder and pretend to bake cakes.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. They respond to the childminder's high expectations to take turns and share resources during play. Children listen and follow simple instructions, such as bringing their water bottles to the snack table. They receive positive praise from the childminder when the task is completed.

p.2

The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they are beginning to understand how to manage their physical well-being. They discuss healthy eating and oral health with the childminder and read stories about visiting the dentist. Children learn about growth and living things through a range of exciting activities. For instance, they observe the life cycle of frogs in the garden pond. Children grow sunflowers and their own vegetables, which they look forward to tasting.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistant know the children and their families well. They spend time with children to identify their abilities, before planning for their future learning. However, the childminder does not fully consider how to use opportunities to find out from parents what children know and can do from the outset. n The childminder plans a range of stimulating activities for children and also considers their interests. For example, she encourages children to recognise colours and numbers and to count during mathematical matching games. However, on occasion, activities the childminder provides do not fully consider the learning needs of younger children. n Overall, children make good progress. The childminder assesses children's learning effectively. She carries out regular observations and uses these to plan for children's next steps. Any gaps in learning are identified quickly and support

p.2

need to do better?

is given to the individual child. n The childminder helps to develop children's love of books. For example, she reads daily to children, who enjoy choosing books for themselves. When reading 'Dear Zoo', children help to turn the pages and lift the flaps. They answer simple questions and mimic animals sounds. This supports their early reading well. n The childminder encourages children to develop their independence skills in

p.2

need to do better?

6 April 2022 preparation for the next stage of their learning. They help to tidy away their toys and help manage their personal care needs. For instance, children find their own shoes and coats and attempt to put them on before playing in the garden. n The childminder frequently acknowledges children's efforts and gives them praise. For example, children sit together to eat and learn how to behave socially at mealtimes. The childminder role models good manners, such as using 'please' and 'thank you'. Children receive good levels of support in understanding what is expected of them. n The childminder helps children to learn about healthy lifestyles and to develop self-care skills. For instance, children learn the importance of handwashing before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder teaches children about healthy and unhealthy food choices, as they learn why they need to brush their teeth frequently. For example, children make their own model tooth and practise

p.2

need to do better?

how to use a toothbrush correctly. n The childminder has established positive relationships with parents. They praise the service provided and feel that their children are making good progress. The childminder provides parents with suggestions for how they can further support children in their home learning. For example, she encourages children to borrow books to read at home with their parents. n The childminder evaluates the quality of her provision through her own self- evaluation process. She has a positive attitude to completing professional development to help improve her service even further.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant understand their duty to safeguard children. They have completed relevant safeguarding training and are aware of a wide range of issues, such as female genital mutilation and county lines. The childminder and her assistant demonstrate a good understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child or an allegation being made against an adult working with children. The childminder provides a safe and suitable home. She has thorough risk assessments in place to identify and minimise hazards in her home, and she considers how to reduce risks when on local outings with the children.

p.3

should:

n provide opportunities to further support and challenge the learning of younger children n gather detailed information from parents about what children know and can do before they start and use this information to plan for their future learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 126221 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10228220 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 11 Date of previous inspection 30 September 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1999. She lives in Sittingbourne, Kent. The childminder offers care from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6pm, for most of the year. The childminder holds a level 3 qualification. She works with two assistants.

p.4

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 viewed all the areas of the home used for childminding, including the outside play space. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and her assistant about their intentions for the children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of learning during play and discussed the children's learning and development with the childminder and her assistant. n The inspector sampled relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder, her assistants and those living at the premises. n The inspector gathered parents' views through written feedback.

p.4

Inspection activities

6 April 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

6 April 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