Childminder in Medway

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children are incredibly happy and radiate confidence. They settle quickly in the enthusiastic and friendly childminder's homely environment. The childminder forms trusting relationships with children, who demonstrate that they are emotionally secure in her care. They laugh, smile and snuggle in for reassurance. Children show elevated levels of engagement and confidence as they explore the resources readily available to them indoors and outdoors. They select toys of interest to play with and books to look at for themselves. Great emphasis is placed on children developing skills for the next stage in their learning. The childminder facilitates this through providing stimulating planned activities that spark children's interests and capture their creativity. For instance, the children measure out ingredients and make choices for themselves when making their own play dough.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They respond to the childminder's high expectations to take turns and share resources during play. Children listen and follow simple instructions when tidying up. They receive positive praise from the childminder when the task is completed.

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The provision is outstanding

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder maintained contact with families. She provided them with resources to extend their children's learning at home, to ensure that they did not fall behind.

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need to do better?

n The childminder obtains extensive information from parents about their children when they start. This includes information about what children can already do. She uses this knowledge to help her to build secure and nurturing attachments with children, which helps them to settle quickly. n The childminder provides a well-designed and varied curriculum that focuses on the three prime areas of learning. She tailors learning effectively to the children's individual needs and unique interests. The childminder implements stimulating activities that challenge children across all areas of learning and build on what they already know. As a result, children are eager to participate in the rich learning opportunities. n The childminder thoroughly monitors and assesses children's learning. She carries out regular observations and uses these to carefully plan for children's next steps. The childminder's intentions are clear. As a result, all children

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need to do better?

flourish and thrive in their development. n The childminder provides children with a language-rich environment. She is highly skilful at extending children's vocabulary through stories, songs and discussions. For instance, when listening to the story 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt', children are encouraged to join in with repeated phrases and use

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need to do better?

19 April 2022 descriptive words, such as 'squelch' and 'swishy'. They actively join in with actions to songs and watch the childminder intently for what they need to do next. Children are becoming confident communicators. n The childminder incorporates mathematics very well into activities. Younger children learn the basics of number and size. While older children learn about measurement, for example, children create sausages from play dough and measure their length with rulers. They use mathematical language, such as 'shortest' and 'longest', as they order their creations by length. n The childminder prides herself on the home-from-home care she provides. Children sit together to eat healthy and nutritious home-cooked meals, while immersed in conversation. The childminder models good manners, such as using 'please' and 'thank you'. All children are extremely courteous towards one another. n The childminder is incredibly calm, positive and encourages children at all times.

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need to do better?

She implements set routines, which the children clearly understand. For instance, children hang up their coats and take off their shoes before starting to play. After lunch, the younger children have a rest. They know to find their own bed and blanket and lay down independently. n The childminder has established positive relationships with parents. They have high regard for the childminder and express enormous levels of praise. Parents describe the childminder as 'kind, patient and attentive' and say that their children often bring home 'beautiful creations and bakes'. n The experienced childminder evaluates the quality of her provision effectively through her own self-evaluation process. She seeks the views of parents and children to improve the service she provides. The childminder prioritises her own professional development. She is currently completing a degree program to help to enhance the care and education she provides even further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an exceptional understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe. She has completed relevant safeguarding training and is knowledgeable of wider safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation and county lines. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern or allegation being made against herself. She is vigilant about ensuring that her home is clean, safe and suitable. For example, she checks her home daily, inside and outside, to help to identify and minimise hazards. Children learn to keep themselves safe when negotiating space and climbing equipment in the garden.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY367897 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10228448 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 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 10 October 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Walderslade, Kent. She operates for most of the year from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children. She holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 areas of the home used for childminding, including the outside play space. n The inspector spoke to the childminder about her 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. n The inspector sampled relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder and those living in the household. n The inspector took account of parents' views through written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

19 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.

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Inspection activities

19 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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