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

The highly committed and dedicated childminder understands the needs of all children. When children first start attending, the childminder gathers information from parents about what children already know and can do. Children thrive in this inclusive setting. They enjoy playing with familiar characters and learn new vocabulary associated with their fairy tale adventures. The childminder uses these interests to question and challenge children's learning effectively. This means that play experiences become key opportunities for learning.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder models good behaviour and manners. She teaches children to take turns when speaking and to use appropriate table manners. Children feel respected and heard as she models the importance of listening to their views. The childminder uses the local toddler groups to encourage children's socialisation with others in the community. Children excitedly share their experiences of singing their favourite songs and rhymes with their newfound friends. They enjoy stimulating activities that are tailored to their age and level of understanding. For example, children enjoy observing various wildlife in the garden. Their keen interest in listening to birdsong encourages them to use reference books to help them name and describe the different birds.

p.2

need to do better?

n Transition is an important aspect of the childminder's ethos. She is committed to passing on her knowledge and care routines of children. This ensures a consistent approach in the next stage of children's education. Affection and quality interactions are important to the childminder as she develops a strong attachment with children and their families. Parents say that they trust the childminder and describe her as an 'interested and supportive presence' in their lives. n Children have regular opportunities to explore their curiosity. For example, an extended discussion about the stone in an avocado occurs during snack time. The childminder encourages children to investigate the seeds in various fruits, including those inside a kiwi and those on the outside of a strawberry. Sometimes, however, the childminder does not make the most of opportunities to stretch children's learning even further. As a result, learning may become

p.2

need to do better?

limited and chances to improve development of specific areas are lost. n Children develop their independence skills well. They use safety knives to cut their own food during mealtimes. Children wash their hands and help the childminder to sort the hand towels into piles that are either used or clean. This means that children understand important hygiene practices and how not following these can be detrimental to the health and safety of themselves and others.

p.2

need to do better?

6 May 2022 n The childminder ensures that she keeps parents well informed about children's progress and offers ideas for learning in the home. She has met with other important caregivers in the children's lives and ensures that adults providing care and support for children are well informed. The childminder has attended various training and development to improve her own practice. For example, recent training has improved her knowledge of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The childminder has developed an ambitious curriculum for the children who attend. She gathers useful information when children start at her setting, such as children's interests at home. The childminder uses this information to plan learning activities that are familiar to children. However, opportunities for learning beyond children's own experiences can be limited. There are fewer opportunities for children to learn about diversity and different cultures in the

p.2

need to do better?

wider world. n Children learn unfamiliar words as they play, and they explore the meaning of these new words. The childminder understands what the children know. She can talk about their progress and learning with confidence. Children's early communication skills are well supported. The childminder understands the importance of modelling the correct pronunciation of words and sentences, to ensure clarity of meaning. She has a good understanding of children's next steps and how they learn. The childminder uses this information effectively to plan activities that meet children's age and stage of development.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures. She can clearly identify the signs and symptoms which may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. She has a clear understanding of the procedure to follow and the professionals to contact if she has concerns. The childminder ensures that her first-aid qualification is kept up to date, She has taken it upon herself to develop her knowledge of medical practice and procedures to ensure that she maintains optimum health and safety practice.

p.3

should:

n build on existing good teaching to ensure children are supported to develop concepts during activities even further, to fully extend their learning n increase the opportunities that support children's awareness of other cultures, traditions and ways of life, helping them to further understand the wider world.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY467589 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10228843 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 4 Date of previous inspection 10 February 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013. She lives in Greenhithe, near Dartford, Kent. The childminder operates her service from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. She minds for most of the year, with the exception of bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has a degree in educational studies.

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 their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

6 May 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 May 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