Childminder in Kent

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

The childminder provides an extremely calm, welcoming and highly stimulating environment for children to enjoy. They enter and run straight to their friends, where they develop confidence and strong attachments. Children feel safe in the care of the kind and nurturing childminder. Her ethos surrounding positive mental health and well-being provides a focus for which all areas of her provision are organised. Children form strong friendships throughout all age groups. Older children use kindness and respect, and role model excellent behaviour for their younger peers. The childminder gives constant praise for the children's achievements, supporting children's self-esteem and positive attitudes.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder has an inspirational setting with engaging and exciting resources. She considers the age and stage of development for all children. The activities appeal to the children's interests and curiosity. The childminder teaches skills that can be applied and embedded using a range of fascinating experiences. They enjoy trips to the local parks and woodland, and take part in outings that develop their sense of the wider community. For example, they extend their knowledge of the imaginary cafe by visiting a real-life coffee shop. Children thrive in their socialisation in public spaces. They practise superb manners and apply skills in their interactions with a wide range of people.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder plans an ambitious curriculum that appeals to children's interests. She has an excellent knowledge of what learning children need to have to make rapid progress. The childminder skilfully tunes in to children's thinking and uses expert language to stretch and challenge children's critical thinking. Her ethos for providing high-quality support for positive behaviour and attitudes ensures that children display high levels of engagement. Children learn to develop a can-do attitude to problem-solving, as a result. n The childminder constantly demonstrates characteristics of high-quality teaching and uses every opportunity to explore language and deepen knowledge. For example, young children learn about the different emotions that others may feel as a result of their actions. Children can confidently explain reasons for feeling certain emotions such as, 'I feel excited because I am with my friends.' The

p.2

need to do better?

childminder uses stories to encourage children to consider their own feelings and responses to situations they might find difficult. Children learn to reflect on their ability to regulate their own behaviour, and to respond positively and appropriately. n There is a very strong emphasis on mathematics in the provision. Quality resources provide opportunities for spontaneous exploration of early mathematical concepts. For example, basic woodwork equipment extends

p.2

need to do better?

30 May 2022 children's skills needed to measure the size and length of materials. Carefully considered exposure to numerals, displayed in areas that they can refer to, extend and consolidate learning even further. n The childminder provides a wealth of opportunities for children to meet new people and talk about similarities and differences in the world. Children frequently visit the local library and travel by bus to the toy shop, to take part in choosing activities that enthuse and inspire them. The childminder successfully plans learning experiences that can develop skills, through children's preferred interests. n Children make outstanding progress and parents comment positively on how children achieve beyond their expectations. Parents describe the childminder as a key supporting guide in their lives, as she provides opinions based on her extensive experience of children. n The childminder is highly reflective of her practice and strives to develop her

p.2

need to do better?

own knowledge and practice to provide high-quality care. She regularly evaluates her setting to drive improvement and achieve the best possible outcomes for children. The childminder regularly attends training that enhances her knowledge of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, so that she can continue to provide outstanding opportunities for all children. n The childminder has extensive knowledge and experience over many years of working with children and this is highly evident in the way she demonstrates skilful interactions with children. Her provision of curious and engaging activities gives children access to a broad and varied curriculum. She enables children to explore their own thoughts and feelings in their experiences, providing them with the expertise necessary to continue to achieve well in their future development.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is fully aware of her roles and responsibilities in keeping children safe. She is extremely clear about how to identify potential risks, for example signs of neglect or abuse. She understands how to correctly source advice or report concerns to external support networks. The childminder ensures that the premises are secure so that children are kept safe. She completes thorough risk assessments when completing off-site visits and outings. The childminder is secure in understanding the importance of reviewing and improving the service she provides. She regularly attends mandatory training and keeps her knowledge up to date. The childminder maintains a valid paediatric first-aid certificate.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 125290 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10228210 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 15 Date of previous inspection 11 January 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000. She lives in Willesborough in Ashford, Kent. The childminder provides care between 7am until 6.30pm, all year round. She provides funded early education for children aged two, three and four years. The childminder holds a relevant qualification in early years.

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the setting and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. 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 and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

Inspection activities

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.5

Inspection activities

30 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