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

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The provision is good

Children show positive attitudes to learning and are secure and comfortable in the setting. The childminder encourages children's independence at every opportunity. She risk assesses her home and makes adjustments to ensure children can easily access resources and equipment. For example, she locks unsafe areas of the kitchen so other parts can be accessible. Children help themselves to utensils such as chopping boards, plastic knives and saucepans. They access activities inside and out that encourage them to learn in all areas. For example, the childminder sets out two-part ice-cream sand toys to encourage the children to use both hands to practise their small-muscle skills. She interacts with children as they play to develop their thinking and sequencing skills and determination.

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The provision is good

The childminder quickly identifies children who need additional support. She communicates with parents to help them understand how to support their child's needs. For example, the childminder supports children to develop their confidence and independence and shares these strategies with parents. In addition, the childminder shares information with other professionals, such as staff at the local pre-school and primary school. This has a very positive impact on children, who are supported to reach their full potential.

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need to do better?

n Children have a strong sense of belonging which is fostered by a welcoming environment. For example, the childminder's family photo album contains photos of all the children that attend her setting. The childminder has good knowledge of the children in her care and their families. She is reflective of children's current development and knows what skills they need to work on next. n Children learn about healthy eating and how to look after their teeth. The childminder supplements all children's lunches with healthy extras, such as cheese, fruit and vegetables, to encourage them to try new tastes and textures. n The childminder is reflective and dedicated to improving her own skills and knowledge of child development. She regularly accesses training to keep up to date with best practice. For example, she has completed training to support her understanding of mental health and special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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need to do better?

However, she has not fully developed her understanding of how new strategies introduced have a positive impact on the children in her care. n Parents are positive about the care their children receive. They praise the childminder's communication about their child's learning. Parents say that the childminder offers new experiences, such as messy play, trips on buses and exploring the woods. They comment that 'they would not know what to do without her care and support'. n The childminder continually monitors children's progress and completes reviews

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need to do better?

5 July 2022 to measure their milestones regularly. She shares ideas of strategies to try at home with the parents at regular meetings. The childminder understands how to set up the environment with activities to encourage particular skills. However, the rich experiences she provides are not consistently planned in a structured, sequenced way, to ensure they build on what children already know and can do effectively. n The childminder skilfully encourages children's learning in several different areas at once. For example, children enjoy using play dough to make fruit featured in 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' story. She skilfully supports children to learn about stories and life cycles, as well as supporting their language and vocabulary.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder accesses paediatric first-aid training to help her know what to do in a medical emergency. She completes regular training to keep children safe and broaden her understanding of safeguarding matters. She is aware of the indicators of abuse, including issues such as radicalisation. The childminder has clear procedures in place for recording and reporting any concerns to the appropriate professionals. She understands the procedures to follow and who to contact should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder checks her premises and garden each day and minimises any hazards to children's safety. Resources are well maintained and clean.

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should:

n plan experiences in a more structured, sequenced way to build on what children already know and can do and help them make the best possible progress n make more use of learning from training and professional development to further enhance children's experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY562589 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10191197 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. She lives in Tonbridge, Kent. The childminder provides care Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, throughout the year. She receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three and four years.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children and considered the impact on learning. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

5 July 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

5 July 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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