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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive at this homely childminding setting. Their needs and well-being are always at the very heart of the childminder's service. They settle extremely well and form trusting relationships with the nurturing childminder. Children's behaviour is excellent and they are respectful and polite towards everybody. They have a consistently positive attitude, showing that they feel safe, secure and valued. Children show high levels of independence and thoroughly enjoy preparing their own snacks and helping to clear the table after meals.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from a highly ambitious and precisely targeted curriculum that is purposeful for their individual learning and development. The childminder provides a wealth of exciting opportunities for children to gain knowledge and learn new skills. Children become fully engaged in their play, building on what they already know to learn through exploration and discovery. For example, children use the knowledge they have gained through previous discussions and activities to confidently make predictions about which dinosaur would likely have moved the fastest. Children show awe and wonder as they discover how quickly water melts ice to reveal hidden dinosaurs, and they call excitedly to the childminder to come and see. Children hear rich language as the childminder plays with them, using a range of new and descriptive words to help children develop their own communication and language skills. They are exceptionally well prepared for their

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a very in-depth knowledge of the curriculum and the different ways in which children learn. She securely and consistently provides activities that are inclusive for all and challenge and excite children. This means they all make excellent progress. n The childminder knows every child extremely well and skilfully introduces resources that she knows will entice them to join in the activities. For example, to increase mark making, she straps pens to dinosaur cars and uses stone letters with paintbrushes in sand trays. This provides children with the foundations to support future writing. n The childminder uses every opportunity to provide a language-rich environment. She expertly models language and speaks clearly. She is skilful at extending learning and language, and she uses words such as 'freeze', 'expand' and 'fossilise' when exploring frozen dinosaurs. Children delight in repeating these

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need to do better?

words and show pride in using them in their own play. n The childminder is excellent at using questioning and discussions to support children in becoming independent, critical thinkers. Children enjoy testing out new ideas, such as whether ice melts quicker in sand or water. They use prior

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need to do better?

18 July 2022 knowledge to predict which dinosaur car will move the fastest. Consequently, this really deepens children's understanding and inquisitiveness, supporting their skills for future life. n The childminder is superb at helping children to understand their emotions and she supports them with difficult feelings. She has different resources, including books, emotion eggs and worry monsters, that help children learn to regulate their emotions. This has supported them tremendously to feel safe and secure and become confident, happy children. n Children relish in learning about the world around them. They use a wealth of technological resources and they go on outings, such as beach cleans, to learn about keeping our planet safe. This heightens children's natural curiosity, understanding and respect for communities beyond their own. n The childminder supports children very well to learn about being healthy through

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need to do better?

a number of interesting and engaging ways. For instance, they explore keeping cool and hydrated by making healthy ice poles, and they take part in preparing snacks and meals. They also go on 'dentist day' visits to learn about oral hygiene. n The childminder really understands the importance of school readiness. She ensures that every child makes excellent progress towards this and that they are fully prepared to move on to the next stage of their learning. They are independent, resilient, confident, emotionally secure and settled children. n The childminder's expert knowledge and talent for working with young children are inspirational. She has an extensive portfolio of continuous professional development. She draws on her own experiences to provide the highest levels of childcare and education that are continually evolving. She uses funding effectively to highlight areas of need, and she targets her development to

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need to do better?

support families in the best way possible. n The childminder has outstanding relationships with parents and families. She continued this throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways, including video calls and sharing learning resources. Parents say the childminder 'has consistently striven to offer the very best care,' and that she is 'a fantastic childminder... I will forever recommend her and will always be grateful for all her help.'

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a very secure knowledge of safeguarding and the procedures to follow should she have concerns for children's welfare. Through regular training and research, the childminder has updated herself about safeguarding issues, such as the risks linked to extreme views and behaviours, and those that are pertinent to the local area. The childminder carries out robust risk assessments and supervises children effectively to ensure their safety and minimise any potential hazards.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY478783 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10228904 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 3 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 15 September 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Herne Bay, Kent. She provides care from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6pm, all year round, excluding family holidays. The childminder holds a degree in childcare and has achieved early years professional status.

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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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children and considered the impact on learning. n Parents shared their views with the inspector. n The inspector and the childminder carried out a joint observation.

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Inspection activities

18 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

18 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

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