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 are happy and settled. They have strong bonds with the childminder, who knows the children and families in her care well. Children receive plenty of cuddles and reassurance, which develops their confidence and emotional well-being. They thoroughly enjoy the praise and encouragement that the childminder gives, which successfully makes them feel safe and secure. Children are developing their awareness of behaviour expectations.

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The provision is good

Children learn about healthy lifestyles. For example, the childminder provides a range of nutritious snacks, and she talks to children about making healthy food choices. Children also grow their own fruit and vegetables, which further develops their understanding of healthy foods. During COVID-19, the childminder reviewed and improved her outdoor learning provision. As a result, children benefit from a wider range of daily outdoor learning experiences, which in particular support their physical skills and well-being.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy a range of ways to help prepare them for life in modern Britain, such as celebrating festivals from around the world. This positively increases their knowledge of diversity and other cultures, and teaches them to respect people who are different from themselves. Children successfully build on their awareness of the local community, such as when they visit shops and local attractions using public transport.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides a well-planned and stimulating environment. Children have plenty of opportunities to follow their own interests in their play, which means they are interested and motivated to learn. n The childminder successfully helps children enhance their early literacy skills. For example, she reads stories and shares books with them throughout the day. She positively supports younger children to develop their language skills. For instance, they sing familiar nursery rhymes, such as 'Hickory Dickory Dock' together. Additionally, the childminder asks children interesting questions. However, on occasions, she does not always give children enough time to process and respond to the questions she asks. This means children do not fully extend their thinking and problem-solving skills. n Parent partnerships are positive. Parents are very complimentary of the childminder and the service she provides. They feel fully informed about their

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need to do better?

child's progress. The childminder works closely with parents when children start at the setting to establish their starting points. As a result, she is able to plan meaningful learning experiences from the outset. n The childminder closely observes children at play. She uses the information

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need to do better?

23 August 2022 gathered to make accurate assessments of children's learning and development. This enables her to identify and plan precisely for children's next steps. For example, to help develop older children's understanding of words and letters, the childminder ensures her home is a language-rich environment. n The childminder is a good role model for children. She gently reminds children to say 'please' and 'thank you' at appropriate times. Most of the time, children readily share resources and patiently wait their turn. However, sometimes the childminder is not consistent in her approach to support children to develop their understanding of rules and boundaries. n Children successfully develop their independence skills. For instance, the childminder encourages older children to manage their own personal needs, which prepares them well for school. Additionally, younger children are supported to prepare snacks and wash their own hands before eating.

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need to do better?

n Children of all ages demonstrate high levels of confidence. For example, they are curious about visitors and ask them who they are. n The childminder regularly reviews the quality of her care and teaching. She gathers feedback from parents, children and outside agencies to help her identify areas for improvement. For example, she is currently working with parents to encourage them back into the setting following the changes made during COVID-19. n The childminder is committed to ensuring her knowledge and skills are kept up to date. For instance, she completes online training and shares good practice with other childminders. This helps to ensure children receive consistently high- quality teaching.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder completes training to keep her safeguarding knowledge up to date and current. For example, she has recently completed training about trauma in childhood. She knows the signs and indicators that a child may be at risk of harm. She also has a thorough understanding of the processes to follow if she has concerns about children's welfare. The childminder knows her responsibilities if there is an allegation against a household member. Furthermore, she completes daily checks of the premises, both indoors and outside. This helps to ensure the environment is safe and secure for children to play and learn.

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should:

n allow children more time to process and respond to the questions asked of them to enable them to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills n strengthen strategies used for managing children's behaviour so that rules and

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should:

23 August 2022 boundaries are applied consistently, to support children to self-regulate.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY552486 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10133909 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 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017. She lives in Greenhithe in Kent. She operates all year round, between the hours of 7.30 am and 5.30 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays. She accepts funding for the free education of children aged three and four years. The childminder holds qualified teachers 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 childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures it is safe and suitable. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Written feedback from parents was viewed by the inspector who took account of their views. 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.

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Inspection activities

23 August 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

23 August 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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