Smith, Stephanie Anne

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children benefit from the childminder's kind and caring approach. New children settle quickly into their routines and develop strong bonds with her. The childminder skilfully supports children's emotional well-being. She is extremely attentive to children's needs, recognising when they are tired, hungry, need reassurance or a cuddle. This helps children to feel safe and secure.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy exploring the wide range of resources. The environment is well organised, which supports children to make choices and promotes their independence. For example, babies explore with shape sorters and enjoy responding to voice-activated toys. They increase their small-muscle skills as they post objects and spin wheels. Older children build with construction toys and increase their knowledge of colours and shapes. Children show good concentration skills and positive attitudes to learning. Babies excitedly respond to the childminder's open arms as they take steps to extend their balance.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They listen to the childminder and respond well to her calm manner. Occasionally, children are given gentle reminders about sharing and copy the childminder's positive nature. Children use good manners and enjoy receiving praise, which helps to raise their self-esteem. The childminder has high expectations for all children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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need to do better?

n The passionate childminder is proactive in providing a wealth of learning experiences for children to extend their learning. They regularly visit groups, where children increase their social skills and mix with others. Children visit the woods, the farm and parks to practise their physical skills and build on their understanding of nature and the local area. n The experienced childminder has a generally good understanding of how children learn and develop. She gathers detailed information from parents when children start. This helps her plan activities to build on their interests. The childminder uses her assessments well, overall, to ensure children are making good progress and are prepared for their next stage of learning. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents speak highly of the childminder and the excellent service she provides for their children. Parents state their children have increased their language skills and confidence. Communication is

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need to do better?

good and parents receive regular updates on their children's next steps and ideas to continue learning at home. n The childminder regularly reviews her practice and strives to provide high-quality care and education. She rotates children's toys to maintain interest and has

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need to do better?

1 November 2022 identified the need to extend the use of more natural resources inside to increase children's curiosity further. The childminder seeks views from parents and children to help her make further improvements. n The childminder works effectively with other professionals. She shares information with other settings children attend and works collaboratively on children's next stage of learning. The childminder implements specific learning from other professionals involved with children to support their individual needs, such as their speech and physical skills. n Children's communication and language skills are supported well. The childminder pronounces words correctly, babbles with babies, sings and regularly shares stories. She provides commentary, engages children in conversations and introduces new vocabulary. This helps children to communicate with confidence and share their ideas. n Children enjoy creating firework images and explore with different-coloured

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need to do better?

paint. Babies extend their small-muscle skills as they make marks and use rollers. Older children increase their mathematical knowledge as they count and create shapes. The childminder engages well with the children and asks questions to increase their communication. However, on occasions, during planned activities, she is not always clear about what skills she wants children to learn, so the learning intentions are not always fully met. n Children develop a good understanding of inclusion and diversity. The childminder welcomes children from all backgrounds and supports their home languages. Children learn about different religions and cultures and celebrate festivals. The childminder plans craft activities, cooks new foods and helps children develop an understanding of what makes them unique. n The childminder completes mandatory training and regularly attends safeguarding forums. She increases her knowledge through listening to podcasts

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need to do better?

and researching information. However, the childminder has not identified gaps in her knowledge and, as a result, has not tailored her training to focus on fully supporting children's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe. She uses daily checks and risk assessments to ensure the environment is safe and free from hazards. The childminder checks on sleeping children and ensures food is cut into small pieces to prevent choking. The childminder has completed safeguarding training including the 'Prevent' duty. She recognises signs and symptoms of potential abuse and knows the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child's welfare. Ratios are maintained, and suitability checks are in place for all adults in the childminder's home.

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should:

n be clearer in implementing learning intentions for children during planned activities n make better use of knowledge from training to further expand children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY374504 Local authority Bromley Inspection number 10235216 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 6 Date of previous inspection 1 December 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2008 and lives in Hayes, Kent. She operates her service from Tuesday to Thursday, between 7.30am to 6pm, all year round, apart from the childminder's holidays. She provides funded early education for three-and four-year-old children.

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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 her evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and inspector carried out a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The childminder and inspector carried out a joint observation and discussed the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to parents on the phone and read their written feedback, taking account of their views. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about safeguarding and how she evaluates her practice. n The inspector looked at relevant documents including paediatric first aid, insurance and suitability checks.

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Inspection activities

1 November 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

1 November 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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