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 Good

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The provision is good

All children are confident, settled and happy. They are independent and choose their own play with confidence. Children are excited to join in with the interesting activities that the childminder carefully plans for them. For example, children who are interested in music and singing go on to listen to different sounds. They learn about rhythm in interesting ways. For example, children play the recorder and castanets as they sing. Children have good opportunities to be creative. They explore the different marks they can make as they paint with their hands.

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The provision is good

Children are polite and behave well. They know what is expected of them and follow the rules and boundaries. Children learn to care for living things. For example, they show respect as they fondly say 'hello' to the family dogs and visit the nearby horses. Children gain good social skills. For example, they are encouraged to share and take turns patiently as they play. Children learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles. They talk about healthy food choices at mealtimes. Children enjoy interesting experiences as they learn about different fruit, such as strawberry-picking activities. Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills. For instance, they confidently climb and balance on age-appropriate equipment during regular trips to the park.

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need to do better?

n The childminder gets to know children and their individual personalities well. She understands what they like and dislike. This helps her to plan activities that she knows will interest them. The childminder establishes secure and trusting relationships with children and they enjoy her company. For example, they initiate games with her. Children of all ages have a good sense of belonging and a positive level of well-being and self-esteem. n The childminder makes all children feel welcome. However, she does not consistently provide children with extensive opportunities to learn about other peoples' similarities and differences outside of their own communities and experiences. For example, the childminder is more confident teaching children about festivals that are more familiar to her. n The childminder supports children to develop good communication skills. For example, she reinforces the correct pronunciation of words and builds on their

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need to do better?

developing vocabulary well. Children enjoy a wide range of books and singing activities. They are excited to use puppets to bring their stories and songs alive. n Overall, the childminder has a good understanding of all areas of learning. All children have a positive attitude towards their experiences and make good progress. However, the childminder does not build on children's interests to explore and investigate the wider world around them or how things work. n Parents speak fondly of the childminder. She establishes positive relationships

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need to do better?

2 November 2022 with parents and keeps them fully involved and informed in their children's learning and achievements. She communicates with them daily and shares activity suggestions with them, such as painting ideas to help support children to be creative at home. The childminder provides children with a good link between home and her practice. n The childminder evaluates her practice effectively. She reflects daily on how much children have enjoyed their learning experiences. The childminder fully includes the suggestions and ideas of children and parents into her plans. She uses her findings to support her future performance. n The childminder is keen to keep up to date and build on her already good knowledge and skills. For example, she carries out independent reading and research to keep up to date with new early years information. The childminder has attended beneficial training. For instance, she has learned about the

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need to do better?

different ways to communicate and engage with parents. This has supported the childminder to strengthen her relationships with parents.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection, including a full knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse, so she can highlight issues. The childminder knows who to contact to seek advice and how to follow up and raise any potential concerns. The childminder completes thorough risk assessments to help ensure she helps keep children safe. For example, she understands how to minimise risks on regular walks in the community. Children learn how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, they know what is expected of them when crossing the road. Children remind each other to 'stop, look and listen'.

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should:

n extend children's understanding of the similaries and differences between themselves and others n build on children's interest to explore and investigate the world around them and how things work more consistently.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY467273 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10228841 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 5 Date of previous inspection 8 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013. She is located in Dartford, Kent. She cares for children from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6pm, term time only.

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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 provider. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder. The inspector assessed the impact of the quality of interactions and the learning opportunities she provides children. n The inspector viewed the indoor and outdoor learning environments. n Written documentation was reviewed. This included safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures. n During the inspection, the inspector spoke to the childminder and children at convenient times and considered their views.

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Inspection activities

2 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

2 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

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

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