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 Met

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The provision is good

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They form strong bonds with the childminder. They seek her reassurance whenever it is needed, give her cuddles and enjoy it when she joins in their play. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder supports the children in sharing and turn taking. Children are learning the importance of caring for animals. For instance, they very gently stroke the pet dog and understand her needs. They considerately shuffle up so that they can include the dog in their calm story times. The childminder praises them for their efforts and achievements and this helps to raise their confidence and self- esteem.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from a range of opportunities and experiences outside of the childminder's home. The childminder takes children out to places of interest, such as local parks and the library. Children enjoy attending various local toddler groups, mixing with a larger group of children. Children make good progress in their physical development, and enjoy learning about the world around them. They acquire a good range of key skills in preparation for the next stages of development and their move on to school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children develop. She monitors children's progress and identifies any gaps in learning, while putting plans in place to address these effectively. The childminder effectively maintains an environment that provides the children with a wide range of toys and resources to self-select and explore, according to their own interests. n The childminder understands the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles. During daily outings and outdoor experiences, children enjoy fresh air and exercise. She teaches children good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before eating and after activities. The children benefit from healthy snacks and enjoy exploring and tasting a wide range of different fruits such as figs, lychees and mango. n Children are generally given good support as they begin to develop their communication and language skills. The childminder continually talks to children,

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need to do better?

modelling language and clearly emphasising key words to help enhance children's understanding. However, at times, the childminder does not give children enough time to think and respond with their own ideas and thoughts. n Children develop a love of books and enjoy listening to stories. The childminder reads with enthusiasm and the children listen with intent. They can choose their favourite books from low-level resources that are freely accessible. The childminder takes the children on regular trips to the library, enabling the children to choose and borrow from an even wider range of books and stories.

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need to do better?

1 March 2023 n Mathematics is part of many activities. The childminder encourages children to count and recognise colours at every opportunity. For example, as children participate in creative activities, they count how many stickers they add and successfully identify the different-colour glitters. The childminder uses simple positional language and number sequence during songs and challenges the children to work out what comes next. This helps to extend what the children already know. n The childminder evaluates what she provides for the children. She knows her strengths and is keen to improve her provision. For instance, the childminder says that she is very good at providing activities and experiences to enable children to creatively express themselves through music and singing. She also acknowledges that she needs to refine her teaching skills to provide further support for children to enhance their social and emotional development.

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need to do better?

n Parents reflect positively about the strong working relationships the childminder has with them. They speak very highly of her and say that she is, 'warm', 'affectionate' and gives children a 'wealth of experiences'. Parents are happy with the learning and progress their children make. They appreciate how happy and confident their children are in the childminder's care. Parents are very satisfied with their childcare experience and say they would highly recommend the childminder's services.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder knows her role and responsibility in keeping children safe from harm. She has a good knowledge of all safeguarding aspects. The childminder knows what to do and who to contact if she has a concern about a child or an adult, including allegations against herself. She understands the importance of keeping her safeguarding and first-aid knowledge up to date. The childminder's home is clean and well maintained. She risk assesses her home and the outdoor environment to minimise any hazards.

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should:

n allow children more time to think and respond when developing their speaking skills n further improve the provision to target specifically the promotion of children's social and emotional development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY454276 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10276260 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 4 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 7 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Borough Green, Sevenoaks, Kent. She offers her service from 8.45am to 6.15pm, Monday to Thursday, throughout the year. The childminder has an early years qualification at level 3.

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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 provider. n The childminder showed the inspector around her home to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n A sample of documents was reviewed by the inspector. n Parents' views were taken account of by the inspector.

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Inspection activities

1 March 2023 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 March 2023 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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