Childminder in Medway

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

Children are confident and settled in the happy and fun environment. The childminder implements her well thought out curriculum well. Children have a positive attitude towards their learning and are eager to join in with the wide range of engaging activities. Children are excited to learn new skills. For example, they are excited to match coloured chicks to the same-coloured eggs as they learn about colour during an Easter activity. They have opportunities to develop their mathematical skills. Children are creative and explore music and rhythm. For example, they enjoy 'being in a band' as they listen to the sounds a harmonica and guitar make as they play them.

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The provision is good

Children develop good social skills. The childminder is a positive role model and helps children understand what is expected of them. They are polite and behave well. Children learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles. For example, they follow thorough health and hygiene practices, such as handwashing routines. All children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills. For instance, they explore different ways to move on more challenging climbing and balancing equipment during regular visits to the park. They develop their smaller physical skills. This includes strengthening their hand-to-eye coordination as they cut paper with scissors.

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need to do better?

n The childminder establishes secure and trusting relationships with children. They are happy and confident and enjoy her company. For example, children seek out hugs and giggle happily as they play instruments together. Children have a good sense of belonging and positive levels of well-being and self-esteem. n The childminder gets to know children well. She understands children's routines and what they like and dislike. This helps her to meet children's individual needs and plan activities that she knows will motivate them to learn. n Overall, children have some opportunities to be independent. For instance, they choose their own resources that they wish to play with. However, at times, the childminder does not allow children to think about how to solve challenging tasks themselves. For example, she is too keen to open resources for children and steps in swiftly to show them how to use equipment, such as glue sticks and

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need to do better?

glitter shakers as they create art. Therefore, children do not have consistent opportunities to challenge their thinking to solve and complete their own tasks more independently. n The childminder supports children to develop good communication skills. Children listen to a wide range of vocabulary as she provides meaningful running commentary as they play. The childminder keeps children enthralled in a story, where she uses a range of tones of voices to engage them. Children repeat

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need to do better?

27 March 2023 sounds and complete rhyming words with confidence. n Overall, the childminder has a good understanding of all areas of learning and children make good progress in their development. However, at times, the childminder does not plan as well to build on children's interest in the natural world compared to other aspects of learning. n The childminder helps children gain a good understanding about other peoples' similarities and differences outside of their own communities and experiences. This includes different festivals and traditions. For instance, children create their own version of a candle as they talk about Diwali. n The childminder evaluates her practice effectively. Each day she reflects on how well she has engaged children. She uses her findings to support her future activity plans. She is proactive in ensuring that she continues to build on her knowledge and skills. For example, she carries out regular independent reading

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need to do better?

and research. This includes learning about the different ways children develop their communication. As a result, she understands how to support children to further improve clarity in their pronunciation of words. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. She establishes positive relationships with them. The childminder keeps parents fully involved and informed in their children's learning and achievements. This includes sharing regular photographs showing what their children have enjoyed doing. The childminder shares any useful tips with parents, such as information about how to support children's speech and language development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of all safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of potential abuse which may cause a concern. The childminder knows who to contact to seek advice and how to raise and follow up any potential issues. This includes knowing how to manage any allegations raised against herself. The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves and others safe, such as how to be safe around animals. For instance, the children help the childminder care for her pets, such as stroking 'Star' the dog and feeding 'Tommy' the rabbit in a safe manner.

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should:

n provide consistent opportunities for children to independently complete tasks to enhance their problem solving skills n build on children's interest to explore and investigate the natural world.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY380658 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10280153 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 1 Date of previous inspection 7 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She is located in Chatham, Kent. She cares for children from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 5pm, all year around. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has 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 her practice. 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 The inspector reviewed written documentation. 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

27 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

27 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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