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 demonstrate that they are happy, confident and feel secure in the childminder's home. They welcome visitors and happily engage in conversations with them, keen to show off the toys they play with. The childminder praises children in a consistent and meaningful way that increases their self-esteem and emotional well-being. Children have a good bond with the childminder.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. The childminder is a positive role model and has high expectations for them. They listen well to instructions and learn to do things themselves, such as tidying away their toys before making further choices. Children meet their own hygiene needs and enjoy contributing to tasks, such as setting up ready for lunch.

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The provision is good

Children are kind and caring towards one another. For instance, they help their friends to roll up their sleeves before craft activities and exchange positive praise for each other's achievements. Children are encouraged to use good manners and are able to effectively share and take turns.

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The provision is good

Children have good opportunities to socialise with a larger group of children and develop their social skills. Children acquire a good range of key skills in preparation for the next stage in their development and the move on to school.

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need to do better?

n The experienced childminder has a good understanding of how children develop. She monitors their progress and quickly identifies any gaps in learning, while putting plans in place to address these effectively. The childminder effectively maintains an environment that offers a wide range of toys and resources for children to self-select and explore according to their own interests. n The childminder provides many opportunities for children to develop their literacy and physical skills. For example, children access a range of tools and resources to support their fine motor skills. They enjoy peeling stickers to use in their craft, making marks with their fingers in paint and using scissors to cut. This helps to strengthen their hand muscles, ready for early writing. n Children make good progress in their physical development. They enjoy regular trips and outings, such as to the local countryside, play parks and weekly

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need to do better?

gymnastics sessions. Children gain a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They independently follow good health and hygiene routines and engage in discussions about healthy food choices. For example, children understand what foods are rich in vitamin C and how this benefits their health. n Children are generally supported well to develop their communication and language skills. The childminder continually talks to children, modelling language

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need to do better?

19 April 2023 and clearly emphasising keywords to help enhance children's understanding skills. Older children rapidly learn new vocabulary, such as 'delicate' and 'earthy'. However, the childminder does not make the most of some opportunities as they arise to extend on younger children's learning even further. n Parents are very complimentary of the childminder and the care their children receive. They are pleased with the progress that children make. Parents comment that they appreciate the communication and information that the childminder shares about their children's learning and development. The childminder works together with parents to support their children's development and learning, both at the setting and at home. For instance, strategies and activity ideas are shared to promote children's learning. n The childminder is enthusiastic, passionate and committed to ongoing improvements. She regularly reviews her practice and adapts her provision to

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need to do better?

the needs of the children and to help make positive changes. She attends training, undertakes independent research and shares ideas with other childminders to help keep her knowledge up to date and to further develop her professional practice. n The childminder helps children to learn about the differences between themselves and others. She provides the children with a range of positive images, books and resources to help children understand the diverse world around them. The childminder plans different experiences for the children to understand the community in which they live, for instance, visits to the local mosque. This helps to promote a positive and respectful culture.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of how to protect children at the setting. She knows the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect that may cause her to believe a child is at risk of harm. The childminder is aware of how to report any concerns and what to do should an allegation ever be made against her or a member of her household. The home is safe and secure, and children learn how to keep themselves safe. For instance, they are gently reminded to walk instead of run indoors, and the childminder provides children with clear explanations to support their understanding of safety. Children know the importance of sitting well at the table during lunch and can identify and manage potential risks, such as sand on the floor.

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should:

n strengthen interactions to enhance and extend younger children's learning even further during spontaneous play experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY440480 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10280630 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 6 Date of previous inspection 31 August 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Gillingham, Kent. She offers flexible care on weekdays throughout the year, except family holidays. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three and four years.

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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 setting. n The childminder showed the inspector around her childminding premises 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

19 April 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

19 April 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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