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 Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is good

Children are settled and happy at this welcoming and friendly setting. They confidently play and engage with each other and alongside the childminder and her assistant, with whom they have formed strong bonds. They are comforted and reassured when necessary, which helps them to feel safe and secure.

p.2

The provision is good

Children learn about the world around them. They learn about how things grow, such as by planting and growing sunflowers and strawberries in the garden. The childminder reads books about farm animals to children, and they learn about how they live. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise. The childminder takes children out to various places of interest, such as play parks, nature walks and to see the local wildlife at the lake.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. The childminder and her assistant have high expectations for children's behaviour. They talk to children about their behaviour to help them understand the expectations. The childminder provides a range of activities to develop children's understanding of sharing, taking turns and being kind to their friends. In addition to this, children learn good manners as they are gently reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you'.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistants know the children well. They use this knowledge and their regular assessment of children to provide resources and activities that follow children's interests. Children make independent choices in their play. As a result, children are keen to involve themselves in a range of motivating and meaningful experiences, and they make timely progress in their learning. n Children develop good independence skills. They learn to meet their own hygiene needs effectively, such as washing hands and cleaning their own faces after snacks and meals. The childminder and her assistants provide children with the confidence to have a go, persevere and develop the resilience they need to succeed with future learning. n Children gain good physical skills. They learn to balance, ride on wheeled toys, climb up ladders and move confidently in different ways. They gain good small- muscle control. For example, children hold brushes to paint and use pencils and

p.2

need to do better?

chalks to create and make marks. This helps with their early writing skills. However, the childminder does not always organise story times effectively enough to fully engage the children and help develop their love for books and stories further. n The childminder and her assistants successfully promote children's understanding of mathematical concepts. They skilfully weave number, shape,

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need to do better?

27 April 2023 colour and size into children's play. For example, they challenge the young children to sort different coloured and shaped pom-poms into the sorter box and count as they go along. n The childminder and assistant interact with children well. They clearly emphasise keywords to help children's understanding and speaking skills. However, at times, they do not consistently give children the time to think and respond to the questions that they ask. In their enthusiasm, they quickly ask again or provide the answer. n Parents speak highly of the childminder and her assistant. They comment on how children enjoy their time at the setting and the 'care, support and fun' the adults provide. Parents appreciate the regular information they receive about children's progress and achievements. They describe the setting as a 'home from home' and highly recommend the childminder's services. n The childminder is committed to evaluating her own practice. She reflects well

p.2

need to do better?

and has made significant improvements since her last inspection. The childminder and her assistants work well together as a team and act as good role models for children. They create a positive learning environment. The childminder supports her assistants to deliver good-quality teaching and learning opportunities. 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 activities for the children to understand different cultures and heritage. For instance, children decorate crowns as they learn about the King's Coronation.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have a thorough understanding of child protection. They know how to keep children safe. They know who to contact and what to do if they have concerns about children's welfare or think a child may be at risk of harm. The childminder and her assistants are confident with the processes to follow if they have concerns about each other's conduct. The childminder ensures that she and her assistants complete all statutory training, and she is very clear on her responsibility to ensure her assistants are suitably checked.

p.3

should:

n strengthen opportunities to consistently enhance children's thinking skills further n enhance the organisation of story times to help children fully engage and develop their love for books and stories further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY558301 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10250222 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 11 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 26 July 2022

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent. She offers flexible care on weekdays for most of the year, except for bank holidays and planned family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder, assistants and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector invited the childminder to carry out a joint observation activity, and together they evaluated the children's learning opportunities during a planned activity. n A sample of documents was reviewed by the inspector, including paediatric first- aid training certificates and suitability checks. n Parents' views were taken account of by the inspector. n The childminder showed the inspector around her home to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised.

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Inspection activities

27 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

27 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

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

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