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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy to leave their parents to attend this warm and loving childminder's home. She settles children on an individual basis to help them form secure attachments. Children help themselves to resources in boxes, which helps to build their independence. Children behave well and follow the childminder's instructions, often waiting patiently for the next guiding word. The children experience many opportunities to think for themselves. For example, while in the garden, they choose from an array of resources and decide whether a ball or dice rolls best down guttering. Children develop hand-to-eye coordination and fine motor skills while using small tools in their play.

p.2

The provision is good

Children build their confidence as they explore the activities and engage in enthralling learning opportunities. The childminder is always on hand to narrate what the children are doing. This helps them to absorb words that they cannot yet express. The children relish playing with thread, and the childminder seizes this opportunity to count, discuss shapes such as 'hexagons', and hold conversations. Children enthusiastically make bead necklaces and talk about their choice of colour.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder ensures there is an individual curriculum for each of her children. She builds on previous learning so that they are ready for the next stage of their education. For example, children who find it difficult to control their emotions receive support by listening to a story about an animal who has feelings. However, on occasion, the childminder does not focus enough on adapting activities to include the youngest of her children. n Children learn about oral health. The childminder has a large set of plastic teeth and a brush that the children can freely access. They talk about healthy eating. During snack time, children find out the meaning of new vocabulary. For instance, they learn what 'citrus' and 'sour' mean. The childminder fosters children's independence at every opportunity. For instance, they serve themselves fruit and get their own water. n The childminder understands how the local environment may support children's

p.2

need to do better?

development. For example, children go out into the local area to visit beauty spots and make friends at different groups. This supports them to understand their place in the community and become more confident. n Children benefit from the childminder modelling kind, patient behaviour, where she calmly repeats any instructions that she gives. For example, she tells children they could choke if they stand up while eating. She swiftly intervenes and deals with any small squabbles quietly and efficiently. This means that children resume their activities with no time lost and minimal fuss. Older children share and role model kindness, which encourages all children to get along well.

p.2

need to do better?

23 February 2023 n The childminder swiftly supports children to meet their individual needs. She ably engages professional experts to provide additional support to children, if necessary. Furthermore, the childminder accesses training so that she has a full understanding of what she can do to support them. This means that children benefit from timely interventions to help them catch up. n Some children also attend another setting, and the childminder is aware of the need to work in partnership. She has worked hard to make contact with the other settings and to begin to develop a consistent approach. However, she has not yet established fully effective arrangements for sharing information, to further support children's care and learning. n Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They comment that she is a 'lifeline' and 'exceptional'. They report that daily communication through photos, videos and a social media group keep them very well informed of their child's

p.2

need to do better?

progress. They are happy that she involves them in their child's learning. Parents particularly like their children visiting the community to have exciting experiences. Busy parents are very grateful for the service she provides. They say it gives them reassurance that their child is in a safe and caring home.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a full and secure understanding of how to keep the children in her care safe. She has a small, obedient dog. The childminder risk assesses him robustly. She has a current first-aid certificate. The childminder knows local and national procedures for reporting any safeguarding concerns. The childminder ensures that safeguarding is a priority and regularly updates her knowledge. She ensures that she adheres to the manufacturer's guidelines on the safe use of various equipment. The childminder keeps up to date with current issues and topics, such as Mental Health Awareness Week and internet safety week. She ensures that she helps parents to keep their child safe on the internet.

p.3

should:

n refine the planning of activities to fully consider the individual needs, interests and developmental stage of all children taking part n strengthen partnerships with other settings that children attend in order to develop an even more consistent, shared approach to children's learning and care.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY484800 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10276320 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 5 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 11 July 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. She offers care Monday to Thursday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, during term time only. The childminder provides early education for one-, two- and three-year olds. She will accept children in receipt of funding. The childminder holds a relevant qualification in early years education.

p.4

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 childminder and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this has on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to parents and read emails from them during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation during the inspection.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 February 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 February 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6