Childminder in Medway

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children happily leave their parents and begin the day by chatting with their friends and settling immediately. The childminder demonstrates superb planning skills by actively creating activities that follow children's interests. For example, children prepare for writing by strengthening their hand muscles. They use their rapidly developing language to ask each other to 'come and look at the circles'. They develop their imagination by playing takeaway restaurants in the playhouse. Children excitedly announce that 'teddy would like some chips please'.

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The provision is outstanding

The children display remarkably strong collaborative skills and respect for each other in relation to their age. Children are able to wait patiently at times when this is needed. For example, they happily line up to wash their hands and wait their turn in a racing game. Children demonstrate kindness and patience by getting each other's water bottles or helping others to put on their shoes. The childminder supports children to develop persistence. For instance, one child did not give up when putting trousers on a doll. The childminder was full of praise and skilfully guided her for a few minutes before encouraging her to continue alone. Children delight in their achievements, exclaiming, 'I did it!'

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has a passion for helping children to find out about the natural environment, and she uses this to support their understanding of healthy eating. For instance, children choose what vegetable or fruit they would like to grow. They go out to buy the seeds and plant, cook and eat them. Furthermore, the childminder helps children to recall the past to build their memory skills. For example, while children were eating berries, there was a discussion about the ones they had planted and were nurturing in the garden. Animals are a true focus in the childminder's home. There are many different species of animal that the children learn to care for. This helps children to become caring and learn how to take responsibility for things.

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need to do better?

n The childminder prioritises emotional growth and attachment, adeptly addressing children's needs and promoting self-regulation with sensory toys and comforters. Her exemplary use of knowledge gained through training allows her to provide effective strategies for children to learn to calm down and empathise with others. This fosters a nurturing environment that builds confidence and a positive self-image. This helps children to settle quickly and develop coping skills, making them more confident and school ready. n The childminder is highly effective in sequencing the curriculum. She plans for each child individually, and they fully engage in their chosen activity and collaborate with playing games. The theme of independence runs through

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need to do better?

4 May 2023 everything, and the children are supported to develop this at every opportunity. Children put on their own coats and shoes, access their water bottle whenever they want to, help themselves to a tissue and put it in a bin, go to the toilet with little fuss and wash their hands independently while singing a song. n The childminder has exceptionally high expectations of children's behaviour. She models respectful and collaborative ways of interacting. Children demonstrate high levels of confidence and kindness. For example, children ask if they can help others to put clothes on their dolls. Moreover, they alert the childminder if they think another child is struggling to get dressed. She then shows that she is skilful at building children's confidence and persistence. For example, she uses phrases such as 'keep going' and 'you can do it'. n The childminder develops exemplary partnerships with other providers and

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need to do better?

establishes excellent channels of communication. She helps to facilitate the sharing of information about children's learning and development. Furthermore, the childminder is highly successful at implementing effective strategies from other settings and professionals to promote positive behaviour, resulting in rapid progress in children's understanding and learning. n The childminder teaches children exceptionally well about other people and communities. By incorporating celebrations such as St Patrick's Day, Diwali and the Coronation, the childminder helps children to recognise and appreciate similarities and differences between people and communities. For example, she discusses the landmarks of London compared to their part of Kent. Her perceptive approach means that children develop a better understanding of the world around them and begin to be more tolerant and accepting of others. n Parents report that they are extremely happy with the childminder. She

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need to do better?

maintains extremely positive relationships with parents. They are vocal in their praise for the childminder and comment on the remarkable progress their children have made. They say that the support she has given their children is 'life changing', that she is 'magical' and that they can relax knowing their child is in safe hands. Parents appreciate the strong level of communication and updates they receive on their child's progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder updates her knowledge of safeguarding regularly. She has a secure and thorough understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder ensures that she has robust procedures in place to report any concerns swiftly. Furthermore, the childminder is alert to any potential risk to the children, for example county lines. She fully understands her responsibilities regarding current issues in safeguarding, such as female genital mutilation and the 'Prevent' duty. She knows who to inform if she has any concerns. The childminder conducts regular and in-depth risk assessments in her home and on any outside trips, and she has a policy on animal care. She ensures that the children and parents understand online safety.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY356456 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10285354 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 6 Date of previous inspection 3 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Gillingham, Kent. The childminder has a level 3 qualification in early years. She operates Monday to Friday, all year round, except bank holidays and family holidays. Sessions are from 7am until 7pm. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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 setting. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder. She assessed the quality of interactions and the learning opportunities the childminder provides. The views of the childminder were considered. n The inspector viewed the indoor and outdoor learning environments. n The inspector and childminder carried out a joint observation and discussed the findings. n During the inspection, the inspector spoke to the childminder and children at convenient times and considered their views. n Relevant written documentation was reviewed.

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Inspection activities

4 May 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

4 May 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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