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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children of all ages are very happy and confident. They are excited to be at the inviting setting and enjoy the wide range of resources and activities. For example, children are keen to play interesting games and use equipment safely, such as when they play badminton. The childminder has a good understanding of the curriculum, which she implements well. She plans motivating activities that help children have a positive attitude towards their learning. For example, children are curious about the insects that have visited their plants. They enthusiastically watch a spider and talk about how they make a web. Children learn about animals and their different habitats. They discuss that polar bears live in the Arctic, and they learn about the concept of hibernation when they talk further about bears.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant are positive role models. Children are polite and behave well. They are kind and caring. For example, older children help younger children to put on their coat. Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, they enjoy regular activities, such as yoga. Children enjoy games where they move in different ways, such as hopping and jumping during hopscotch. Children learn about the wider world around them. This includes different languages, festivals and traditions. For instance, they learn dances traditional of other countries, such as Albania.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistant know children well. They know what they like and dislike and understand their unique and individual personality traits. This helps the childminder to plan activities that she knows will keep children motivated to learn. For example, children who have a keen interest in vehicles have the opportunity to visit and learn about different modes of transport, such as a helicopter. n The childminder establishes secure and trusting relationships with children. She helps them to settle quickly, and they have a good sense of belonging. Children enjoy the company of the childminder and her assistant. For instance, children are excited to engage in play opportunities with them. They look to them for reassurance and feel safe and secure in their presence. n Overall, children are engaged in good learning opportunities. For instance, they learn about the importance of brushing their teeth. However, the childminder

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need to do better?

does not manage all routines effectively to help children extend learning about the importance of healthy lifestyles, such as hygiene. For example, children wash their hands too far in advance of sitting for snack. The childminder allows children to play and touch toys and then eat, without addressing the need to wash hands and wash the germs away again. This way she does not consistently give children the knowledge they need to apply to future situations.

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need to do better?

2 May 2023 n The childminder supports children to develop communication skills well. She interacts purposefully with children and encourages them to build on their developing vocabulary. For example, when talking about the upcoming King's Coronation, even the youngest children are encouraged to learn new words, such as 'throne' and 'emblem'. n Overall, the childminder has a secure and confident understanding of all areas of learning and children make good progress. The quality of teaching is good. Children gain a wide range of good skills. For instance, they are encouraged to complete tasks, such as putting on their shoes to develop their independence. However, the childminder does not consistently provide children with more opportunities to use their own ideas when participating in creative activities. For example, at times, children are told where to stick items and have glue put on to paper for them. Therefore, at times their creations do not fully include their own

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need to do better?

ideas. n Parents speak highly of the childminder and her assistants. The childminder establishes positive relationships with parents and keeps them fully informed and involved in their children's learning. She shares helpful resources and ideas to support parents to help their children learn at home. For example, families borrow a balance bicycle for their children to use at home to practise skills, such as pushing themselves with their feet. n The childminder evaluates her practice together with the assistant who she works closely with. They reflect daily on how well they have engaged children and what they could do differently next time. The childminder and assistant observe each other interact with children and provide constructive and helpful feedback. They use their findings to support their future practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and assistant have a secure and confident knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures. They fully understand the signs and symptoms of potential abuse to be vigilant for. The childminder knows who to contact to seek advice and how to raise and follow up any potential concerns. The childminder and her assistant complete regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge up to date. They fully understand how to help keep children safe. This includes managing any sudden illnesses swiftly and appropriately. The childminder supports children to learn how to keep safe. For example, they talk about how to stay safe when crossing the road.

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should:

n review the organisation of routines to ensure that they fully promote children's

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should:

2 May 2023 understanding of healthy lifestyles to give them the knowledge to apply to their future learning n provide consistent opportunities for children to be even more independent during creative activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY395592 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10286082 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 9 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection 31 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009. She is located in Maidstone, Kent. She works closely with an assistant. The childminder cares for children from Monday to Thursday, from 7.30am to 6pm, term time only. She receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three and four years. The childminder and assistant both hold a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

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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 the setting. 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, her assistant and children at convenient times and considered their views.

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Inspection activities

2 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

2 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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