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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a welcoming and home-from-home environment. Children are happy, and they enjoy following their interests during play. For example, they particularly enjoy hiding away in the cosy den the childminder has created. The childminder is warm and attentive as she interacts with children. She has developed strong bonds with them, supporting their individual personal care needs well. As a result, children feel comfortable to ask for help and seek her out for cuddles.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for all children. She regularly praises them for their achievements, providing reassurance as they play. For example, as children practise their cutting skills, she actively encourages them, building on their confidence and self-esteem. As younger children struggle to share, she is clear and calm as she teaches them the importance of taking turns. This promotes positive behaviour and helps children to develop a sense of right and wrong.

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The provision is good

Children are developing a love for books. They enjoy exploring books independently and listen intently to the childminder as she reads stories to them about cultures different to their own. For example, she reads 'Handa's Surprise' where children are exposed to new language, such as 'guava' and 'passionfruit'. This helps children to develop their vocabulary and a sense of people who are different to them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children very well. She talks confidently about their starting points and the level of progress they have made. The childminder is passionate about providing children with different experiences to extend their learning. For example, she makes regular changes to her environment to provide children with new challenges. This helps children to develop positive attitudes towards their learning. n The childminder supports children to develop their understanding of the world. She takes them on regular outings to explore and investigate. For example, children recently went on a trip to a wildlife park where they learned about animals and their habitats. The childminder plans activities that allow children to create their own habitat for bugs. Children become engrossed in using the sticks, leaves and flowers they collected on the walk. This encourages children to develop a sense of responsibility within their learning.

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need to do better?

n Children develop a good understanding of mathematics. The childminder supports children to count during play. For example, she extends children's counting as they look at the number of ladybirds they can see in the book. The childminder also encourages children to recognise door numbers and signs

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need to do better?

6 July 2023 within the environment when they go for walks. n The childminder recognises the importance of promoting children's communication and language skills. She repeats words and phrases back to the children, helping their pronunciation. However, on occasion, the childminder does not always give children enough time to think about and respond to the good questions she asks. For example, during activities, she asks children questions, but promptly answers the questions for them. This limits children's opportunities to develop their thinking and speaking skills. n Children develop good hygiene practices. They know to wash their hands before lunchtime. Children develop their independence as they learn to manage their own self-care needs. For example, the childminder provides tissues and a mirror to encourage them to wipe their noses themselves. As a result, even the youngest children learn the importance of personal hygiene.

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need to do better?

n Overall, partnerships with parents are strong. Parents are extremely complimentary of the childminder. They say she is 'dedicated, caring and professional', offering a stimulating environment for their children. Parents feel well informed about their children's learning, commenting on the significant progress they have made, particularly with their speech and confidence. n The childminder is evaluative in her practice. She speaks confidently about her strengths and the experiences she offers children, such as broadening their experiences within the community. She has built up a strong network with other local childminders, which helps keep her knowledge up to date. This allows her to build on her quality of teaching as she learns about the different ways children learn.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good safeguarding knowledge. She confidently recognises the potential signs and symptoms of abuse. For example, she identifies any sudden changes in children's behaviour, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive as a potential concern. The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children from harm, and she has procedures in place to report concerns. She is aware of wider safeguarding concerns, including the 'Prevent' duty. The childminder knows who to contact if an allegation was made against herself or a family member living in her household. The childminder has robust risk assessments in place to maintain children's safety while building work is being undertaken.

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should:

n strengthen practice recognising when to give children the time they need to

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should:

6 July 2023 think and answer questions for themselves.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2641132 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10301509 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 Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Deal, Kent. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder has qualified teacher status.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 showed the inspector the premises, and they discussed how she ensures it is safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

6 July 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

6 July 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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