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 Inadequate

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The provision is good

Children are happy, safe and settled in the care of the childminder. They freely navigate the environment and self-select resources to meet their needs while playing and exploring. For instance, as children play with the vehicles, they select model garages and animals to further extend their play.

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The provision is good

Since the last inspection, the childminder has taken action to ensure that all requirements are met. For example, she has worked with a local authority adviser and undertaken child development courses. This advice and training has been instrumental in helping her to improve the quality of children's care and learning.

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The provision is good

The curriculum is well planned around children's individual needs. The childminder uses her knowledge of the children and information shared by parents and carers to support and embed children's learning. For example, she knows that children are interested in cars, so she uses this knowledge to encourage children to explore sensory resources, such as paint to mark make using the wheels.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's individual emotional needs are met very well. The childminder offers children the support they need to feel happy and settled. Children behave well, developing the confidence to join in with activities. They are kind and caring. For example, when coming in from outside, children hold the door open for visitors and remind them to 'watch the step'.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has strong bonds with the children in her care. She gives children plenty of praise and encouragement, which helps to successfully develop their self-esteem and supports their emotional well-being. This is demonstrated when children confidently ask for help when needed. Children are polite and kind. The childminder has undertaken further training to support her in addressing children's behaviour. She shares the results of this training, including new techniques and strategies, to ensure their is consistency. n Teaching is good. The childminder interacts warmly with children. She understands what she wants children to learn. Children become absorbed in activities that interest them. This is further developed by the childminder's good partnerships with parents. She shares updates with them daily about what their children have been learning so that this can be continued at home. n The childminder uses questions effectively to extend children's knowledge and

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need to do better?

understanding. However, at times, she asks lots of questions in quick succession. Therefore, children do not have time to process and respond to what they are being asked. This means they do not develop their thinking and problem-solving skills to the highest level.

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need to do better?

6 September 2023 n The childminder has a good understanding of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). She has knowledge of agencies that can offer support. The childminder understands how important partnerships with parents are in ensuring that children get the correct support at the earliest opportunity. The childminder completes thorough two-year checks, the results of which are shared with parents. These highlight any concerns in the prime areas of learning. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They comment that they feel confident leaving their children in her care, saying how happy and supported their children are. Parents feel that their children are ready for their next stage in education and their eventual move to school. n Children gain some awareness of diversity in the wider world. The childminder takes the children on walks out in the local community and visits local parks.

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need to do better?

However, the childminder does not fully consider how to teach children about cultures and traditions beyond their own. n The childminder is reflective of her practice. Since the last inspection, she regularly arranges opportunities for continuous professional development. The childminder identifies training opportunities linked to the children's learning needs and for her own development. The childminder's skills improve over time. n Children spend plenty of time learning outdoors in the childminder's garden. She provides a range of resources to promote children's physical development. They concentrate well as they confidently climb apparatus, showing good balance, coordination and control of their bodies.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of her role in protecting children from harm. She has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. The childminder makes sure she identifies and removes any potential safety hazards in her home and garden. For instance, she has repaired fences in the garden and blocked off small, unsuitable spaces, ensuring that children can play safely. The childminder knows what to do if an allegation is made against herself or a member of her household. She supervises children well at all times, including at mealtimes, to keep them safe.

p.3

should:

n give children more time to respond to questions so that they can process and express their thoughts n review and improve ways to further develop children's understanding of the wider world and communities beyond their own.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY457673 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10301926 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 3 Number of children on roll 2 Date of previous inspection 26 April 2023

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Gravesend, Kent. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round. The childminder works with a co-childminder. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector took account of parents' views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

6 September 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 September 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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