Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children are warmly welcomed into the setting. They are given time and the support they need to help settle in. For example, the childminder offers warmth and comfort as she reads a story to children who struggle to separate from their parents. This helps children to feel safe and secure when they arrive. The childminder works with a co-minder and an assistant, from her co-minder's house. Children confidently speak about the activities they enjoy. For example, they enthusiastically talk about the long train track they built together. The childminder gently encourages children to take turns, share resources and respect each other's ideas.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have access to an enclosed garden. They enjoy playing games together such as running races and football. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all aspects of the day. For example, the childminder and her colleagues skilfully support children who use walking aids, such as wheelchairs, to take part in the running races with their peers. They ensure there are no hazards and the area is accessible for all children. Children play confidently outside and laugh and squeal as they play together, showing respect and consideration for each other.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is highly reflective. She consistently reviews her own practice to ensure she is able to meet the needs of the children who attend. The childminder updates her training and skills. For example, she has attended specialist feeding training to ensure she is able to support children with complex medical needs. She has attended literacy training and is due to attend training to help her understand how to use a hoist safely. n The childminder and her co-minder work together closely to monitor the practice of their assistants. The childminder observes the practice of others and feeds back any suggested improvements to ensure they are meeting the needs of all children. She provides daily support and guidance to her colleagues. As a result, the childminder's colleagues feel very well supported in their role. n The childminder plans the curriculum following the individual needs of the children. She knows the children extremely well and skilfully adapts how

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need to do better?

activities are delivered to suit their differing abilities. The childminder and her colleagues implement targeted support for specific children during planned activities. For example, they provide physiotherapy exercises for children who require it during planned group games, such as football. As a result, children receive excellent support to meet their individual needs. n Children with SEND are supported remarkably well and children with medical needs receive exceptional care. The childminder and her colleagues adapt the

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need to do better?

21 September 2023 provision extremely well to ensure all children are included in all aspects of the day. For example, they move specialist equipment outside to enable children to access the same experiences as each other. n The childminder demonstrates respect for all children. She takes the time to ensure children are prepared for changes to the routine, including children who are non-verbal and non-mobile. For example, the childminder skilfully prepares children for transition by counting before lifting them and moving them to new areas. This helps children to feel safe in the childminder's care. n Partnerships with parents are extremely strong. Parents speak highly of the care the childminder and her colleagues provide. They know who their child's key person is and they are aware of the areas of development the childminder is focusing on. Parents feel well informed about how their children are progressing

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need to do better?

and how they can support their learning at home. n The childminder provides a range of rich experiences for children to promote their senses. Children who are able to paint their own hands or feet do so, and show delight at their creations. The childminder carefully paints the hands and feet of those children who are unable to do this themselves. She gently uses touch and texture to stimulate the children's senses. The childminder adapts her practice based on the needs of the children and talks to them about what she is doing. This helps to develop their understanding. n The childminder and her colleagues consistently support children's behaviour. They provide clear explanations to children and make sure their expectations are understood. For example, they remind children that they must check there are no children behind them before moving their chair out from the table. They gently remind children they must put their rubbish in the bin after lunch and

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need to do better?

they must wait for their friends to finish lunch before they can go outside. As a result, children behave exceptionally well.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her role and responsibility as a designated lead for safeguarding. She knows how to identify signs that a child may be being abused, including if they may be exposed to extreme views. The childminder knows where to report concerns about the welfare of children. She understands the procedure to follow if an allegation is made against her or her colleagues. The childminder and her co-minder monitor children's attendance and follow up on unexplained absences. The childminder and her colleagues update their safeguarding training regularly.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY554609 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10310915 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 31 Date of previous inspection 16 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and operates in Maidstone, Kent. The childminder works with a co-childminder and their assistant. She provides care Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, for most of the year. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. Together with her co-childminder, she provides funded education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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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