Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

There are some significant weaknesses in the childminder's safeguarding arrangements. In addition, she does not meet requirements relating to promoting children's good health. The childminder places a strong focus on children's care needs. For example, she ensures they wear sun cream and a hat to be safe in the sun.

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The provision is inadequate

There are weaknesses in the arrangements to support children's learning. The childminder does not have a sufficiently secure understanding of how to plan appropriate activities for each child's stage of development. The childminder, who works with two assistants, provides suitable resources that appeal to children of various ages. For example, children enjoy playing with the till in the role-play corner. However, interactions between the adults working with children do not consistently stimulate children's curiosity or interest. In addition, the lack of an effective curriculum means that children do not make good enough progress in their learning.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Despite significant weaknesses in practice, children behave well and demonstrate that they are happy and feel safe. For example, they separate from their parents and begin to play with their friends. When children behave well, they are given praise by the childminder.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not have a clear understanding of the effective management of allegations. She has not ensured that she and her assistants have a full knowledge and understanding of all aspects of child protection. This does not ensure that children stay safe. n The childminder does not ensure a purposeful learning environment. For example, learning occurs by chance and is incidental. Adults working with children have a poor understanding of some aspects of the areas of learning they teach. For example, they set next steps for children that are too advanced for their age and stage of development. n The childminder and her assistants recognise the importance of promoting effective communication and language skills in children. They repeat certain words and phrases and, at times, narrate children's play. However, they spend a lot of time discussing children with each other, rather than engaging the children

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need to do better?

in rich and purposeful communication experiences. n The childminder has worked with external professionals and has sought advice for how to provide additional support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She uses an online application to track all children's progress and this identifies to her any delays in learning. However, she does not use this

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need to do better?

5 September 2023 information to inform her, or her assistants, practice or to provide the activities and interactions that will help children improve and build on what they know. So, children are not making meaningful progress in her care. n Parents comment that they appreciate the flexibility of the childminder. They have seen improvements in their child's confidence since they have been attending the setting. Parents state that the childminder has taken time to find out about important care routines for their child, before they start. Children attend settling-in sessions and enjoy affectionate relationships with the childminder and her assistants. n The childminder provides a spacious outdoor area and considers children's physical development in the equipment she provides. For example, children enjoy using a swing, see-saw and slide that are appropriate for their age range. Children also benefit from trips to the local park and outdoor swimming pool.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides support for her assistants through regular supervision sessions. She has recently placed more focus on upskilling them on particular aspects of teaching, such as how to recognise children's learning behaviours in play. However, this is not currently embedded well enough to consistently promote good care and education.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder does not have a satisfactory knowledge of child protection. She does not fully understand the risk to children of exposure to extreme views or behaviours. In addition, she has not ensured that her assistants have a clear and robust knowledge of all areas of safeguarding. They do, however, know how to spot the potential signs of abuse and report this as necessary. The childminder does not know the correct procedure in the event of an allegation. Children's health and well-being are significantly compromised by the childminder's lack of understanding and poor practice when limiting the spread of infection.

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Due date

improve understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures, including the process to follow to identify and report allegations against anyone living or working on the premises 22/09/2023

p.3

Due date

5 September 2023 ensure that all adults working with children have a clear knowledge of all aspects of child protection 22/09/2023

p.3

Due date

ensure all adults working with children understand the curriculum, to enable them to implement the learning intentions effectively in their teaching and to support all children's learning and development. 09/10/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2570365 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10307364 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 7 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection 19 May 2022

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020. She is located in Faversham, Kent. The childminder cares for children from Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, all year around. She receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three years. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 4. She employs three assistants, one of whom holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

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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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to/communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff, the childminder and children. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

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

5 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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