Cavanagh, Darina

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder organises her home well to encourage children's curiosity and learning. She leaves the door leading to the garden open so that children new to her care can begin to familiarise themselves with all areas of their play environment. Children are reluctant to leave her side, but her warm and loving approach helps them to settle in, feel secure and become inquisitive.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder quickly picks up on children's starting points and what they enjoy playing with. She focuses her curriculum on helping children make the best possible progress given their initial learning and development needs. Consequently, children develop the emotional well-being they need to feel happy and the confidence to begin to learn.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder helps children to form close bonds with her. She recognises when children's behaviour is attributed to their emotional needs and finds innovative ways to help them express themselves positively. For example, when children throw objects, she sets up a game of skittles so that they can enjoy throwing a soft ball to knock down the skittles. Children listen well and follow simple instructions, which shows they understand what the childminder is saying or asking them. They show positive attitudes towards their learning experiences.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder prepares well to meet children's learning needs from before they start with her. She gathers information from parents, observes children, and implements her curriculum aims well, overall, to help children become curious and begin to explore. She helps children to begin deepening their knowledge so that they are ready for the next stages in their learning. n The childminder implements her curriculum in simple steps to ensure children remember previous learning before moving them on. For example, she revisits the activities they find interesting and checks what they remember before introducing something new. She uses her early assessments of children's progress well to help them progress well from their unique starting points. n Overall, the childminder's focus on children's personal, social and emotional development is effective. She interacts well with children to help them develop a

p.2

need to do better?

good sense of belonging and self-assurance. Sometimes, she does things for children that they could easily try themselves, to further encourage their developing independence. n The childminder skilfully uses distraction and gentle explanations to soothe children and to help them regulate their emotions as they settle into her care. She is consistently kind and gentle in her approach. She uses a wide range of toys and interactions to motivate children to play. Children communicate their

p.2

need to do better?

28 September 2023 needs happily through their gestures and facial expressions. They show that they enjoy their learning. n Overall, the childminder encourages children's communication and language skills well. Although some children are not yet ready to speak, she asks lots of questions to encourage them to think. She introduces new words, such as 'tortoise', 'whale' and 'acorn', as children show interest in the resources around them. The childminder keeps a variety of books close by but does not use these as much as possible to further encourage children's early language skills. n The childminder is well organised and reflects well on her practice. She uses the views of parents and the activities she provides for children to assess what is working well and how she can adapt her practice. She networks with other professionals and uses training to help her improve her skills and children's learning opportunities.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder uses effective risk assessments so that children can play and explore within safe boundaries. She monitors children closely when they are eating or sleeping, to ensure they remain safe. n The childminder works well with parents from the start. She shares information with them about their children and keeps them well informed about their experiences throughout the day. Parents report that the childminder is welcoming and nurturing and that their children feel happy and safe. Children benefit from a good two-way flow of information.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her safeguarding training updated regularly so that she remains aware of current issues. She understands the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm or neglect. The childminder also recognises the signs that may cause concern about a child becoming exposed to extreme views or behaviours. She knows where to seek advice and how to report a child protection concern. She also understands the process to follow should an allegation be made against her. She takes all steps to promote children's safety and welfare.

p.3

should:

n strengthen opportunities for children to try to complete simple tasks for themselves to encourage their early skills in independence n make even better use of books and stories to further encourage children's language development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 136587 Local authority Bromley Inspection number 10308003 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 15 March 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Chislehurst, Kent. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification. She is eligible to receive funding for the provision of early education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder 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 childminder. n The inspector viewed the areas of the childminder's home that she uses for childminding. n The childminder provided the inspector with a variety of relevant documentation and records to sample. n The inspector and the childminder evaluated the effectiveness of an activity together. n The childminder shared parents' written feedback with the inspector about the quality of her care and learning.

p.4

Inspection activities

28 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

28 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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