Childminder in Bexley

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder has created a warm and welcoming home-from-home environment, where children feel safe and secure. Children are happy and confident. They know that if they are tired, upset, or just in need of a cuddle, the childminder is always there for reassurance.

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The provision is good

Children are inquisitive. They move around the learning environment with curiosity and show high levels of engagement at tasks. The childminder has developed a varied and challenging curriculum that considers children's interests and captures their imagination to learn.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. They are beginning to develop games that require a shared narrative. For example, as some of the children ride in the garden in cars, others have a petrol pump and fill up the cars as they come through the garage. Where children may struggle with sharing or taking turns, the childminder is quick to provide support. She encourages children to show kindness and develop empathy for how their actions may affect others.

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The provision is good

The childminder encourages children to be independent. Praise and encouragement provide children with the confidence to problem solve independently and develop resilience in their abilities. Children show pride in their achievements, shouting, 'I have done a great job', when they successfully put on their own shoes.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows children well. She talks extensively about the progress they have made from their starting points. Accurate observations help her to plan appropriate next steps. Children are offered challenge, helping them build on what they already know. They are well prepared for the next stage of their learning. n Overall, the childminder promotes children's language and communication well. Repetition is used to reinforce words for the younger children. New vocabulary is introduced during activities. For example, as children look at corn and pumpkins brought back from the farm, they learn the word 'husk'. There are lots of opportunities for conversation, and children display a wide vocabulary. However, when children are sharing their thoughts, the questions asked do not always allow them the opportunity to develop their ideas further. For example, the childminder may begin sentences with, 'I think you could...', as opposed to

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need to do better?

asking open questions of the children. n Themes based on the seasons allow children to develop a love and curiosity of nature. Children eagerly share the items they have collected while out in local green spaces. These include pine cones, conkers, and leaves. Children watch as

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need to do better?

11 October 2023 food is put onto the bird table in the front garden. They jump and shout with excitement as first a magpie swoops down to eat and then a squirrel comes along. Children tap each other excitedly and point at what is happening. n The childminder understands the importance of teaching children about living healthy lifestyles. Healthy and nutritionally balanced snacks and meals are provided fresh daily. Children are encouraged to try new flavours. While looking at the pumpkins picked earlier in the week, children ask if they can taste the pumpkin. This is then roasted to accompany lunch, and most children eagerly taste it. n Effective communication with parents is in place. Following the previous inspection, the childminder now ensures that parents can share their child's learning from home. Communication diaries and verbal feedback give parents insights into their child's daily experiences. Parents describe the atmosphere of

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need to do better?

the setting as 'loving, friendly and encouraging'. n Children learn about the world around them. Together, they celebrate the festivals that are important to others. Children learn about what makes them special and unique. They treat others with kindness and respect, something which forms a large part of the ethos of the setting. Children learn about the cultures of others through the sharing of stories and art and craft activities. n The childminder invests in her professional development and ensures that all mandatory training is up to date. She receives regular updates from her local authority, as well as a professional childcare association, to ensure she is aware of any changes to guidance. The childminder is reflective and seeks regular feedback to ensure she can continue to evaluate the service she provides.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has continued to ensure that her safeguarding knowledge remains relevant and up to date. She understands how to recognise when children may be at risk of harm and abuse. There are clear recording and reporting systems in place should the childminder identify concerns. The childminder is aware of the process to follow should an allegation be made against herself or anyone within her household. The childminder promotes online safety with parents, ensuring that all devices used by children have parental locks on them and that any viewed content is suitable and monitored. Regular risk assessments ensure safety is promoted, both inside and outside of the setting.

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should:

n consider how staff pose questions to children to enable them greater opportunity to share their ideas with others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 115610 Local authority Bexley Inspection number 10307958 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 5 Date of previous inspection 14 March 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Bexley, Kent. The childminder works with one co-childminder. The childminder operates Monday to Thursday from 7.30am until 6.00pm all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. 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 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

11 October 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

11 October 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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