Fleming, Tracey

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant make effective use of praise and rewards to recognise children's achievements. For example, children proudly show off the sticker they receive after using the toilet and washing their hands. The childminder has a clear focus on supporting children's independence. For instance, older children put on their wellington boots before going outside to play.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder helps children to develop their personal care skills. For instance, she encourages the children to look in the mirror as they use a tissue to wipe their nose. The children know to place the tissue in the bin and sanitise their hands before going back to play with their friends. Children clearly feel safe and relaxed in the childminder's care. They quickly settle into their play and confidently ask friends to join in with games. Children form early friendships with each other.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are keen to take on small tasks. For example, they all enjoy peeling and cutting up different fruits ready for snack time. The assistant talks to the children about how to use the knife safely. The children concentrate as they slice the fruit before placing it on the tray. The assistant talks to the children about the importance of a healthy diet as they practise their fine motor skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has successfully addressed the actions and recommendations set at the last inspection. For instance, she has completed a range of online courses to help her to develop her knowledge and skills. She understands the importance of supporting her assistant to update her practice to ensure all children receive good-quality learning experiences. n Most days, the childminder takes the children on outings in the community. For instance, they walk to the park to use large play equipment to develop their muscle strength. The childminder supports children to learn about the world around them. The children particularly enjoy going to visit the country park to investigate and climb trees. The childminder and her assistant talk to children about how to keep themselves safe and care for their environment as they explore nature. n The childminder and her assistant use role play effectively to develop children's

p.2

need to do better?

imagination and knowledge. For instance, children take turns to be the shopkeeper, weighing items and using the till. The childminder counts with the children as she places slices of pizza on the weighing scales. The children watch as the arm of the scales moves as they add more pieces. The childminder encourages children to predict what will happen if they add another piece of pizza to the scales. The childminder and her assistant incorporate mathematical language into children's play and have high expectations for children's learning.

p.2

need to do better?

28 November 2023 n Children enjoy looking at books independently as well as having a story read to them. They enjoy making marks in the sand, using different tools as they explore the texture of the sand in the tray. The assistant makes good use of repetition as she introduces new vocabulary to the children. For instance, they talk about the 'cold, slimy' sand. The childminder and her assistant offer children an exciting range of experiences as they develop their communication, language and literacy skills. n The childminder has established very positive partnerships with parents. Parents' written testimonials show how they value the support and care their children receive from the childminder. Parents enjoy regular updates about their children's day and learning. n The childminder has a good knowledge of each child's stage of development and next steps. She plans enjoyable activities that children are keen to take part in.

p.2

need to do better?

For instance, children practise using scissors as they cut up the leaves they have collected. However, at times, the childminder does not have all resources for activities readily available. As a result, some children become distracted and not engaged in their learning. n Children's behaviour is good and appropriate to their stage of development. The childminder provides children with opportunities to learn about emotions through stories and activities. She encourages children to share and take turns. The children listen and respond to the childminder's clear instructions. However, the childminder and her assistant do not always make strong use of daily occurrences to help children think about how they are feeling and begin to manage their emotions.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands the importance of keeping her child protection training up to date. She has secure procedures in place to report any concerns she might have that a child may be at risk of harm. The childminder's assistant is fully aware of her responsibilities concerning whistle-blowing and who to inform if she were to have a concern. The childminder and her assistant are vigilant and constantly supervise the children to keep them safe. For instance, the childminder checks the garden is safe before letting the children outside to play. She understands she must ensure all required suitability checks are completed for all adults living in the home.

p.3

should:

n ensure adult-led activities are planned effectively to make sure all children are fully engaged in their learning

p.3

should:

28 November 2023 n make more use of situations that arise during daily routines to help children learn how to self-regulate their emotions.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2520313 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10277949 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 15 Date of previous inspection 18 January 2023

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Dartford, Kent. She operates Monday to Friday, from 6.30am to 6pm, for most of the year. The childminder works with an assistant. She receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three years.

p.5

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 setting. 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 The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n A joint observation was conducted with the childminder during an adult-led tabletop activity in the kitchen. n The inspector read letters of reference from parents to take account of their views. n The inspector spoke to the childminder's assistant and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

p.5

Inspection activities

28 November 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.5

Inspection activities

28 November 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.6

Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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p.7