Childminder in Medway

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

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The provision is good

Children are happy and secure in the childminder's setting. They enjoy a curriculum that is focused appropriately on their age and stage of development. The childminder is warm and nurturing. She provides reassurance and comfort to children when needed, which helps them to feel emotionally safe. For example, when children first start with the childminder, she gathers information from parents about children's likes and dislikes to enable her to follow their interests in things that they enjoy.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from experiences that engage them in the local environment. For example, the childminder takes children to visit the shops and local parks. Children grow in confidence as they learn to socialise and find out about the world around them. Children behave well because they have a range of experiences that maintain their focus and engagement. They are praised for their achievements and are encouraged to persevere when things become challenging. This helps children begin to understand how to solve problems independently.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has worked hard to improve the provision since the last inspection. She has implemented an appropriate curriculum to prepare children for the next stage of learning. She encourages children to take care of their own health and well-being needs at every opportunity. For example, young children learn to use the toilet independently. Additionally, they are encouraged to take care of their personal hygiene, such as placing their hand over their mouth when they cough. n The childminder offers activities which engage children. She supports their learning through encouragement throughout the day. The childminder interacts with the children well. However, at times, she does not recognise opportunities to build on children's interest in activities to increase the challenge and extend learning further. n The childminder places a high priority on supporting children to communicate well. She ensures that children benefit from being exposed to language

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need to do better?

throughout the day, so that they hear, and begin to use, a growing number of words as they play. Children hear, and take part in singing, a range of nursery rhymes. They have a good level of understanding and follow instructions appropriately. n Mathematics is successfully included in different activities. Children refer to the items and numbers displayed on the wall. When children choose number puzzles, the childminder asks them to tell her the numeral and then find the pieces with the same number of pictures on to match. Children enjoy the childminder's praise and encouragement as they manage to fit and place the

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need to do better?

20 December 2023 correct piece. n The childminder knows children well. She talks to parents about their child's starting point and interests. The childminder plans a range of activities. However, on some occasions, the implementation of these activities is not sharply tailored to meet children's individual learning needs. Consequently, children's knowledge and skills are not fully embedded. n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles. She offers a range of fruit and vegetables for snack. The childminder encourages good oral health by promoting toothbrushing. Children have regular access to the garden. They enjoy running and riding on the push-along bikes. This supports their physical development and helps to promote an active lifestyle. n The childminder prioritises daily communication with parents to share children's experiences and development in the setting. She carries out assessments to ensure that any possible delay in development is noted. For example, if the

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need to do better?

childminder identifies a potential special educational need and/or disability, she attends additional meetings with parents and external professionals to discuss children's progress. This ensures a strong and consistent team around the child. n The childminder is reflective in her practice. For example, she keeps up to date with changes and receives important information to help shape her childminding service. Her future plans include making greater use of local authority training to build on her knowledge and practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is aware of her role and responsibility to safeguard children. She provides a safe environment for children. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm or abuse. She confidently knows which external agencies she can contact should she need support regarding a child's welfare. She also knows what to do should any allegations be made against her or a member of her household. The childminder ensures that she keeps accurate records of any accidents or injuries that occur.

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should:

n refine the planning and implementation of activities so that they are more precisely tailored to support individual children's learning n strengthen practice to enhance the quality of interactions and extend learning even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY336698 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10277937 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 3 Date of previous inspection 23 January 2023

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Gillingham, Kent. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

20 December 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

20 December 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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