Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish and relish their time with the incredibly kind, knowledgeable and nurturing childminder. Children are consistently absorbed in their play and show mature levels of confidence. The childminder uses her expertise in how young children develop, to support her to identify exactly what they need to learn next, using their interests to engage and motivate them. The childminder has built secure and trusting relationships with the children. They feel safe and their well- being is extremely high.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder's ambitious curriculum places an emphasis on children's communication, language, independence, friendships and physical development. This is well embedded. She uses every opportunity to teach children new skills while checking what they already know and can do. The childminder actively promotes children's love of books. They freely choose books and snuggle under a blanket, listening intently. Children show great enthusiasm when repeating key refrains from stories such as 'The Gruffalo'. They use books to inspire their play. For example, on returning from a walk, children speak about hunting for the 'snake's den'.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are polite and their behaviour is excellent. For example, children say please and thank you without prompting. They know how to take turns when playing with popular resources and approach the childminder when they need further support. The childminder is exceptionally skilled at knowing when to step in, and when to allow children to work out things for themselves.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is highly reflective of her practice and provision. She regularly undertakes training to improve her skills and knowledge of how children learn and develop. The childminder effectively promotes children's learning across all seven areas of the curriculum. For example, children sustain very high levels of concentration when constructing train tracks. They are intently focused on selecting the right pieces. The childminder skilfully supports them by introducing language such as 'curvy' when children are looking for pieces. She also introduces mathematics and models counting, which children copy. n Children have remarkable vocabulary. The childminder supports this consistently by asking the children questions which require them to think about their responses. She introduces new language to children at every opportunity and encourages the children to speak about their interests. For example, each child

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need to do better?

has a book of photos that are individual to them. Children sit together and engage in meaningful conversations about the people who are important to them. They confidently recall memories from the places they have been.

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need to do better?

28 February 2024 n The childminder supports children to gain an appreciation of the differences between them and a respect for other cultures and religions. She liaises closely with families to learn about what is important to them so she can incorporate this into the curriculum. Parents and carers have been supportive in sharing information about their home customs such as Ramadan. Children are provided with opportunities to try food from around the world which parents provide. n The childminder supports children to learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles. Children know the hygiene routines and wash their hands independently before mealtimes. They all sit together at the table to eat nutritious home-cooked meals. Children talk about their oral hygiene and practise their teeth-brushing skills after lunch. The childminder values the opinions and views of parents. For example, in recent feedback from

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need to do better?

questionnaires, parents asked for the menu to be shared with them in advance. The childminder was quick to implement this. n The childminder works incredibly closely with other professionals to ensure that children are being provided with consistency. For instance, when children attend other settings, the childminder builds a relationship with their key person. She shares information about the children's next steps in learning and strategies she is using that are working well. n Children benefit from regular exciting opportunities to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the world. Children have excellent first-hand experiences as they visit exhibitions, take the train to watch aeroplanes at London City Airport and take trips to Greenwich to experience the Clipper. Children recall these experiences with enthusiasm and speak about them long after the visit. n The childminder knows the parents of the children she cares for extremely well.

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need to do better?

Settling-in visits provide opportunities for the childminder to build relationships. She keeps parents updated daily about what their children have been learning. The childminder sends regular, comprehensive newsletters full of information, guidance and support. This includes what parents can be doing at home to further support their children's love of learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2654293 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10333063 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 Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021. She lives in Dartford, Kent. She works Monday to Friday throughout the year, between 7.30am and 6pm.

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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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. 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

28 February 2024 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

28 February 2024 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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