Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder creates a welcoming environment and has a warm, caring approach that helps children to settle well. She gently helps children to build positive relationships with her and each other, for example, by being calm and patient and explaining the importance of kindness. Children go to her readily for a cuddle or reassurance, and show they feel safe and secure. The childminder makes her expectations clear, so that children quickly understand how to behave well. They wait patiently while she prepares their snack and are helpful when she asks them to tidy resources away.

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy taking part in interesting and varied activities that spark their curiosity and imagination and motivate them to learn. The childminder pays particular attention to introducing children to things that they have not done before in order to broaden their experiences. For example, children spend lots of time outdoors exploring the natural world. The childminder responds to their interests and includes them in decisions about how they want to spend their day. Children eagerly choose when to plant their sunflower seeds. They are excited to copy what happens in a story that the childminder reads to them about plants, and they recall that the seeds will need water to grow. The childminder includes all children well and gives them tasks that are well matched to their age and ability. Children make good progress in their learning.

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need to do better?

n The provision is well organised, and the childminder is conscientious about offering good-quality care and education for children. She reflects on her practice and is motivated to continually develop her skills and understanding. For example, she has recently completed a course to help to develop her knowledge of child-led play, and is inspired to further extend her qualifications. n The childminder knows the children she cares for well. She observes them and gains a good understanding of their stage of development and what they are ready to learn next. For example, she quickly identifies any areas where children may need more support. However, she is less confident in linking these next steps in learning to the activities that she plans, so that children's experiences build even more precisely on what they already know and can do. n Books, stories, and songs are an important part of each day in the childminder's

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need to do better?

setting. Children eagerly listen to familiar stories and talk to the childminder about what will happen next. The childminder skilfully supports children's communication skills. For instance, she introduces new vocabulary and repeats words correctly to help children learn to pronounce them. Children join in with favourite songs enthusiastically, and play instruments in time with the beat. They develop a love of books and are confident communicators.

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need to do better?

11 April 2024 n The childminder skilfully weaves mathematics into activities and routines. She encourages children to count as they add petals to a potion or place seeds in the soil. Children learn to recognise numbers and are eager to find the correct numeral in a tub to match the one in a story. The childminder helps children to solve simple problems, such as working out which toy giraffe is the biggest. Children gain useful mathematical knowledge and skills to support their later learning. n There are good opportunities for children to find out about different families and communities and learn to value one another. The childminder encourages children to share their experiences from home, such as other languages that their family speak. She regularly talks to them in French, and children quickly learn the words to French songs. Children are proud to demonstrate their understanding of the world when they use a globe to find and name different

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need to do better?

countries. n With the childminder's support and encouragement, children quickly become more independent and master new skills. The childminder gives children the time they need to complete tasks for themselves, such as spreading toppings on their toast, or pouring milk on their cereal. Children confidently put on their outdoor clothes and wellington boots. They gain important self-care skills and develop self-assurance, which helps to prepare them for their future development and eventual move to school. n The childminder offers children sensitive support if they struggle with their emotions and shows them how to resolve any disputes. This helps children to get along well together. They follow the childminder's good example and learn to share, take turns, and show concern for their friends. n Partnerships with parents are positive and the childminder keeps them well informed. She regularly shares information about children's progress and

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need to do better?

development, which helps parents to support their child's learning at home. However, the childminder has not fully established a regular two-way flow of information with the other early years settings that children attend, to help children to experience an even more consistent, shared approach.

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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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should:

n focus activity planning more precisely to build on the next steps for individual children's learning

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should:

11 April 2024 n strengthen partnerships with the other early years settings that children attend.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2653032 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10332970 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 5 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021. She lives in Tonbridge, Kent. The childminder offers care from 8.30am to 6pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the year. She receives funding to provide early education to children aged three and four years. She has a relevant level 2 qualification.

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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 setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including what she wants children to learn while they are with her. 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 and inspector discussed the activities provided and the impact that they had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

11 April 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

11 April 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

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