Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder knows the children in her care very well. She provides educational experiences that support children to learn and make the necessary progress with their development. However, the childminder's risk assessment is not always robust, which means that at times she does not always fully consider potential hazards. Due to the childminder's close supervision, this does not have a significant impact on children's safety.

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The provision requires improvement

Children are happy and settled in the care of this kind childminder. Children know the routines that help to keep them safe. For example, when they come in together, they sit down and wait for the childminder to open the door. The childminder creates an environment where children feel safe and secure. She has formed positive relationships with the children and families in her care. Children are supported to effectively communicate their needs. For example, they use sign language to ask for more and express interest in something they would like to play with. Children enjoy spending time in the stimulating learning environment provided by the childminder. The childminder gets down to their level and speaks clearly to them. She encourages them to pick up the resources and put them away before moving on to something else. Children become confident learners in the childminder's company.

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need to do better?

n Children's behaviour is positive, and the childminder encourages them to take care of both the environment and each other. She teaches children to be considerate and kind, providing opportunities such as caring for the resident tortoise. While children learn about rules and boundaries in her care, the childminder relies on their understanding without considering any additional steps needed to ensure the risk assessment is robust. n Despite the weaknesses found, the childminder has worked hard in her continuing professional development and has sought and gained a wealth of new knowledge to enhance her provision. For example, the childminder is in the process of completing a course about Autism and intends to use her new expertise to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She uses assessment effectively to track and monitor children's progress and has signposted parents to gain the support they need from external professionals,

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need to do better?

such as a health visitor. n Communication and language are a priority for this childminder. She recognises children's individual and differing progress in this area and supports them well. For example, children who speak English as an additional language hear repetitive, clearly spoken words to support their verbal communication. The childminder shares with parents how they can continue this learning at home,

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need to do better?

10 July 2024 such as using puppets to model new vocabulary. These strategies help children to broaden their vocabulary and become confident communicators. n The childminder ensures that children gain important knowledge and understanding of the local community in which they live. For example, she takes children on daily visit to playgroups, the park, the seaside and the nature gardens. The childminder introduces children to a curriculum that provides rich learning experiences. She makes excellent use of the outings to extend children's understanding of the world. n Children receive positive interactions from the childminder who expertly weaves new learning into their play. Children are actively encouraged to use their imagination and express themselves. This is evident during musical activities as children are encouraged to develop new skills, such as counting, through songs, rhymes and dancing. n The childminder carefully supports children's care needs, helping them to be

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need to do better?

independent. For example, the childminder encourages even the youngest children to attempt to blow their own nose. Children are familiar with when to wash their hands and sing a song to guide them. They are celebrated and praised for their efforts as they learn important skills that help keep them clean and healthy.

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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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Due date

ensure risk assessment procedures are applied consistently to identify and manage potential risks both inside the premises and on outings. 31/07/2024

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2687884 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10355666 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 3 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Herne Bay, Kent. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except when for closed for family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds a relevant childcare qualification.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the new premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe, suitable and how they consider risk. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their EYFS curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. 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

10 July 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

10 July 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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