Potter, Christine

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

At the childminder's home, the children are very settled and happy. They welcome visitors with a friendly 'hello' and are keen to show what they are playing with. Children confidently move around the house and into the garden, where they use balance bikes to practise their cycling skills and relax with yoga sessions. The environment is organised effectively to encourage independent learning. The children choose what they would like to do and can focus for long periods. Children demonstrate good attitudes to learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for all children so that they make good progress from their starting points. She encourages good behaviour, such as saying 'please' and sharing. If children want something that their friend has, they ask if they can have a turn. They know to pass it back when they have finished. The childminder is quick to intervene if children need support. For example, she explains why children should not throw sand while helping them to sweep up the mess. These expectations are gently reinforced with reminders throughout the day.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses her knowledge about how children learn to plan a sequenced curriculum. For example, the childminder shows how to twirl ribbon sticks to make large movements in the air. Children replicate these movements with their fingers to form letters in sand. This helps children to develop their early writing skills. n The childminder carries out regular assessments of children to ensure that they are making progress. Therefore, she is quick to identify if children need further help. The childminder prepares detailed support plans in partnership with parents and makes relevant referrals. As a result, children get the right support from professionals to help them catch up. n The childminder has good hygiene routines. The children look in a mirror to wipe their faces and learn about handwashing. After using the bathroom, children talk about using the soap bubbles to wash off germs. However, the childminder does

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need to do better?

not always promote good hygiene in relation to her pet dog. For example, children play with the dog toys and do not wash their hands after stroking the dog. n Children interact and talk to each other while the childminder narrates their play. However, at times, the childminder does not use questioning techniques effectively to find out what the children know. As a result, the children do not always get the chance to answer questions and develop their language skills further. n The childminder accesses training to help her support children in her care. For example, she attended a course on alternative communication methods. As a

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need to do better?

15 July 2024 result, she introduced a visual timetable with picture cards for the children. This helped them to settle as they can see the routines of the day and week. n The childminder develops positive relationships with parents. Parents say that their children enjoy the home-cooked meals and the enrichment activities that are organised. Parents receive information daily about what their children have been doing. This means that they can build on their children's development at home. n The childminder teaches the children how to keep safe. For example, older children put on a helmet when they use the bikes outside. Younger children learn how to get off chairs safely as the childminder has taught them to turn and come down backwards. These measures help children learn how to protect themselves from injuries and accidents. n Children enjoy trips out in the local community. They meet other childminders at

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need to do better?

the local children's centre. This gives them the opportunity to socialise and mix with other children. They visit local wildlife parks to see the squirrel monkeys and flamingos. As a result, children have the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the world around them.

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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 ensure that children consistently learn how to develop good hygiene practices throughout all aspects of the daily routine n develop questioning techniques to extend children's thinking skills and enhance their language development even further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY364126 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10355410 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 7 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 28 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Borough Green, near Sevenoaks, Kent. She operates from Monday to Thursday, term time only. For part of the week, the childminder works from another registered property with a co-childminder. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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 she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about how she organises her early years setting, including the aims and rationale for her curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact 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

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Inspection activities

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

15 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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