Walker, Amy

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

Children are content and at ease in the care of the nurturing childminder and in her inviting home. They have formed strong bonds with the childminder, who engages them in play and offers cuddles and reassurance whenever necessary. Children show high levels of curiosity during their play, and can focus for extended periods on activities that they find enjoyable. For instance, children show interest in role- play, such as pretending to cook dinner and serve tea to each other.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder plans activities that are based on children's interests. She skilfully follows the children's lead, enabling them to guide their own play and learning. She has a clear vision of what she wants children to achieve while they are in her care. For example, she wants to build their emotional resilience and teach children how to be social and confident in a range of situations, such as out in the local community. She also has ambition for children to build their communication and independence skills for future learning.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. She uses clear and consistent messages which the children understand and respect. Children remember how to move safely indoors, keep their environment tidy, and know that they need to sit when eating. The childminder uses regular praise when children make positive choices. This further supports children's well-being and their understanding of the expected behaviour.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate about the service she offers and the care and education she delivers to children. She understands her roles and responsibilities, and is committed to giving children the best start in their early years. She seeks to continually develop her skills to enhance her practice and knowledge. Children enjoy learning and are developing well from their starting points. n The childminder supports children's literacy skills well. She plans regular times to read stories and books with the children, selecting titles that she is confident will captivate. Children use the knowledge they gain from well known stories in their play. For instance, children use puppets to recount the tale 'There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.' This demonstrates how effectively the childminder supports children' as they move beyond understanding that print carries meaning and learn to comprehend stories.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that information is shared so that children's needs are consistently met. Parents confirm that they are grateful for the support their children receive. They are informed about the developmental areas the childminder is focusing on with their children, allowing

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need to do better?

23 July 2024 them to continue this learning at home. This is further supported through the relationships that the childminder has established with other settings the children attend. For instance, she consistently liaises with other key individuals to ensure that the children's needs are met. She also requests their input on the statutory two-year progress check. n Children are given meaningful opportunities to learn about others in their community, and the wider world in which they live. The childminder gains a lot of information about children and their extended families when they first start. She uses this information to ensure that her provision and the curriculum meets the needs of all children. For instance, she has acquired books that explore the diverse family structures of the children that attend. Furthermore, there is a toy bear that goes home with the children. This is used to motivate and encourage

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need to do better?

children to share their home lives, and what matters to them with their friends. n The childminder carefully considers how children learn and provides enjoyable, and engaging activities that capture children's interests and imaginations. However, the childminder does not give enough consideration to her curriculum for mathematics. She does not make the best use of opportunities during children's play to support their development of mathematical skills. Therefore, children do not always make the best possible progress in this area. n The support in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is a strength of the childminder. She effectively engages with other professionals to ensure that children are receiving the support they need to further their development. The childminder exceeds expectations by attending appointments with families, which allows her to fully understand the children's

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need to do better?

needs, and provide effective support in her setting. n Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. They enjoy using the childminders garden as well as the local park. Indoor physical activities are readily available as well. For instance, children enjoy exploring balancing equipment, demonstrating their skills. The childminder facilitates children's play providing opportunities that interest and encourage them to use their imagination. For example, they transform equipment into imaginary boats.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n enhance the curriculum to support children's understanding of early mathematics.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2759415 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10349571 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The applicant was previously registered with a child minder agency between 2019 and 2023, the childminder registered with Ofsted in November 2023. She lives in Folkstone, Kent. The childminder operates all year round, apart from bank holidays and family holidays. She operates Monday to Thursday from 8.30am – 5.15pm. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three-and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is 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 early years curriculum. 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

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

23 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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