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 Good

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The provision is good

Children have great fun and make good progress at this welcoming setting. When she plans activities, the childminder thinks carefully about what children enjoy and are interested in, as well as the priorities for their learning. She is enthusiastic, which makes activities enjoyable and interesting, with children eager to take part. They happily join in songs and copy the actions, building their muscles as they stamp and clap. They are excited to join in a creative session and choose the colours to paint with. The childminder adapts activities skilfully so that all children can take part according to their individual needs. For example, younger children make patterns and enjoy the feeling of the paint between their fingers, while older children carefully and precisely add spots of paint within the lines.

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The provision is good

The childminder has a warm and caring approach that helps children feel settled and secure. They go to her for comfort and reassurance if they need it and feel happy and safe in her care. The childminder offers clear and consistent guidance and support so that children understand how to behave well. For example, they remember to wait at the top of the garden steps and understand that this is so everyone can go down safely.

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need to do better?

n There is an interesting and varied curriculum in place to support all children's learning. The childminder monitors children's progress effectively and quickly identifies what children need to learn next. She links activities together well to build on and reinforce the things that children already know and can do. For example, children remember the names of shapes during a story, and they later enjoy a 'shape hunt' in the garden. After this, they spend time building with different-shaped giant blocks to further secure their learning. n Overall, the childminder builds on children's language skills effectively. For instance, she explains and describes things to children as they play, repeats new words and includes lots of songs and stories in the daily routine. Children quickly learn new vocabulary and use it in their play. However, at times, the childminder is quick to give children the answers to questions or offer them suggestions and

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need to do better?

ideas. This does not consistently support children to think things through and follow their own ideas to further extend their thinking and communication skills. n There is a strong focus on helping prepare children for their future learning and for eventually starting school. For example, the childminder encourages children to become more independent. She supports them as they attempt to put on their own shoes when they go outside and to cut up slices of banana for their snack. The childminder organises the environment so that children can help themselves to resources and make decisions. Children select activities confidently and learn to ask if they need some help.

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need to do better?

15 October 2024 n Children learn to be kind to their friends and take turns with resources. The childminder praises them for waiting patiently and acts as a positive role model, demonstrating good manners, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you'. She creates a calm atmosphere where each child is valued as a unique individual, which successfully builds children's confidence and self-esteem. n The childminder is committed to continually developing her knowledge and skills. For example, she has completed recent training to extend her understanding of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities where appropriate. She is well organised and has a secure understanding of requirements overall, although she has not always notified Ofsted of relevant changes, as required. However, following discussion, she is now fully aware of what she must tell Ofsted about. n There are strong partnerships with parents. The childminder keeps them well

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need to do better?

informed, for instance through daily discussions, messages and regular progress reports. She works well with parents to support children's learning and development both at the setting and at home, so that children experience a shared and consistent approach. Parents give very positive feedback about the care and learning their children receive.

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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 enhance the support for children to think through and respond during conversations and to express and test out their own ideas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY543148 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10364182 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 6 Date of previous inspection 29 January 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The childminder works from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, throughout the year. She provides funded childcare and education for children aged from nine months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about the 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 that this has 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

15 October 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

15 October 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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