Childminder in Medway

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 has built close relationships with the children in her care. She works closely with parents when children start, to create a unique settling-in period that meets their individual needs. This supports children's well-being. Children feel safe and secure and approach the childminder to join their play. Children become deeply engaged in activities they enjoy, such as throwing small balls that stick to a target. These activities support them to develop their fine motor skills and hand- eye coordination.

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The provision is good

The childminder is a good role model and has high expectations for behaviour. Children are polite and have good manners. They say 'please' and 'thank you', and on the rare occasion they forget, the childminder gently reminds them. Children share with the childminder, telling her, 'it's your turn' when playing games. They know to take their shoes off when they come in from outside and put them away. Children freely choose from a range of resources and understand to tidy away before getting more out. The childminder's clear and consistent approach helps children know what is expected of them

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need to do better?

n Children benefit from the meaningful learning experiences that the childminder provides. This is because she thinks carefully about what she wants children to learn. Children's needs and interests are considered when she plans learning experiences. For example, she follows an interest in animals and sets up a farmyard with a range of natural resources to support fine motor skills. These experiences help children move on in their learning. All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress in their learning. n Children are learning good communication and language. The childminder narrates and talks to children frequently during the day. She listens carefully to children's attempts to communicate and repeats back the correct words. She role models new words such as 'tractor' when playing with the farmyard. These experiences help children extend their vocabulary.

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need to do better?

n Children are learning good mathematical skills that are appropriate for their age. The childminder uses every opportunity to count while playing. For example, she counts one, two, three, go when going down the slide and counts pieces when building a tower. Children copy numbers and use some in order. This gives children a good base for their next stage in learning. n The childminder supports children in their play. She offers different resources and sits at their level while they explore. However, at times, she does not build on spontaneous opportunities to develop learning further. For example, on occasion, she does not support children to further investigate the things that

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need to do better?

23 October 2024 interest them, to fully extend their learning. n Children have the opportunity to develop and learn about healthy lifestyles. The childminder offers a range of healthy fruit to eat and water to drink at snack time. At lunchtime, children enjoy a selection of fruit and vegetable. Children understand good hygiene and wipe their hands before eating. The childminder has carefully planned a range of activities in the outside environment. Children enjoy kicking balls, digging, climbing and sliding to develop their physical skills. n Children enjoy a wide range of opportunities outside the childminder's home. For example, children enjoy trips to a local playgroup, a nature reserve and the library. The childminder is mindful of offering a range of opportunities to broaden children's experiences and knowledge of the wider world. n The childminder keeps up to date with mandatory training, such as first aid. She

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need to do better?

works closely with other childminders to share ideas. However, she does not fully focus her professional development to consistently build on and develop her knowledge and skills over time to help continually improve the quality of children's experiences. n Partnerships with parents are good. Parents are happy with the care and education the childminder offers their children. The childminder regularly shares photos and information about their children's progress and ideas to continue at home. Children benefit from a shared approach to learning.

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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 interest first.

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should:

n strengthen support for children to build on and extend their learning during spontaneous play n target professional development opportunities more precisely to help continually raise the quality of the provision.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2687971 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10367864 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 6 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 2022. She lives in High Halstow, Kent. She cares for children all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday. She provides funded care and early education for children aged from nine months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed the early years foundation stage curriculum and how the childminder supports children's next steps in their development. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children, both indoors and outdoors. n The inspector spoke with parents and read written testimonials during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspection looked at relevant documentation, including paediatric first-aid and suitability checks.

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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 October 2024 23 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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