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 Good

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The provision is good

Children show that they feel safe and secure at the setting. They receive warm interactions from the childminder and her staff. Children quickly settle and begin to play with toys that they choose for themselves. Children join in with exciting activities, such as the exploration of Christmas items, such as baubles and bells. They become engrossed in learning and are eager to share what they are most looking forward to about Christmas. Children learn to take turns in conversation and share what makes their family unique.

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The provision is good

Children behave well and enjoy the company of their familiar peers. The childminder encourages children to take turns and be respectful of the needs and preferences of others. Older and younger children enjoy games and activities together. For example, they patiently take it turns to zoom their own car down the slope of the wooden garage. The childminder supports children to wait until their friends have had finished before having a go themselves. Children learn to manage their feelings and behaviour effectively, as well as learning to follow rules and boundaries.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop. She plans a range of purposeful activities and experiences that engage children well. For example, children grow sunflowers in the summer. They learn about lifecycles as they care for pupae and caterpillars. Children experience awe and wonder when they release the grown butterflies into the environment. This helps the children to progress well in their learning and development. n The childminder and her staff provide opportunities for children to talk about their own experiences. They discuss their holidays and what form of transport they used to get there. Children listen and respond well to each other. The childminder supports children's emotional well-being and children show they are confident and display high levels of self-esteem. n Overall, the childminder creates many opportunities for children to embed their language skills. For example, children sing rhyming songs and recall familiar

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need to do better?

words. Throughout their play, the childminder repeats words back to children and exposes them to new language and vocabulary. The childminder engages in children's play and asks them questions. However, the childminder sometimes asks closed questions to test children's knowledge, which prevents them being able to demonstrate their understanding and individual ideas. n The childminder nurtures children's confidence and independence. Children lead their own play and follow their own ideas, moving safely between the play areas. Resources are plentiful and children access these easily. They enjoy the spacious and appealing learning environment as well as opportunities to play outside.

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need to do better?

18 November 2024 Children learn to be independent and make good progress in all areas of their development. n On the whole, staff provide practical help and support and supervise children well. The childminder plans activities for group play. However, some children do not always want to join in with the more collaborative activities. At times, the childminder does not use staff effectively, to ensure they make use of opportunities to engage and interact with those children who prefer more quieter play. n The childminder and her staff create trusted relationships with parents. Parents commend the childminder on the high levels of care that she provides for their children. They appreciate the advice and support that she gives. This creates joined-up working that supports all children to make good progress from their starting points. This includes children with SEND. n The childminder is reflective. She regularly reviews her service and the

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need to do better?

development of the setting. The childminder and assistant complete regular training and use online resources to support their professional development. For example, the childminder and her staff have recently completed statutory refresher training for the safeguarding of children.

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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 build on children's communication and language skills further by using more open-ended questions to extend their thinking n support staff to focus more precisely on improving interactions to enhance children's learning consistently.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY299756 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10373690 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 11 Date of previous inspection 20 April 2023

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009. She lives in Wainscott, in Rochester, Kent and works with an assistant. She provides care Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm for most of the year, with the exception of family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder holds a level 3 qualification and receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector talked to assistants at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the interactions between the adults 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

18 November 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

18 November 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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