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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder has created a lovely home-from-home environment. Children feel safe and secure as they confidently choose activities to engage in, building their confidence and self-esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder engages in imaginative play with children. For instance, they pretend to be shop keepers in the role-play area and enjoy pretending to be ballet dances. The childminder helps children recall the correct position of their feet. Children are enthusiastic and motivated to learn. They sing heartily and eagerly follow instructions during routines, such as tidy-up time. The childminder offers praise and encouragement and children respond warmly to these interactions.

p.2

The provision is good

Books and stories are a key part of the daily routine. The childminder helps children recall stories they have read, such as 'Room on the Broom', helping children to build vocabulary. She talks to children about the role of the author and illustrator in the story.

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The provision is good

The childminder takes time during the routines of the day to promote children's independence skills and sense of responsibility. Children learn to chop their fruit for their snack and use scissors safely. They show high levels of independence and an understanding of keeping themselves safe. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their own care needs, such as washing hands and wiping noses.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an accurate view of what children already know and what they need to learn next. She puts appropriate support in place to meet children's individual needs. For example, she uses strategies to help children regulate their emotions. This helps all children make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. The childminder gathers valuable information from parents about children's starting points and assesses their ongoing learning. n The childminder understands that communication and language is fundamental to help children succeed. The childminder's good-quality interactions support children's speech and language skills. For instance, throughout activities, she models good conversational skills and incorporates simple sign language to support communication. However, on occasion, the childminder does not allow enough time for children to think and respond during conversations to further

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need to do better?

enhance their language skills. n The childminder's skilful and gentle reminders help children learn to play harmoniously together. For instance, children are encouraged to say 'no thank you' if they do not like what another child is doing. Children share with their peers and learn to take turns using sand timers. The childminder helps children

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need to do better?

27 November 2024 understand that their actions have an impact. However, on occasion, she does not successfully support children to understand how to wait their turn and give others time to join in and share their ideas during activities such as story time. At times, this means that quieter or less-confident children do not fully benefit from all of the learning experiences the childminder provides. n The childminder incorporates mathematics seamlessly into daily routines and children's play activities. For example, children proudly count how old they are using their fingers. The childminder introduces mathematical language, such as 'huge' and 'tiny', when sorting out the sizes of pine cones during play. This helps children to build a positive attitude and interest in early mathematics. n Parents are overwhelmingly positive in their appreciation for the childminder. The warm and genuine interest from the childminder fosters very good partnerships

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need to do better?

with parents. She shares with parents the progress their children make and regular updates about their children's day-to-day activities. Parents praise how well children settle in and how quickly they establish a secure relationship with the childminder. They say this gives them peace of mind to know their children are safe and happy in this enriching environment. n The childminder reflects well on the service she provides and identifies aspects of her practice to improve on. She networks with other childminders and attends training to continue to build on her own knowledge and skills. For example, following recent training, she has an increased understanding of how to support children's learning in the natural world.

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 increase support for children to think and process information during conversations to further support their critical thinking and communication skills further n strengthen strategies for helping all children learn the expectations for behaviour when taking part in group activities so that everyone is able to participate fully.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2672884 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10360083 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 3 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She lives in Dartford in Kent. She holds a childcare level 3 qualification. She operates from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5.30pm, all year round.

p.4

Inspection activities

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 interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views. 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

27 November 2024 27 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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