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 appear happy and content when they explore the delightful environment. The nurturing childminder ensures that every child feels welcome. She provides them with a safe space to share their feelings and emotions. Children form strong attachments with her, and the sound of laughter is never far away when they play and have fun.

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The provision is good

Children know that she will understand and meet their needs. She plans a curriculum that stimulates children's curiosity and imagination. She adapts teaching for younger children, so they can learn at their own pace. Children demonstrate motivation and a desire to join in, find out and explore. For instance, they are fascinated with a 'snow' and ice activity that builds on their experience of a recent snowy day.

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The provision is good

Children are kind and tolerant of one another. The childminder expects children to be polite and to understand how others are feeling. For example, she explains how younger children feel when they become tired. This helps older children develop empathy and consideration for others. Older children share and take turns when they play, with minimal intervention or reminders from the childminder.

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The provision is good

The childminder promotes children's love of the outdoors. She plans activities and days out that connect children with nature. For instance, children make food to feed the birds when they learn about the winter season.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows children and their families well. This helps her plan a curriculum that is suitably tailored to the needs of individual children. For instance, while older children play at the table, younger children discover the treasure baskets on the floor. This helps children learn effectively and in the way that suits them best. n The childminder regularly assesses what and how children are learning, which she shares with parents and other settings children attend. The childminder provides parents with ideas to stimulate and further develop children's learning at home. Parents know what progress their children make and actively share their views and comments with the childminder. Children are prepared to take the next step in their education, such as when they go to school. n The childminder's interactions with children help them develop their thinking skills, vocabulary and conversation. The childminder is interested in what

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need to do better?

children say and do and uses this to support their growing communication and language skills. Children delight in using new words, such as 'pipettes' and 'Beluga whale', which she introduces when they play in the ice and water. They

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need to do better?

11 February 2025 ask questions and seek information. For example, when children notice a toy bird, they learn it is a 'penguin'. This helps children develop their vocabulary, so they can build their knowledge more effectively over time. n The childminder gives children time to become deeply absorbed in their play. For instance, she extends an activity because she notices how children's concentration and focus are helping them make discoveries and learn new things. She provides real life opportunities for children to make connections between what they know and new ideas. For example, when children collect leaves outside, they ask why they are brown and not green. Children demonstrate their good listening and attention skills when they listen carefully to recorded birdsong and identify which bird makes each sound. n Children enjoy a range of activities to support their physical skills. The childminder provides space for children to develop their core strength and

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need to do better?

balance, such as when they dance, climb and use ride-on toys. Young children pull themselves up to standing while older children refine their skills, such as when they draw and use knives safely to prepare snack. n The childminder understands the importance of planning appropriate routines to keep children safe and healthy. For instance, children happily settle down to rest and sleep before they become overtired. The childminder helps children understand why they must wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. She provides children with a strong foundation from which they can learn to be active and healthy throughout their lives. n The childminder evaluates her practice and that of assistants. She is focused on ensuring that they receive good support to improve and develop their practice. However, although the childminder keeps her mandatory training up to date, she does not always prioritise her own professional development to enhance her

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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 seek further ways to identify professional development opportunities to enhance teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY478803 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10376321 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 12 Number of children on roll 14 Date of previous inspection 24 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014. She lives in Pembury, Kent. She provides care from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, for most of the year. The childminder offers government funded places for children aged from nine months to four years. She works with an assistant.

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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 the early years foundation stage 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 The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The inspector spoke with assistants, children and 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

11 February 2025 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

11 February 2025 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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