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

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The provision is good

Children feel happy and secure in the nurturing environment that the childminder has created. He helps them feel safe and settled in his care, recognising the impact that strong and positive bonds have on children's learning and development. The childminder has a routine that children know and understand well. Children choose what they would like to engage with, in the large and stimulating environment. The childminder has created a curriculum that provides children with a variety of learning opportunities and prepares them well for the next stage of learning.

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The provision is good

Children are supported to behave well in the setting. They confidently access the toys and resources they want to play with and make free choices about how they would like to spend their time. Children happily engage with the childminder, and he sensitively supports children with their personal care. For example, he encourages them to wash their own hands. The childminder actively praises the children and points out what they have achieved by themselves. This helps children grow in self-confidence.

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need to do better?

n The childminder places a strong focus on children managing their own risks. He allows children to investigate the environment independently but always ensuring they are safe. For example, children who are learning to become more confident walkers, can navigate the space with the childminder's support. They climb, balance and step over different surfaces. The childminder helps children become secure in their exploration. Children behave well and develop positive attitudes towards building their skills and progress. n Children have fun and enjoy many play opportunities that aid them in developing their skills. For instance, they develop strength and coordination as they role play making 'pancakes' in the mud kitchen. Children play with dough containing real lemon juice, as they squish, roll and investigate the malleable textures. The childminder helps children to become active investigators. They become

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need to do better?

immersed in activities that promote their curiosity to find out what things are, and how things work. n The childminder provides opportunities for children to visit the local community and the wider world. Children attend local toddler groups where they develop their social skills and engagement. They learn similarities and differences between themselves and their friends. For example, children access photographs of their parents and wider family and compare what it is, that makes them unique. They begin to find out what varied culture and diversity looks like, within in the wider world. n The childminder uses books and singing to promote children's communication and language skills within planned activities. He introduces children to new

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need to do better?

4 March 2025 words and gives age-appropriate explanations. However, at times during simple care routines, the childminder does not consistently focus on providing children with the same level of rich vocabulary during their interactions. This does not help to further enhance their growing language. n The childminder has established strong partnerships with parents. Parents say that the childminder is always available to give them support and flexibility of care. Parents praise the care the childminder provides, saying it is like an 'extension' of their family. The childminder communicates frequently with parents and shares a daily diary with care information as well as photos of activities. n The childminder ensures continuous improvement. He makes good use of ongoing training opportunities to increase his knowledge of early years and child development. For example, he recently completed a course about the promotion

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need to do better?

of safer eating practices and reducing choking risks. The childminder works with his co-childminder and assistants to ensure the continuous improvement of the setting.

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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 provide children with a rich range of language during all interactions to help further support children's communication and language.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2778940 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10376845 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 3 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2024 and lives in Margate, Kent. He operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is qualified at Level 4 and works with a co-childminder. In addition, the childminder employs three part time assistants. Of these, 2 hold appropriate early years qualifications, at Level 3. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three-and four-year-old children.

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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 childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. 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 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

4 March 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

4 March 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

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

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