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 are very happy and confident in the childminder's inviting and welcoming setting. The childminder is skilful in implementing a motivating curriculum that challenges children's skills and engages them in their learning. Children have a keen interest in a book about bears. The childminder teaches children good mathematical language, such as 'medium', to learn about size as they confidently retell the story. The childminder teaches children new facts about the world. This is demonstrated when children learn about different animals and their habitats, including seals and polar bears. The childminder teaches children the importance of healthy eating. For example, children learn about foods which contain less sugar and why this would benefit their oral health.

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The provision is good

The childminder is a positive role model. Children behave well and know the rules and boundaries. They are kind to each other and help each other complete tasks. They work proudly as a team to move a piece of equipment as they excitedly say 'go team muscles'. Children are kind and empathic of each other's differing needs and abilities. The childminder encourages children to learn about different ways to move their bodies. For example, they safely use climbing and balancing equipment with confidence. Children are creative in interesting ways. For example, they paint clay bird baths and make their own superhero potatoes.

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need to do better?

n The childminder establishes positive relationships with all children. She has a high expectation of their abilities and supports them all to make good progress. Children have a positive attitude towards their learning experiences. For example, they are proud to help complete tasks, such as helping the childminder sweep up at tidy-up time. n The childminder gets to know children's individual personalities and what makes them unique. This helps her to plan activities and experiences that she knows children will enjoy. Therefore, children are very settled and enjoy the company of the childminder. n Children are confident to communicate and share their thoughts and ideas. For example, they are confident to act out a well-known story and use their imagination freely. The childminder asks good questions and provides children with enough time to think and then respond. The childminder supports all children to develop their communication skills. This includes those who speak

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need to do better?

English as an additional language. For example, she uses visual prompts and signing. The childminder is proactive in keeping her knowledge up to date and building on her skills. For example, she has completed training on how to develop children's communication skills. As a result, she successfully supports all children to develop good speaking and listening skills.

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need to do better?

5 March 2025 n Overall, the childminder's teaching skills and knowledge are strong. However, on occasion there are minor inconsistencies in some practice. This includes providing children with a more thorough understanding of handwashing routines when thinking about the transition between play and mealtimes. The childminder does not swiftly highlight the minor weaknesses of her practice to enhance the overall already good quality of teaching and children's learning experiences even further. n The childminder builds and maintains positive partnerships with parents. She keeps them fully informed about their children's learning and their achievements. The childminder shares helpful information with parents. This includes tips about how to keep children safe online. Parents speak fondly of the childminder and comment that the childminder is supportive, welcoming and provides thorough communication. n The childminder evaluates her practice routinely. She reflects on what children

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need to do better?

have enjoyed doing and what she can continue to enhance. The childminder uses her findings to support her future practice and activity plans. n The childminder teaches children about other peoples' similarities and differences outside of their own communities and experiences. This includes languages, cultures and traditions as well as different religions and festivals. For example, children thread snakes, look at Chinese writing and listen to Chinese music to celebrate Chinese New Year. Children learn about Ramadan. This includes having discussions about the different types and shapes of moons, such as a crescent, which are significant in signifying the beginning of Ramadan. n The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, children talk about how to remain safe around water when visiting places of interest, such as dockyards.

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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 swiftly address any minor inconsistencies in the already good quality of teaching to continue to enhance performance and have a positive impact on the overall quality of education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY545983 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10391603 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 6 Date of previous inspection 7 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017. She is located in Rochester, Kent. The childminder cares for children from Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year around. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for children aged one, two, three and four years. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder. The inspector assessed the impact of the quality of interactions and the learning opportunities she provides children. n The inspector viewed the indoor and outdoor learning environments. n The inspector reviewed written documentation. This included safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures. n During the inspection, the inspector spoke to the childminder and children at convenient times and reviewed written feedback from parents and considered their views.

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Inspection activities

5 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

5 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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