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

The childminder helps children learn about the world they live in. She talks to children and shares books with them about all kinds of people in the world. Additionally, she teaches children about other cultures and the festivals they celebrate. This supports children to learn about diversity and respect others and prepares them well for later life.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy being together and behave well. The childminder has high expectations of children. She helps them build their independence skills and plans many experiences for children to try to do things for themselves. This is demonstrated when the childminder encourages even the youngest children to put on their Wellington boots before going into the garden. Furthermore, she supports children in managing their personal needs, which promotes their self-care skills well.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides many opportunities for children to develop their physical skills such as balancing on stepping stones in the garden. Children enjoy activities that enhance their fine motor skills such as transferring lentils to containers using a scoop. Additionally, the childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe. For instance, she reminds children to listen carefully to instructions and hold hands when on outings.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides many opportunities for children to enjoy the natural world. For example, she teaches children how to care for pets and about life cycles as they collect eggs the chickens have laid. Additionally, children enjoy tasting herbs and vegetables that they have grown in the garden. n Children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are successfully developing their communication and language skills. The childminder introduces new words, such as 'open' and 'close', which extends children's vocabulary. n The childminder knows what she wants children to learn. She sequences their learning well and builds on what children know and can do. For example, after reading a story about tigers, she planned an activity to develop children's understanding of colours and patterns such as orange and stripes. However, the childminder's routines during the day are sometimes not flexible enough to

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need to do better?

ensure children fully benefit from the activities on offer. For example, some children who are eager to go outside become restless during story time, making it difficult for others to listen and enjoy the book. n Children learn about their feelings. The childminder helps children to understand their emotions. She provides areas in the environment where children can relax

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need to do better?

7 March 2025 and be calm, which supports them to regulate their behaviour. The childminder provides children with age-appropriate rules such as using kind hands with one another. She talks to children about how their behaviour makes others feel, which helps them understand the consequences of their actions. n The childminder has strong bonds with children. She gives them plenty of praise and encouragement which promotes their self-esteem and emotional well-being effectively. Children feel safe and secure and enjoy cuddles with the childminder during the day. n The childminder is a good role model for children. She has a calm and gentle approach, which encourages children to do the same. Additionally, she positively helps children to develop their social skills. For example, she reminds them to use good manners when eating their meals, which supports children in being polite. n The childminder closely monitors children's progress. She identifies emerging

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need to do better?

concerns effectively and works with parents and other professionals to get children the additional help they need. The childminder shares information with other settings children attend to promote continuity of learning. n The childminder completes training to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. For example, she has recently completed a course on neurodiversity. This supports her to tailor her teaching to meet the needs of the children in her care. n Children learn how to keep themselves healthy. The childminder teaches them the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands after handling pets.

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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 strengthen the organisation of routines so children can fully benefit from activities without disturbance.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2712787 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10380905 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 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in December 2022 and lives in the village of Sundridge, near Sevenoaks in Kent. She operates between 9am and 6pm, Tuesday to Friday, all year round.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their 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 viewed written feedback from parents and took account of their views

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Inspection activities

7 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

7 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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