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

The childminder creates a welcoming home-from-home environment for children in her care. She is kind, caring and attentive to meet their individual needs. This helps children develop a sense of belonging, feel secure and settle well. The childminder encourages children to manage their care needs and develop independence. Children are able to collect their belongings in readiness to go outside and learn to put on their coats and shoes.

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The provision is good

Children are extremely happy and show they feel safe in the childminder's home. Children learn to be helpful and complete tasks on their own. For example, the childminder encourages children to tidy away toys before having their lunch, which they do willingly. The childminder places a high priority on supporting children to manage their feelings and behaviour. Children enjoy taking part in circle-time activities. The childminder uses this opportunity to encourage children to learn about different feelings. Consequently, children gain a good understanding of a range of emotions and begin to make links to their own feelings.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy plenty of opportunities to be outdoors. The childminder takes them on regular outings, such as visits to the park, library, local farms and walks in the community. While on outings, the childminder provides opportunities to teach children about the natural environment, and different animals and their habitats. These experiences help to widen children's understanding of the world around them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows children well. She understands how to plan activities and experiences to build on what children know and can do. She makes regular observations to help her closely monitor children's progress. This helps her to closely identify and address any gaps in their development. Overall, the childminder plans inspiring activities to help support children's learning. Older children concentrate and listen well. The childminder skilfully uses open-ended questions to encourage children to talk about what they are doing, helping to build on their communication skills. However, at times, activities are not always adapted well enough to meet the needs of younger children to encourage their participation and help extend their learning. n The childminder understands the importance of developing children's language skills. She speaks to children at their level, introduces new words and names items as they play. This helps children to develop their vocabulary and

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need to do better?

pronounce words correctly. Additionally, children thoroughly enjoy singing songs and listening to stories, which help to develop their listening and attention. n The childminder promotes children's mathematical development well. She

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need to do better?

13 March 2025 skilfully introduces colours, numbers and shapes to children as they play. Older children work out the quantity of objects when one item is added and practise creating repeating patterns with coloured objects. This helps to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. n The childminder helps children to celebrate their uniqueness and understand about their differences. She provides opportunities for children to learn about their local community and different religious festivals, such as Eid, Ramadan and Easter. Children enjoy taking part in different activities to learn about the celebrations. These give children an opportunity to learn more about the world they live in. n Children demonstrate good behaviour and show positive attitudes towards their learning. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries, which helps children to gain a good understanding of expectations. Children learn to be kind,

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need to do better?

share resources and be respectful to each other. n The childminder develops strong partnerships with parents and other professionals involved in children's care and learning. She spends time talking to parents and getting to know each child's care routines and their development before they attend. This helps to support the child's transition from their home to the childminder's care. The childminder ensures that there is a regular exchange of information with parents and other settings children attend. This helps to promote continuity in children's care and development. n The childminder is committed to her professional development and reflects on the provision that she offers. She completes all statutory training, such as paediatric first aid, and undertakes additional training if she feels it will support her practice in any specific area or meet children's individual needs. This benefits children's learning experiences.

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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 practice to adapt the implementation of activities to provide further challenge and extend children's learning, particularly for younger children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY539107 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10388374 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 18 Date of previous inspection 9 July 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017. She lives in Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent. She provides care from Monday to Friday, all day and for most of the year, with the exception of bank holidays and planned family holidays. The childminder has a relevant qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for the children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of the education being provided and assessed the impact this is having on the children's learning. n The inspector took parents' written views into consideration. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

13 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

13 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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