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 are excited to attend this vibrant and nurturing setting. The childminder treats children with warmth and affection, helping them to feel content, safe and secure. The childminder has created a calm, homely and inspiring setting. Children are keen to explore and indulge in the many activities and resources that have been carefully selected for them.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate excitement and positive attitudes towards learning. The childminder shows enthusiasm and a desire to support all children to have fun and enjoy the learning experiences. She listens to children about what they like and incorporates this into the planned activities. For example, children squeal with joy as they use tweezers to discover pretend worms hidden in jelly. Children play very well together and are caring and kind towards their peers. They call to their friends to join in their games, wait for them before starting an activity and praise each other for their 'lovely painting'.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans a broad and ambitious curriculum. She regularly takes children out to visit a wealth of different places to support their understanding of the environment and the community they live in. For instance, children enjoy visits to the beach, the woodlands, local castles, historic houses and local care homes. The childminder spends time with other childminders and takes the children to local toddler groups to help children gain social confidence in larger groups. Children flourish in readiness for school, growing in confidence and independence and with a desire to be inquisitive and to learn more.

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need to do better?

n The childminder completes regular assessments and observations to ensure she plans a curriculum that helps children to make good progress. She encourages children to recall previous learning to check their understanding and then introduces new concepts. For example, children proudly show they can count using their fingers. The childminder then introduces written numbers and supports children to identify them. She challenges older children to place the correct number of carrots into their numbered pots. n Children are surrounded by a language-rich environment. The childminder uses written words in the environment, such as on their pegs and their name cards to register with each morning. Furthermore, children thoroughly enjoy singing familiar nursery rhymes and listening to new stories. Children build confidence and self-esteem as they show their friends they can identify the sounds in their name. They giggle as they make 'nonsense' rhyming words together.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans a variety of group activities for the children throughout the day. She gently supports them to remember how to listen to each other, to

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need to do better?

22 May 2025 sit well and to focus on the learning. Children learn respect for their peers and learn valuable skills for moving on to school. Most children fully engage and join in, exclaiming in delight at the activities. However, at times, the learning intention for planned group activities is not well matched to all children's stages of development. At these times, younger children lose interest and do not fully benefit from the intended learning. n Children learn how to manage their own self-care and hygiene from a young age. The childminder encourages children to follow good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. She helps children understand why this is important. Furthermore, the childminder teaches children about oral hygiene and healthy foods. Children enjoy learning how to cut their own foods at lunchtime, and they talk about wanting to help cook

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need to do better?

healthy meals at home. n The childminder plans activities to support children to positively contribute to society and to respect others. For example, children talk about taking care of the world. They remind each other to turn out the lights in the bathroom and they relish in helping to compost their food waste. Children talk with enthusiasm about litter picking in the local area. In addition, the childminder plans regular outings to the local care home where children enjoy hearing stories and singing with the residents. Children benefit greatly from this intergenerational time and show kindness and care towards those in the community. n The childminder works closely with her assistants, supervising and supporting their practice effectively. She leads regular meetings to discuss and reflect on practice. The childminder ensures they know what children need to learn next. This provides a seamless continuity of learning for children.

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need to do better?

n The childminder forms good relationships with children and their families. She regularly shares photos and information with parents about their children's daily experiences. The childminder offers ideas about how to further support their children's learning at home, including supporting with toilet training when children are ready. Parents report that their children thrive in the childminder's care and they are impressed with their children's progress.

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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 review and improve the planning and implementation of group activities so that younger children remain engaged and fully supported.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY395268 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10394781 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 28 Date of previous inspection 25 September 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Bearsted, Kent. The childminder cares for children on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30am until 5.30pm, all year round. She works with two assistants and occasionally a co- childminder. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. She is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged from 9 months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their 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 observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistants and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

22 May 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

22 May 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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