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 demonstrates a strong commitment to caring for children. She is playful, enthusiastic and nurturing, and forms close and trusting relationships that effectively support children's well-being. Children benefit from a welcoming and well-organised environment that supports their safety and development.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy a curriculum that includes plentiful outings in the local environment. For example, children visit the local library, castles, wildlife parks and beaches, where they enhance their understanding of the world around them. Children also develop social skills further as they interact with other children when they meet with other childminder groups and attend a local toddler group.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour and reinforces these through positive role modelling and gentle guidance. Children learn to respect each other, share and take turns. Children understand the rules, such as removing their shoes indoors. They know the routine and follow instructions well. Independence is encouraged from an early age. For example, children make choices about their play, help to tidy away resources and prepare themselves effectively with sun hats and shoes when they wish to play in the garden. These daily routines help them develop confidence and important skills that prepare them well for starting school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder gathers information from parents about their child's care and prior experiences when they first start to attend. She uses this information to tailor settling-in procedures for each child. This helps to ensure that children's care and learning needs are met from the outset. n Children acquire knowledge about healthy lifestyles and good personal hygiene. For instance, they practise effective hand-hygiene routines and gain a good understanding of germs and bacteria. The childminder talks about healthy foods with children and provides daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. n The childminder plans a varied and exciting curriculum based on the children's interests. For example, children recently went on a train, gaining a deeper understanding of trains through this real life experience. She works well with other settings that older children attend to ensure that they can consistently

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need to do better?

meet children's learning needs. n Overall, the childminding team uses its knowledge of children's current stage of development and the next steps in learning as children participate in their chosen activities. For instance, it introduces new words such as 'dissolve' and 'evaporate' as children experiment during water play. This effectively supports the older children's language development. Occasionally, however, the childminder and any assistants she works with do not constantly adapt their

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need to do better?

9 July 2025 teaching when implementing activities in order to consistently meet the learning needs of younger children. n Children's mathematical development is supported well. The childminding team incorporates counting and mathematical language into activities. For example, it helps children to explore volume and measures and use mathematical language during their exploration and play. Children are encouraged to make predictions and test these out to discover the accurate answers and solutions. This helps to support children's understanding of early mathematical concepts. n The childminder and her assistants are highly reflective of their practice. Together, they evaluate the service they provide effectively and make any enhancements required. This supports consistent and good-quality practice for the children. The childminder ensures that supervision sessions focus on the changes she wants to make to her provision and professional development

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need to do better?

training for her assistants. She discusses their work and offers support where needed. The childminder provides regular training updates for her assistants on first aid, safeguarding and general child development. n The childminder maintains strong links with parents, providing them with regular updates on the children's activities and progress. She works closely with parents to support children's development and maintains an effective connection between her setting and the children's lives at home. For instance, children delight in taking home the 'lion cub' and sharing the adventures they had upon return to the childminder. Parents' written comments demonstrate a high appreciation for the care and learning provided by the childminder and any assistants.

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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 adapt the implementation of activities to meet the learning needs of younger children more precisely.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY545664 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10394789 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 11 Date of previous inspection 25 September 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and works in Bearsted, Kent. She provides care from Monday to Thursday, for most of the year. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector spoke with the childminder, any assistants and the children during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of the curriculum during activities and assessed the impact this has on the children's learning. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector read feedback from parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

9 July 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

9 July 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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