Childminder 2730350

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

Children enjoy attending this welcoming and well-organised setting. They settle quickly and feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. The environment promotes their independence. It has a wide range of activities available, both indoors and outdoors. For example, during play dough activities in the outdoor playroom, the childminder introduces new tools and materials to extend children's play. Children respond positively to her warm, playful interactions. They enjoy the use of humour, which creates a happy atmosphere. They often sing familiar songs and recall past learning with enthusiasm.

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The provision is good

The childminder delivers a well-planned curriculum. This focuses on developing children's communication and language. She encourages conversations about children's backgrounds. For example, she uses fridge magnets to spark discussions about places and things that are meaningful to children. This strengthens their vocabulary, confidence and awareness of diversity. The childminder has high expectations for behaviour. Children play cooperatively, take turns and show consideration for others. This helps them build positive relationships. The childminder responds sensitively to children's emotional needs and supports their well-being effectively.

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The provision is good

The childminder continues to support children's emotional development and confidence as they adjust to wider social experiences. She provides a safe, inclusive environment where children are happy, confident and make good progress in their learning and development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder builds strong, secure bonds with the children. This helps them feel safe, confident and emotionally supported. They readily seek her for comfort, share their needs and enjoy recalling and discussing their learning during play. n The childminder supports positive relationships between children. She encourages them to consider each other's feelings and share resources. For example, she reminds children to offer toys to friends who have misplaced theirs, helping to build a caring, inclusive atmosphere. n The childminder uses a variety of strategies to support behaviour and promote positive attitudes to learning. For example, she uses the 'Sleeping Bunnies' rhyme to calm children when they become overexcited. This helps them refocus. Children listen, take turns and respond well to her expectations. n The childminder provides rich and engaging activities that capture children's interest. However, at times, the high level of adult input limits the opportunities

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need to do better?

for children to consider and build on what they already know to deepen their

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need to do better?

15 July 2025 learning. n The childminder extends learning through creative play. While exploring play dough, she introduces plastic spiders and googly eyes to spark curiosity. This leads to discussion about size, shape and number, supporting early mathematics and problem-solving in a playful way. n The childminder supports children's vocabulary development through conversation and shared reading. During book sessions, she introduces sounds such as 'r for rainbow' and 'e for egg', helping children to confidently name objects. n The childminder promotes physical development through planned outings and activities. Children learn important skills, such as road safety, and confidently talk about looking left and right before crossing the road. n The childminder understands how to adapt activities to meet the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She explains how she would ensure all children are included and able to make

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need to do better?

progress, showing strong, inclusive practice. n The childminder works with other professionals, including local childminders, to reflect on, and improve, her practice. Children benefit from mixing with familiar children on a regular basis. This helps to develop their social skills. n The childminder builds strong partnerships with parents effectively. She uses regular updates, photos and daily conversations. These efforts clearly support and extend children's learning at home. This further enhances their overall development.

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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 enhance the delivery of planned activities to encourage children to reflect on what they already know, make connections and build on new learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2730350 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10398801 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 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in the Kings Hill area of Maidstone, Kent. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder provides government-funded childcare for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. 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 Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation.

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Inspection activities

15 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

15 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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