Childminder EY548218

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 settle in quickly and enjoy their time in this warm, inviting setting. The childminder and any assistants she works with take time to build strong, caring relationships, helping each child to feel safe, valued and emotionally secure. Children follow their lead and show kindness and care to their friends. They are keen to help with tasks such as tidying up, and they enjoy playing and sharing together throughout their day. Children are developing a secure awareness of themselves. Their good behaviour is further encouraged through praise and encouragement.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans and delivers a broad curriculum that builds on what children already know and can do. Children make good progress and develop a positive attitude to learning, such as an enthusiasm to join in with activities. The childminder sets clear and ambitious goals for the skills they need to develop before starting school or nursery. Children are well prepared for the next stages in their learning.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from time spent in the local community, such as visits to the local playgroups, farms, castles and beaches. They meet new people, practise important social interactions and develop a love of learning through fun and exciting visits. The childminder ensures children get plenty of fresh air and exercise, which supports their physical health.

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need to do better?

n The childminder assesses children's learning accurately and identifies what they need to learn next. She uses this information to plan enjoyable and stimulating experiences. However, at times, the expectation for younger children's engagement and concentration is too high. As a result, some children start to wander around without a clear purpose to their play and occasionally become restless. n The childminder and assistants model language well and introduce new words to build children's vocabulary. They emphasise key words within their interactions to support children's understanding, and they allow children plenty of time to think and respond. Children express themselves confidently and make good progress in their communication and language development. n Children's fine motor skills are well developed. For example, they have lots of fun during a shaker-making activity. The childminder encourages the children to

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need to do better?

carefully insert objects such as pasta pieces and beads accurately into the bottle opening. This is adapted effectively for older children as they are challenged to use tweezers to transport their chosen objects into the bottle. They proudly show off their achievements, saying, 'Look what I made!' This activity helps to

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need to do better?

6 August 2025 develop the muscles in their hands in preparation for early writing. n The childminder supports mathematical development effectively. She incorporates counting and number recognition into daily activities. For example, the childminder demonstrates the correct number of fingers to represent a number. She skilfully supports them to understand the difference between full and empty as they transfer beads and dried pasta into bottle shakers. Children learn about simple fractions, such as half and quarter, as they cut up their fruit. This helps to support children's understanding of early mathematical concepts. n The childminder encourages children to be independent from a young age. Children practise putting on and taking off their shoes by themselves. The childminder makes sure toys and activities are easily accessible. Children enjoy making choices in their play both indoors and outdoors. n The childminder supports children to develop healthy lifestyles. She provides

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need to do better?

children with healthy, nutritious snacks and talks about the importance of eating fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy the social aspect of snack time. They know that they need to wash their hands before eating and learn how to stay safe in the sun with sun cream, sun hats and staying hydrated. Children develop the life skills they need to stay healthy and safe. n The childminder works in partnership with parents and other settings that children attend to share and obtain information about children's experiences elsewhere. Parents comment positively about their children's time with the childminder and any assistants, and they appreciate their good communication. They value the extra mile the childminder goes for each of their children and describe how happy and at home the children feel while in her care. n The childminder and her assistants are highly reflective of their practice. Together, they evaluate the service they provide effectively and make any

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need to do better?

enhancements required. This supports consistent and good-quality practice for the children. The childminder ensures that the evaluation includes changes she wants to make to her provision and professional development training for her and any assistants. She discusses their work and offers support where needed.

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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 the organisation and expectations of whole-group activities to better meet the younger children's individual needs and learning outcomes.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY548218 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10399872 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 12 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 18 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Kennington, Ashford, Kent. She operates Monday to Thursday, all year round, apart from family and bank holidays. She holds a level 3 childcare qualification and works with an assistant. The childminder is eligible to provide government-funded childcare.

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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 and childminder carried out a joint observation. 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

6 August 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

6 August 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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