Childminder EY357976

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children enjoy significantly enhanced experiences in the childminder's home. They arrive eagerly and engage with the variety of stimulating activities that she prepares. The childminder uses her expert knowledge to involve children in choosing the resources and activities they would like. This ensures that children's interests are central to their daily experiences. The childminder meticulously arranges and labels resources so children can access them easily. This supports the childminder's intent to nurture children's independence and confidence.

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The provision is outstanding

Children consistently access a rich, varied and imaginative curriculum. The childminder's planning is ambitious and deeply engaging for all children. For example, during story time, she skilfully uses the tall grandfather clock in her home as a prop while singing 'Hickory Dickory Dock'. All children respond enthusiastically, promoting their language and communication skills. The childminder further enhances children's experiences through regular outings and visits to local and wider places. She provides exceptional opportunities for children's physical play, outdoor learning and healthy routines.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have deep and trusting relationships with the childminder. They show positive attitudes to their learning through eagerness, perseverance and cooperation with their peers. Children are also confident to seek comfort, guidance and praise when needed. The childminder ensures that children feel safe and secure at all times. Her thorough understanding of each child helps her to provide highly personalised support. Children thrive in the childminder's care. They develop strong social and emotional skills. Children leave the setting very well prepared for the next stages of their development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes impeccable behaviour. She maintains well-defined and consistent boundaries for children. For example, while walking independently from the driveway, she reminds children where and when to stop, and they follow her instructions. The childminder also encourages children to take turns on play equipment, such as the slide, sliding pole and turntables. This supports positive interactions and ensures that all children enjoy the activities. n The childminder is highly responsive to children's needs. She provides consistent support to help them to develop their physical skills. The childminder encourages and reassures children as they work towards achieving goals, such as confidently sliding down the pole on the climbing frame. This support helps children to develop their coordination, confidence and a sense of achievement in their physical abilities. n Using her expert knowledge, the childminder provides learning opportunities that

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need to do better?

1 September 2025 build on and extend children's existing skills. For example, she incorporates counting into play by counting her own legs and all the children's legs. This encourages children to extend their counting skills. The childminder has an ambitious and carefully sequenced approach that develops children's early numeracy. n The childminder offers a rich and imaginative curriculum that promotes children's confidence, language and communication. During story time, children explore the sounds Humpty Dumpty makes when he falls. Children confidently share their ideas. These activities provide exceptional opportunities to expand children's vocabulary, express ideas and engage in creative thinking. The childminder provides a curriculum that is inclusive, engaging and responsive to children's interests. n The childminder is exceptionally confident in discussing all children's learning and next steps. She meticulously personalises planning to target each child's

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need to do better?

unique needs. This ensures that activities are achievable and extend children's learning. The childminder actively collaborates with other professionals to access timely support and referrals. This enables children to make measurable progress, build confidence and participate fully in learning activities. n The childminder has high expectations of all children, enabling her to quickly identify those who may need additional support. She actively seeks guidance from other professionals. This ensures timely interventions. It also helps to address gaps in children's learning promptly and support their consistent progress. n The childminder has excellent partnerships with parents and carers. She keeps them fully informed about children's learning and development, providing regular updates throughout the day. Parents have a high level of trust and confidence in the childminder. This positive engagement with parents supports children's

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need to do better?

transitions and development. It also ensures continuity of care between home and the setting. n The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence and professional development. She follows an effective continuous professional development system. The childminder attends training regularly, and promptly updates her knowledge when changes occur. She also reviews and updates her policies and procedures. This proactive approach enhances the well-being of all children in her care.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number EY357976 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10408161 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 6 Date of previous inspection 27 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Marden, Kent. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder provides government-funded childcare. She holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation.

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Inspection activities

1 September 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

1 September 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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