Childminder in Wiltshire

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in the care of this highly experienced childminder. Her warm and positive approach helps children feel completely secure, happy and relaxed. They love spending time with the childminder and her family,. They build strong bonds with her and each other. Children eagerly join in with planned activities or become engrossed in their own play. Children enjoy playing together, such as riding to 'work' in the truck. Children have excellent imaginations and find inspiration from the wealth of interesting activities and stories they experience. For example, they find a stick and become a 'wicked witch' who casts range of spells with their 'wand'. They learn invaluable social skills and communicate clearly with an impressive vocabulary.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder has the highest expectations for what every child can achieve. She supports and challenges less-confident children, and, with her warm praise and encouragement, they learn new skills quickly and delight in their own achievements. Children spend a great deal of time outside, where they gain a deep understanding of the natural world and a great curiosity and enthusiasm to explore. For example, they watch wildlife, sow seeds, and tend flowers and vegetables in the garden. Children are very eager learners and quickly gain the skills they need to succeed in their future learning.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for hygiene reasons, the childminder has restricted the number of toys children play with at one time. She found they play more imaginatively and more cooperatively. Because of these unexpected benefits, she has retained this practice.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder plans an ambitious curriculum which is designed to give children a wealth of experiences. She helps them gain a breadth of knowledge about the world around them, and the vocabulary to understand and express their ideas clearly. She has a clear understanding of what children need to learn. As she plays with the children, she constantly checks their knowledge and understanding. She builds gradually on this, making sure that they have time to practise and consolidate their skills before moving on. This gives children an extremely solid foundation for their future education. Children make rapid progress from their starting points. n Children benefit enormously from many trips to interesting places in their local community and further afield. For example, they catch the train to Bristol and see a giant model whale made from discarded plastic. The childminder teaches them about sustainability, and they talk about what they can do to help save the

p.2

need to do better?

planet. Back at home, they make their own models from rubbish. Children are

p.2

need to do better?

31 January 2022 thoughtful and have a mature understanding of such issues. n The childminder understands the critical importance of developing children's language and communication skills, which she supports exceptionally well. She has thought-provoking conversations with children, such as imagining what it would be like to fly. Children very confidently express their ideas and develop great fluency. The childminder reads to the children every day. She ensures that children understand the stories and explains unfamiliar words clearly. For example, they discover that 'cry' can mean 'shout' or 'sob'. n The childminder places a strong emphasis on children learning through first- hand experiences. They learn to manage risk and develop exceptionally good physical skills. For example, they climb up to a raised walkway cut high into the hedge. The childminder constantly plans exciting new challenges, such as

p.2

need to do better?

building a climbing wall to traverse the hallway. Children of all ages develop great strength and coordination using the indoor yoga swing. n The childminder knows each child exceptionally well and she keeps a close check on their progress. She is alert to children's needs and adapts her practice to meet these precisely. For example, she meets frequently with other childminders, to ensure that children who have had limited opportunities to socialise, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now have regular opportunities to make relationships and socialise in a bigger group. n The ambitious childminder reflects on all aspects of her provision and is keen to maintain and improve on her extremely high standards of practice. She keeps herself up to date, attends training, shares ideas with other professionals and reads widely to deepen her knowledge. She constantly seeks ways to improve children's experiences. For example, she has made a large, covered area at the

p.3

need to do better?

rear of her house, so that children can play outside comfortably regardless of the weather.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder places a high priority on children's safety. She completes regular training so that she fully understands how to recognise when a child may be at risk of harm. She is confident about when and how to share her concerns with the appropriate agencies. She builds extremely trusting relationships with children and their families so that she can help them deal with any concerns or seek appropriate support at an early stage. The childminder helps children learn to respect themselves and others. For example, she gives them the confidence and language to tell others to stop if they do not like what they are doing.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 144856 Local authority Wiltshire Inspection number 10125461 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 9 September 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1989 and lives in the village of Market Lavington, Wiltshire. She operates during term time from 7am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder has a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in childcare and development. She provides funded early education for three-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector had a learning walk with the childminder. They discussed the learning environment and how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector spoke to the children and the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector observed activities and the childminder's interactions with children throughout the inspection. n The inspector sampled relevant documentation. n The inspector read written feedback from parents and took account of their views.

p.4

Inspection activities

31 January 2022 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

31 January 2022 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6