Childminder in Wokingham

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in the care of this highly qualified childminder. Her warm and positive approach helps children to feel completely secure and confident. Children clearly demonstrate their enjoyment as they engage intently in the activities provided and behave exceptionally well. They show impressive levels of concentration and perseverance as they master and consolidate their skills. For example, children develop the small muscles in their hands and refine their hand- to-eye coordination as they learn to use a range of tools to explore the water and cornflour. Their learning is sensitively and expertly challenged by the childminder. For instance, the childminder models how to move the tools through the mixture and to explore the different textures. This supports young children to develop the essential skills required in preparation for writing.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder's dedication to her role in providing exemplary care and learning experiences is evident in all that she does. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognised the importance of maintaining relationships with children to ensure their emotional security and overall well-being. She read and recorded stories via video links for the children in her care. In addition, she cared for children of key workers. The childminder took the children to local places of interest, such as lakes with walks, to provide a rich variety of experiences when the world was less accessible.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans an ambitious curriculum which is designed to give children a wealth of experiences. She helps them to develop a breadth of knowledge about the world around them. 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 feel immensely secure in the childminder's warm and nurturing care. She gets to know children and their families very well from the start. The childminder has implemented a careful settling-in process, where she learns about children's routines, backgrounds and interests before parents leave children in her care. For example, the childminder arranges visits to the

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need to do better?

children's homes to enhance the smooth transition to her own setting. The childminder uses this information highly effectively to plan and enhance children's experiences, so they make exceptional progress. n Parents highly rate what they consider to be exceptional, flexible and homely care from the childminder. Parents praise the high-quality educational opportunities available to the children. They express how their children 'thrive' in

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need to do better?

8 March 2022 the childminder's care. n The childminder demonstrates an incredibly high level of personal ambition and strives to be the very best childminder that she can. Her qualifications and excellent commitment to continuous professional development have a positive impact on her practice. For example, she has undertaken training and research to support different child development approaches. Her teaching is highly skilful in improving children's learning and ignites children's desire to learn new things. The training she undertakes is highly targeted and relevant. n Children spend a great deal of time outside, where they develop a deep understanding of the natural world and a great curiosity and enthusiasm to explore. For example, they watch wildlife, sow seeds and tend to fruit and vegetables in the garden. Children are very eager learners and quickly acquire the skills they need to succeed in their future learning.

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need to do better?

n Children's health and well-being are supported tremendously well by the childminder. They follow stringent hygiene procedures and enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. Young children show superb independence skills. For example, they wash their hands at the mobile sink and feed themselves. They competently use spoons for their yoghurts. n The childminder understands the critical importance of developing children's language and communication skills, which she supports exceptionally well. Children develop an enormous love of books, reading and singing. The childminder reads and sings with great enthusiasm and expression throughout the day. This successfully builds on children's developing vocabulary.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of her role in keeping children safe. She regularly updates training that provides her with a very secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She maintains an exceptional understanding of the procedures to follow should she need to respond to concerns about the welfare of a child. The childminder has a broad understanding of wider safeguarding concerns, including the potential risk to children with regards to radicalisation and extremism. She meticulously carries out regular checks of the premises and equipment, making sure that children are cared for in an extremely safe and secure environment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2522008 Local authority Wokingham Inspection number 10215021 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 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Woodley, Reading. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Wednesday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 6.

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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 her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector had a learning walk with the childminder through all areas of the premises used by the children. n Parents shared their views through written and verbal feedback. The inspector took account of these views. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity. n Discussions were had with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

8 March 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.

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Inspection activities

8 March 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.

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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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