Childminder in West Berkshire

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 feel safe, secure and confident in the childminder's care. They learn about respecting others, including developing an awareness of being kind to their friends. Children benefit from a wide range of outings and learning experiences in their local community. For example, they enjoy song time at the library, visit the childminder's allotment, and attend an outdoor toddler group.

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The provision is good

The childminder has a secure understanding of her curriculum. She understands children's individual learning needs very well and what they need to learn next. The childminder identifies any emerging gaps in children's development. She provides tailored support and activities to help close these. Overall, children receive consistent and effective support from the childminder. This helps children to gain the skills and knowledge they need for the next stage of their learning.

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The provision is good

Children take part enthusiastically in varied and interesting activities in the well- considered learning environment. In particular, the garden offers children a broad range of opportunities to build on their interests and learning. For example, a water and music 'wall'. This enables children to experiment and use their physical skills to tip, pour and make musical sounds. Children develop their independence very well. They learn to safely use china jugs to pour their own drinks and use a spoon to put their healthy snack onto their plate.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has reflected on the impact of COVID-19 for children and parents very well. She has implemented a range of very thoughtful approaches to support parents and children through this time. This includes sensitive and supportive settling-in arrangements. For instance, the childminder met parents and children in nearby parks to get to know them, when they could not visit her home. In addition, for children already settled with her, she provided activities for them and their parents at the front of her home. For example, they picked fresh produce together, which children had helped to grow. n Parents speak highly about the childminder. They comment very positively about the care of their children and the service she provides. The childminder uses a wide range of strategies to connect with parents, including an online system, and daily verbal and written feedback. The childminder also understands the

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need to do better?

importance of effective partnership working with other settings children attend. She shares information with them to promote a consistent approach. n The childminder helps parents to continue their child's learning at home. For example, she provides ideas and suggestions based on her observations of children's interests in books, activities, and resources. She provides information about children's learning, including where they may need more support. In

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need to do better?

21 March 2022 addition, the childminder effectively uses children's home experiences and builds on these. This helps to support continuity for children's ongoing learning. n Children have fun and engage in their play and learning well. They help make choices from the different activities on offer. The childminder engages children's interest in activities with her effectively. For example, when reading a story to them, she ensures they can see the pictures, and she uses different tones of voice. She leaves gaps for children to fill in the words and phrases from the book. This helps children remember, recall, and repeat these which promotes their language skills securely. However, at times, the childminder does not consistently extend children's learning as well as possible, to help enhance their learning even further. For example, she sometimes does not build further on discussions with children. n Children are physically active, indoors and outdoors. They develop their stamina,

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need to do better?

muscles and coordination effectively. They go out for frequent walks and learn to take appropriate risks. For instance, as they walk over low-level balancing beams in different ways. Children learn about healthy eating, including through helping to grow fruit and vegetables. Children use good manners. For example, at snack times they say 'thank you', using words and Makaton signing. n The childminder reflects on her practice and service very well. She has made improvements to her setting, including improving the activities and resources to support children's learning outside. She has shown a strong commitment to her professional development and has completed varied training. The childminder is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. This has had a very positive impact on the quality of her practice and provision.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a broad and effective understanding of safeguarding matters. She demonstrates a secure awareness of her responsibilities to act on any concerns relating to children or adults. The childminder knows how to recognise possible indicators that would raise her concerns and how to manage these. This includes making referrals to outside agencies. The childminder has completed relevant training, which also covered wider safeguarding issues. She takes effective steps to help keep children safe. For example, she uses appropriate safety equipment and completes risk assessments of her home and outings.

p.3

should:

n build further on the already good quality of interactions, to help enhance children's learning and progress to a higher level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY558495 Local authority West Berkshire Inspection number 10190661 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 5 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. She lives in Theale, near Reading, Berkshire. The childminder is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. She offers her service, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm, all year round except for family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder talked to the inspector about her curriculum intentions and how she supports individual children's learning. n The inspector interacted with children and observed their play, activities and routines during the inspection. n Parents provided written feedback to the inspector with their views about the childminder's service. n The childminder and inspector evaluated an activity together. n The childminder and inspector held discussions at suitable times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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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