Childminder in Swindon

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 thrive in the care of this skilled childminder. They enjoy a very close relationship with her and she fosters this carefully. For example, she uses nappy- changing time to make eye contact and interact, explaining what she is doing and showing children respect. Children are very settled and secure in her care and she ensures that they are safe at all times. For example, young children wear a backpack with reins when out walking on country lanes and the childminder explains why this is necessary. Young children build excellent social skills, playing happily with others and sitting patiently with them for snack and story time. They also have frequent opportunities to go out in the local community and meet a diverse range of children and adults. They relish getting fully engaged in activities and are eager to try new things, such as scrunching crushed cereal to explore the texture.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder knows children exceptionally well and takes every opportunity to support their individual learning. She helps a young child practise walking in wellington boots by encouraging them to play in muddy puddles. She introduces new vocabulary such as 'splashing' and 'stomping' and talks about the mud and how it is dirty. She works exceptionally closely with parents to help children catch up if there are any delays in their development, and this helps children make rapid progress from their starting points.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an an excellent understanding of what she wants children to learn and aims to give them as many opportunities to be ready for the next stage in learning as possible. She makes frequent observations of children's progress and assesses these carefully to identify what they need to do next. She incorporates what she knows about their interests to plan and provide activities that capture their curiosity, meet their individual next steps and extend their learning. For example, she helps children learn to name different objects by setting up a toy-farm activity, and then takes them to see real farm animals to extend and embed their learning further. n Children have excellent opportunities to learn about nature and growth. They frequently visit a local farm and a country park where they can observe wildlife. They enjoy seeing chickens and horses and show great excitement when a sheep comes up to the fence and they can observe it at close quarters.

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need to do better?

n The childminder helps young children to learn about sharing and taking turns. She seamlessly introduces the concept of taking turns as they put haybales into the toy barn, and she starts putting them in too and talks about whose turn it is. . n Children learn about healthy lifestyles through highly effective regular routines

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need to do better?

12 May 2023 and discussion. They confidently go to wash their hands and sing a handwashing song before eating. The childminder talks to children about how milk will make them strong. She shares information with parents about healthy eating as well as discussing it with the children. n The childminder works exceptionally closely with her co-minder and the co- minder's assistant to reflect on the quality of their provision. They frequently observe each other's practice to help develop their teaching skills and identify areas for further development. The childminder has completed training since her last inspection, such as a course on early life experiences, to keep her skills up to date. The childminder is keen to give children a voice. For example, older children told her they wanted to do cartwheels on the field regularly so she has now built this into her weekly planning. n The childminder works extremely closely with parents to meet children's needs.

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need to do better?

She suggests ways in which they can support specific aspects of their children's learning and discusses whether they have identified any next steps for their children's development at home. She keeps them well informed, and she and her co-minder use a regular newsletter to share a wide variety of information. For example, they sent out information about ways to tackle the cost of living crisis. n The childminder provides excellent support for young children's emerging communication skills. She reads books, sings and talks to children, frequently introducing new words and opportunities to use them. Where children have delays in their communication she works with their parents to use highly effective strategies, such as signing, to help them catch up quickly.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of possible signs that a child may be at risk of harm. She confidently describes varied safeguarding issues, including the risk of radicalisation, county lines and online safety. She has first-hand experience of identifying concerns and taking action to protect children. The childminder provides a safe environment for children and is proactive about teaching them about how to stay safe. For example, she explains to young children that nettles can sting and teaches them not to touch them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY496843 Local authority Swindon Inspection number 10289677 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 7 Date of previous inspection 15 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016. She lives in Highworth, near Swindon. She holds a childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder is able to receive funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. She works with a co-childminder and the co-childminder's assistant.

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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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure those are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

12 May 2023 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

12 May 2023 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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