Childminder in Windsor and Maidenhead

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant provide a warm and nurturing environment. Children show they are happy and feel safe and secure in their care. For instance, babies naturally snuggle up to the childminder when they wake up from their sleep and quickly settle into activities of interest alongside her. Older children show kindness and empathy towards their younger peers. They are patient and spend time helping them to succeed in stacking cups and building towers. Babies express delight as they knock them down alongside their friends, which helps to build on their confidence and self-esteem.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant actively support children's learning through their play. For instance, as children manipulate play dough, the childminder builds on their understanding of shape and size. Children use resources such as tweezers to transport various objects, which helps develop the muscles in their hands and fingers. They practise their early writing skills and make marks in a variety of ways. Babies shake and bang musical instruments and explore the different sounds they make. They join in with action songs and learn to move their bodies in different ways. All children have a positive attitude towards learning and are developing the skills they need in preparation for school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder recognises the positive impact good partnerships with parents have on children's well-being and ongoing progress. She gathers detailed information on children's abilities when they first start and uses this information to help form her initial assessments. She continues to assess children's development and shares their next steps with parents regularly. Parents comment that they value the support and guidance she provides them so they can continue with their children's learning at home. n Children engage in a wide range of activities and thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder's care. However, on occasion, during some activities, the childminder and her assistant do not adapt their level of teaching to ensure younger children fully benefit from and understand the learning that is taking place. n Children's behaviour is good. The childminder uses a variety of strategies to support their good behaviour. Children are encouraged to discuss and talk about

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need to do better?

their feelings and emotions during everyday activities. They are polite, show good manners and use positive language, such as 'please' and 'thank you'. n The childminder actively builds on children's growing independence skills. Children select activities of interest during the day and naturally tidy away toys when they have finished playing with them. They wash their hands after messy play activities and before eating. Children show an understanding of their own

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need to do better?

12 October 2023 personal care needs and know to drink water to stay hydrated. They learn about good oral hygiene and the importance of brushing their teeth. n The childminder places a strong focus on improving children's language and communication skills. She builds on their vocabulary by extending sentences, introducing new words and engaging them in lively conversation. The childminder fosters children's love of books. She uses strategies, such as props, to help children discuss and recall the events of their favourite stories. n The childminder regularly evaluates her provision. She attends training and actively seeks support from other professionals to help build on her skills and knowledge. The childminder supports the professional development of her assistant, such as through regular supervision, coaching and training opportunities. n The childminder builds strong relationships with staff at the other settings

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need to do better?

children also attend. She shares information about children's next steps and ongoing progress. This ensures any gaps in children's learning are swiftly identified and that the relevant support from the appropriate professionals is put in place quickly. n Children have plenty of opportunities to explore their local community. The childminder takes them on outings, such as to local parks and to the river, to feed the ducks and swans. Children attend a local music session and often meet other childminders, where they enjoy playing with their friends. This helps the children to develop their social skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a clear knowledge of how to keep children safe. They understand the different types of abuse and how to recognise the signs and symptoms of neglect. The childminder knows who to contact if she has concerns about a child or if she needs advice and guidance. She knows the process to follow should an allegation be made against herself or anyone in her household. The childminder teaches children how to stay safe. For example, she involves them in fire evacuation drills and talks to them about road safety.

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should:

n consider more closely how to adapt interactions with younger children so that they consistently benefit from all learning opportunities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY495398 Local authority Windsor and Maidenhead Inspection number 10304831 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 12 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 1 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Eton, near Windsor. She cares for children Monday to Thursday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year round. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children. She works with an assistant. The childminder and her assistant hold appropriate childcare qualifications.

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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 their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector took account of the views of parents and carers through discussion and written testimonials. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder observed children during activities and completed a follow-up discussion about children's learning and development. n The inspector spoke to the childminder's assistant and children at appropriate times.

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Inspection activities

12 October 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 October 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

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

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