Childminder in Oxfordshire

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 experienced childminder provides a safe environment where children feel secure. She builds warm relationships with the children and they feel comfortable and happy in her care. Children develop the confidence to ask the childminder for her help and make independent choices about what to do. For example, they decide to fetch some books to look at with the childminder and later choose to do some colouring. Children are curious and the childminder responds to their questions and ideas. For instance, young children explore the sand during an activity, with small world animals. When one child decides they want to climb in and explore the sand further, she allows them to do this and initiates a discussion about how the sand feels. Children willingly follow instructions and understand the boundaries for their behaviour.

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The provision is good

All children benefit from having access to a wide range of activities. Children are beginning to identify, name and match colours and the childminder models simple counting for young children in their play and routines. This supports them to develop a basic mathematical knowledge before they leave for school. The childminder provides consistent opportunities for children to repeat and recap on prior learning. For example, when looking at cards and books, the childminder slowly models and repeats the words 'squirrel' and 'dragonfly,' and recalls how the children have seen these in her garden. This allows children time to practise and consolidate what they have learned.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear curriculum. She knows children well and plans activities to follow children's interests and what they need to learn next. The childminder gathers detailed information about children and their families from the start. She uses this, along with her own assessments of children's learning, to plan for the next steps in their development. Children make good progress from their starting points. n Partnerships with parents are highly successful. The childminder shares information about the children's progress and encourages parents to be involved in their child's learning. Parents report that their children enjoy attending and feel very much at home with the childminder. n Overall, activities support children's development well. The childminder provides opportunities to introduce new words and vocabulary to the children in her care. She knows the importance of children's exposure to rich language opportunities

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need to do better?

and she models language well. However, at times, the childminder does not fully consider the impact of background noise such as music on children during focused activities. This means that on occasion some children become distracted and find it difficult to maintain focus, so do not fully benefit from the intended

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need to do better?

12 June 2024 learning. n The childminder has warm, trusting relationships with children in her care. Children enjoy spending time with her and show that they feel safe and happy. The childminder supervises children closely and is quick to notice when they appear hungry, thirsty or tired. n Children benefit from good opportunities to build on their independence. The childminder encourages children to develop self-care skills, such as toileting independently and tidying away toys before moving onto another activity. Children behave well. The childminder is quick to remind them calmly on the rare occasion they have forgotten that they must share the toys. She encourages and praises children as they take great pride in their growing independence. n The childminder understands that outdoor learning and fresh air and exercise are important for children's health. The childminder plans opportunities for children to be outdoors during the day, in her secure garden and takes them into

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need to do better?

the local community. For example, children take trips to local parks and the local library. In addition, they take the bus to a local farm. This supports children's need for physical exercise, strengthens their developing muscles and promotes their overall well-being. n Children learn about good hygiene. They know they need to wash their hands before and after eating and the childminder talks to them about germs. They also learn about staying safe. For example, the childminder reminds them why they need to be sitting down when eating at the low-level chairs and table and why they should not climb onto the low table. n The childminder has established secure partnerships with the local pre-school children attend. However, she has not developed as effective partnerships with all other settings that children attend. This leads to some inconsistencies in sharing information for some children. n The childminder is committed to enhancing her professional development. For

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need to do better?

example, she attends webinars and shares good practice with other childminders in her area. The childminder understands the importance of professional development to improve her knowledge and practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n create an environment that supports children's ability to concentrate and focus on their chosen activity, with specific regard to managing noise levels

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should:

12 June 2024 n develop partnerships with all other settings that children attend to promote consistency and to share relevant information for all children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY406650 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10346092 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 6 Date of previous inspection 7 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Abingdon, in Oxfordshire. The childminder opens five days a week, from 7:30am to 5:30pm, throughout the year, except for public holidays and family holidays. The childminder has a level 3 qualification in childcare.

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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 completed a learning walk with the childminder through all areas of the premises used by the children. n Parents shared their views through written feedback. The inspector took these views into account. n The inspector talked to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder carried out a joint observation with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

12 June 2024 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 June 2024 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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