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 and nurturing childminder creates a warm and welcoming environment where children feel very much at home. She gets to know the children and ensures that that their interests are catered for. The childminder is very knowledgeable about how children learn and plans a wide variety of activities to ignite curiosity and support development. She focuses on helping children to gain essential skills, such as listening and following instructions and being kind and sociable. The childminder is an excellent role model. She consistently demonstrates kindness and consideration for others. She models good sharing and offers children an abundance of praise for good behaviour choices. Children's well-being is supported effectively. The childminder helps children to become empathetic through activities such as regular visits to a local care home for the elderly.

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The provision is good

The childminder sets clear boundaries and is consistent in her expectations of behaviour. Children benefit from these and the regular routines, and they behave well. Children tidy away toys and resources when they have finished playing with them and learn to share with peers. Older children manage their own needs effectively, such as washing hands before eating, and demonstrate independence skills that they will require when transitioning to school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes children's early speaking and listening skills well. She uses books, songs and nursery rhymes to develop children's language and communication. She provides regular early literacy sessions that help children develop a love of sounds and words. n Children benefit from the wealth of enrichment activities that the childminder provides. Trips to farms and parks provide children with the opportunity to explore and gain a greater understanding of the world around them. Children show wonder and delight when they have the opportunity to handle ducks at the local care home. n Children are enthusiastic in their learning. They settle swiftly, immediately exploring and engaging in play. The childminder knows when to sit back and observe and when to intervene or offer support to promote good behaviour choices or extend learning. For example, when children disagree about whose turn it is next, the childminder diffuses the situation with a game to make this

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need to do better?

decision. n The childminder plans a stimulating and ambitious curriculum that takes account of children's current interests and stages of development. She utilises the vast range of resources effectively and ensures that what is on offer is age- appropriate. She makes good use of ongoing observations and assessments to inform her planning. Overall, children make sound progress. However, at times,

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need to do better?

10 June 2024 planned activities do not have enough focus on what the childminder intends children to learn from them to support their learning further. n The childminder has a strong commitment to children's health. She takes children on walks daily and ensures that they make good use of her spacious and thoughtfully planned garden. She offers children healthy snacks and makes good use of mealtimes to discuss healthy options and the benefits of eating these. Children follow good hygiene practices and are learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle. n Excellent partnerships with parents are in place. The childminder provides daily verbal and written information regarding each child's activities and progress. Parents are highly complementary about the care that their child receives, with many stating that they are '100% satisfied' and 'would not change a thing' about the setting. n The childminder provides a host of activities to support children's small-muscle

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need to do better?

development. She encourages children to use tweezers to move small items, to use spoons to scoop soil into pots and to use pincer grip when using pens during crafting activities. Children are gaining skills to support future readiness for writing. n The childminder regularly evaluates her practice. She attends mandatory training to keep her knowledge and skills relevant and up to date. In addition, she attends a variety of courses to develop her skills further. This includes an early years development course, which she reports has helped support her understanding of how children learn through play.

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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 focus more precisely on specific learning intentions during planned activities to support children's progress even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 134523 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10339358 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 7 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 12 July 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998. She lives in Didcot, Oxfordshire. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 observed the quality of education provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable for children. n The inspector observed a planned, adult-led activity and provided feedback to the childminder. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector through written and verbal feedback. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector tracked the experiences of children and observed activities and interactions.

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Inspection activities

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

10 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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