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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children settle easily with the very caring childminder, who they form close bonds with. Young toddlers feel confident to seek out the childminder for cuddles and reassurance when needed. The childminder gets to know children very well from the start. She offers effective settling-in processes that help her to understand and meet children's needs securely. These help to build parents and children's confidence effectively in the childminder's care. As a result, children feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. The childminder very calmly promotes children's positive behaviours, such as sharing and turn taking. She encourages children to use good manners appropriately and to develop respectful behaviours towards others.

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The provision is good

Children engage with curiosity as they explore an exciting range of activities. These capture their interest and promote their engagement in play and learning effectively. This was seen during the inspection, when older children used shaving foam and foam bricks to create and build. Children gained important skills for the future, such as working with others. They experimented and made observations about how the foam bricks stuck to real bricks, for example. Overall, the childminder provides teaching that is strong and supportive. She understands what she wants children to learn and promotes their ongoing progress to enable them to become ready for school.

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need to do better?

n Children are happy and develop high levels of confidence in the nurturing childminder's care. They benefit from a very well-resourced learning environment. Children enjoy the activities and are motivated to learn. The childminder plans interesting activities, which promote children's exploration successfully. She offers children choices which helps to keep them engaged in their learning. For example, children made choices of resources to create dough Martians and pizzas. n Overall, the childminder provides a strong level of teaching to children and encourages them to build on their knowledge and skills. For example, during discussions with older children, the childminder introduced new words, such as 'moustache' and 'antennae'. She praises pre-school children for using more complex words and explores their understanding of these. Sometimes, the childminder quickly offers information to pre-school children during discussions.

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need to do better?

This does not fully support children to consider their thoughts and own ideas. n The childminder knows children well. She uses the information she gains about children's backgrounds effectively, including during discussions. For instance, the childminder encourages plenty of discussion with older children, such as about their holidays and days out. Overall, there are good interactions with children. At

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need to do better?

30 August 2024 times though, the childminder does not focus as well as possible on extending younger children's developing language skills. n Children develop confident self-care skills and independence. For example, older children wash their hands before eating without being asked to. In addition, they skilfully peel fruit and manage their own packed lunches. The childminder encourages younger children to have a go at peeling fruit with her support. This helps children to build on their skills over time. n The childminder uses her previous experience and qualifications to provide interesting outings. She provides outings that help children to learn and understand about the world around them. These include exploring local woods to find natural items and visits to parks. In addition, these enable children to be physically active. n Children develop their social skills effectively. The childminder skilfully praises

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need to do better?

children for positive behaviours. She puts a strong emphasis on teamwork and helps children reflect on their behaviours. For example, when minor disagreements arise, the childminder reminds children about the positive behaviour they are capable of, such as taking turns. Children gain an understanding of being responsible, including sweeping the floor after an activity. n The childminder works closely with parents to help her meet children's needs successfully. The childminder understands her role in working with other professionals and settings, when needed, to meet children's needs consistently. Parents' feedback about the childminder's service is highly complimentary. n The childminder recognises the importance of professional development to keep her updated with current practice. She uses new knowledge gained to further enhance the quality of her provision. For example, the childminder puts out different books, such as factual and poetry. This enhances children's awareness

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need to do better?

about gaining information from different types of books.

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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 build on the support for children to consider and use their own thoughts and ideas further n enhance the support for younger children's developing language development, to help extend this more consistently.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2757635 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10349617 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 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered with Ofsted in 2023 and was previously registered with a childminding agency from 2021 to 2023. She lives in Wantage, Oxfordshire. She offers her service Monday to Friday with core hours of 8.15am to 4pm for most of the year. The childminder closes her setting over the Christmas period. The childminder provides funded early education to children aged two and three. She holds a recognised early years level 3 qualification and also has a level 3 forest school qualification.

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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 childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development and how she supports their progress. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Children chatted to the inspector and interacted with her during the inspection. n The childminder and inspector held some discussions during the inspection. n Parents provided written feedback and the inspector took account of their views. n A sample of documentation was reviewed as part of the inspection process.

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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

30 August 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

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

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