Childminder in West Berkshire

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 flourish in this nurturing and stimulating environment. They benefit from the caring and calm atmosphere that allows them to naturally grow and make independent choices in their play. Children thoroughly enjoy spending time with the friendly and welcoming childminder, who offers a home-from-home environment for all children. Children behave very well. They show positive attitudes to their play and learning. Children are keen to take part in both self-chosen play and activities that are planned. For example, children delight in exploring a range of recycled materials outdoors as they work collaboratively to decorate and make their own version of a Christmas tree. They develop their fine manipulative skills as they open and attach pegs to hang ornaments on. Children show their coordination skills and their perseverance. They are proud of their achievements and are praised for their efforts.

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The provision is good

Children explore and play with confidence. They know where to find toys and resources and assertively select what to play with. For instance, children enjoy working together to build towers using wooden blocks. Making decisions in this self-assured way helps to enthuse children in their play. Children show a love of books. They carefully listen during story time, in awe of a familiar story. The childminder encourages children to repeat phases and sentences and predict what will happen next. Learning is made fun. Teaching is good, and all children make progress in their development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear overview of each child's development and interests. She continually observes and identifies the next stages for their learning. Overall, these targets are then incorporated into teaching and activities to help children to progress. n Children benefit from a fun and varied curriculum that fosters children's confidence, independence and communication skills effectively. The childminder plans and delivers stimulating learning experiences to build on what children already know and can do. Children are well supported to make progress through an ambitious curriculum. n The childminder supports children's language development well. She talks to children as they play and builds on their vocabulary by introducing words and building up to complex sentences for more able children. She encourages back- and-forth conversations and asks age-appropriate questions to encourage children to talk about their play. She asks questions to check children's

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need to do better?

understanding and to extend learning. n The childminder offers first-hand experiences for children to learn about the wider world around them. The childminder provides regular opportunities for

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need to do better?

16 December 2024 outdoor play and they frequently visit the woods and different open spaces, parks and groups. A variety of outings help children to broaden their social skills, knowledge of the world and community they live in. n Children enjoy their activities and remain interested in them for good periods of time. For example, when the childminder prepares a gingerbread dough activity, children become highly engaged and explore the different objects and tools with great interest. However, on occasion, the childminder does not consistently use all opportunities that arise through play and routines to further develop children's mathematical understanding. n The childminder helps children learn about diversity and people from around the world. For example, children explore a range of festivals and celebrations. This helps to broaden children's knowledge about different cultures and communities. n The childminder promotes positive relationships with parents, whose feedback is

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need to do better?

extremely positive. The childminder shares information about the progress that children are making in her care and a summary of the activities on a daily basis. She understands that parents play a vital role in continuing children's learning at home. However, when children also attend another early years setting, the childminder has not considered sharing or gathering information with staff about children's development and achievements. The childminder understands that this will help to provide more consistency for supporting children's learning. n The childminder is reflective and regularly evaluates the care and education she provides. She understands the importance of continuous professional development opportunities and is keen to build on her existing knowledge. For instance, she has recently completed training on the curiosity approach, with her aim to become more sustainable and to rescue, re-use and recycle everyday

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need to do better?

objects. She is proactive at seeking additional training to enhance her knowledge and skills.

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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 use all opportunities as they arise during children's play and routines to further develop their understanding of mathematical concepts n strengthen partnerships with other settings that children attend to share and gather information about children's development and achievements.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2666109 Local authority West Berkshire Inspection number 10367427 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 Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Upper Basildon in Berkshire. She operates from 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. She holds an early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for children aged two and three years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder took the inspector on a tour of all areas of the premises to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. n The inspector carried out a joint inspection of a focus activity with the childminder. The inspector discussed learning activities and assessed the quality and impact of teaching on the children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of all those living in the household. She also sampled documentation, including evidence of paediatric first-aid training. n The inspector took account of the parents' views through their written comments. n The inspector discussed the childminder's self-evaluation processes and plans for improvement. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and the children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

16 December 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

16 December 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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