Childminder in Hampshire

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 thoroughly enjoy their time at this nurturing and welcoming environment. They freely explore the different rooms, which are full of resources for children to access themselves. The childminder works closely with parents to find out about children's learning and development when they start. She uses this information to focus her support when planning for children's next steps. For example, adults plan a sensory activity where children use spoons to collect rice and tip into containers. This has been carefully designed with certain children in mind, to strengthen their control and transfer these skills to using spoons to feed themselves.

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The provision is good

The curriculum is varied and broad to ensure all children acquire the knowledge and skills to help prepare them for their eventual move to school. For instance, there is a strong focus on developing children's speech and widening their vocabulary. As children engage with resources that interest them, the younger ones begin to correctly name different animals, such as shark and turtle. Older children hold meaningful and interesting conversations about topics they find fascinating.

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The provision is good

The childminder and any assistants she works with, use age-appropriate behaviour management strategies with children. They consistently display a calm and sensitive manner. From an early age, children are supported to share, take turns and develop an awareness of other's needs as well as their own. This is illustrated when older children copy positive phrases that adults use, to praise their friend's efforts. This helps to create a mutually respectful atmosphere.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is committed to driving continual improvement. She identifies areas for development based on her reflective practice and attends training alongside any assistants she works with. For instance, she is currently researching about using different age-appropriate techniques to develop children's self-regulation skills. The childminder plans to work with parents to implement a similar and shared approach. n The childminder and any assistants she works with, establish a strong collaborative approach to enhancing children's learning so they make continual good progress. They enable children to practise and refine their skills, and apply their learning in different situations. For example, children sing songs about horses and then enjoy a story read to them about this animal. They remember and make links from the song to the story. This helps to embed their knowledge. n Outdoor learning is a key feature. Children go on regular walks in the local area,

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need to do better?

as well as further afield, to soft play centres and toddler groups. The walks help them learn about nature. Older children show an understanding of different flowers that bloom in spring and summer. They talk about summer being their

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need to do better?

12 February 2025 favourite season, as they love to watch the sunflowers grow taller. n The childminder exposes children to a language-rich environment and engages them in thoughtful conversations, asking questions that frequently challenge their thinking. Children are keen learners who want to share their experiences, thoughts and ideas. However, the adults are not always reminding children to follow their rules, such as using 'listening ears', to actively pay attention to others when they speak. Consequently, children shout out their responses and views and do not always learn from everyone's contributions. n The adults seize every opportunity for children to practise their counting skills and recognise numbers in their environment. During singing sessions, older children learn to add and subtract. However, at times, the childminder's expectations are beyond children's levels of comprehension. On occasion her

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need to do better?

teaching does not consistently build on children's existing knowledge and skills. For example, during a whole group singing session, some songs are not always suitable for younger children, particularly ones that contain a lot of detail. As a result, they do not fully engage and quickly lose interest. n Children develop good hygiene habits, which contributes to their understanding of how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. They learn to confidently manage self-care tasks, such as washing their hands with soap and drying with paper towels, which are then placed in the bin. The childminder provides nutritious meals and snacks for children. She introduces them to a wide range of foods, often from different cultures, such as noodles. She ensures children have daily access to exercise to promote their health and well-being. n Parents express their delight about the childminder's service and describe her as warm and affectionate. They comment on the thoughtful updates she shares,

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need to do better?

which make them feel included in their children's development. Parents praise the pleasing progress children have made since being in the childminder's care. They comment on children becoming competent communicators and gaining confidence in social situations.

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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 implement ways to consistently encourage and support children's active listening skills and allowing others to share ideas, particularly during group activities n review and strengthen the planning of adult-led activities to build on what each child already knows and can do.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2713265 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10380598 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. She lives in Basingstoke, Hampshire. She employs an assistant. The childminder works Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm, all year round. She holds a childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder is eligible to receive funding to provide free early education for children aged nine months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a communication and language activity. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

12 February 2025 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 February 2025 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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