King, Elena

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant provide a warm and welcoming environment. They work closely with parents right from the start and spend time getting to know children well. The childminder's curriculum places a strong focus on children's developing independence, and personal, social and emotional skills. She embeds this well through daily activities and routines. For example, she is calm and patient, and gives children gentle reminders to tidy away toys. She encourages children to take on small responsibilities, such as helping to set up the table at snack time. Children listen and take on these tasks with enthusiasm. Furthermore, they show impeccable manners and naturally pass bowls of fruit to their friends. The childminder consistently praises children for their kindness to others, which helps to boost their self-esteem and confidence.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy many opportunities to be physically active. The childminder's emphasis on promoting children's health and well-being helps to promote a positive attitude to exercise. For instance, older children practise hopping on one leg. They delight as they dance and explore how to move their bodies in different ways. Younger children concentrate and are keen to learn new skills. They build the muscles in their arms and shoulders as they practise their throwing skills with resources such as balloons. The childminder takes children on walks to local parks to help develop and widen their skills even further.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder regularly assesses children's on-going progress. She uses children's interests to support them to develop a positive attitude to learning. For instance, she builds on their early writing skills and introduces pens and note pads into their pretend play. Children are confident communicators and share their thoughts and ideas with others. They take pleasure in forming their own menu and delight in taking food orders in their restaurant. n The childminder models some words and provides a narrative as children engage in their play. She asks open questions and introduces new vocabulary, such as worldwide food dishes to add to their menu. However, on occasion, the childminder places a stronger focus on the interactions and learning of older children. Therefore, at times, younger children's developing speech is not given as much support as that of their older peers. n Children thoroughly enjoy exploring their local community. The childminder takes

p.2

need to do better?

them on regular outings, such as to feed the ducks at the river, and to visit the local library. Children eagerly engage with others at community groups and take pleasure in trips to a nearby café. These experiences help children develop their social skills and learn how to adapt to different environments. n The childminder supports children's independence and self-care needs well. For

p.2

need to do better?

7 March 2025 example, children confidently choose resources to play and explore with. They successfully change into dressing-up outfits and independently negotiate different roles. The childminder talks to children about the importance of washing their hands. She gives them support and encouragement to carefully peel fruit at snack time. n The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour and sets clear rules and boundaries to guide them. She models how to treat others with kindness and respect. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in her care, and have established close and trusting bonds with the childminder and any assistants she works with. Older children are kind to their younger peers and crouch down to their level to speak to them. All children play happily both alongside and with their friends. n The childminder forms strong partnerships with parents. She communicates daily

p.2

need to do better?

about what their children have been doing and works closely alongside them to help monitor their children's on-going development. Parents praise the childminder's warm and welcoming approach. They say they are happy with the progress their children are making. n The childminder regularly reflects on her own practice and setting. She successfully gathers the views of parents and children to help her to evaluate the service she provides. This enables her to continue to enhance her good provision even more. Recent training has helped her to further enhance the curriculum.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n strengthen interactions with younger children to continually support and enhance their speech and language skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 116997 Local authority Reading Inspection number 10380758 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 10 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 21 June 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001. She lives in Reading, Berkshire. She works with an assistant and offers care Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, all year round. The childminder holds a level 4 childcare qualification. She provides government funded childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

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 communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector took into account of the written views of parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector spoke to the childminder's assistant at convenient times during the inspection.

p.4

Inspection activities

7 March 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

7 March 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6