Childminder in Reading

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

The experienced childminder creates a stimulating and appealing learning environment, indoors and outdoors. She plans rich play opportunities to enhance children's curiosity and creativity. The childminder demonstrates an impressive knowledge of child development, which she uses effectively to design a varied and ambitious curriculum. Children flourish in their surroundings, freely choosing to play in the purpose-built playroom or the garden. They explore and investigate independently, as well as with the childminder and assistants. Children demonstrate a true love for learning, which is further promoted by parents regularly giving feedback on their development at home. In this way, children make good progress.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistants form strong and affectionate bonds with children. They celebrate children's uniqueness and efforts in everything they do. This leads to children beaming with pride and confidence. There is a high priority placed on children's emotional well-being. The childminder is quick to notice and offer extra care if children do not seem their usual selves. Children know they can always approach the childminder if feeling in a certain way, and she will actively respond. This shows they feel safe and secure in her care.

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The provision is good

Children are aware of the high expectations set for their behaviour. In addition, they understand and follow routines well. They know what is going to happen next, which positively impacts their good behaviour. In turn, this contributes to a harmonious and productive learning environment for all.

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need to do better?

n A strong emphasis is placed on developing children's communication and language skills. The childminder successfully instils the importance of reading stories, singing songs and learning rhymes. She reads with passion and children respond by being fully immersed as they listen intently. Older children cleverly answer questions about the story, using the language they hear. Two-way conversations flow readily, particularly with the childminder and children. Furthermore, those who speak English as an additional language are appropriately supported to progress in their speech. n Children's self-care is promoted well, from the outset. For instance, older children independently use the toilet and remember to wash their hands thoroughly after. They delight in sharing how well they do this. Children persevere at putting on their all weather suits, in preparation for the garden. Those seeking help, ask politely and the childminder skilfully guides them.

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need to do better?

Children persevere and keenly practise to become proficient. These types of activities prepare children well for their eventual move to school. n There are a range of well-planned activities to raise children's awareness of

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need to do better?

3 April 2025 diversity. For example, children put together cut-up pieces of puzzles to reveal their faces. They carefully identify similarities and differences between themselves and others. Discussions include differences in eye colour, hair type and skin tone. Adults at the setting come from diverse backgrounds and effectively talk to children about their traditions, such as why Ramadan is important in Islam. Additionally, the childminder and her team regularly visit the local library, where children select books they are interested in. On outings, children meet people from different walks of life that help them to understand about the diverse world they live in. n Children are excited by learning as they engage purposefully in activities set up to capture their attention. This is evident when older children make play dough with a lavender scent, in a pasta machine. Children use their prior knowledge

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need to do better?

and intelligently explain functions of each of the three settings on the machine. They apply appropriate words they have heard previously, such as 'flat', 'shred' and 'stringy'. Children remain committed to the task, working hard to manoeuvre the handle. This shows that with opportunities to explore and investigate freely, children remember and connect their learning in a meaningful way. n The childminder has an extensive knowledge of how children learn best. For instance, she skilfully uses different types of interactions to extend their learning. Although the childminder has shared these with her team, she is yet to target their professional development to ensure their knowledge is secure and embedded into practice. For example, there are inconsistencies around interactions, specifically those that are not always focused on building on individual children's existing knowledge and skills. This affects the overall

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need to do better?

effectiveness of the provision. n Parents are highly complimentary of the service the childminder provides. They welcome and value the regular communication about their child's progress. Parents attend the setting for community events, such as mother's day tea in the style of 'Alice in Wonderland'. This allows for meaningful discussions about the story line and encourages parents to do similar activities at home. This shared approach helps to raise children's progress, particularly a love for 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 provide personalised professional development opportunities for any assistants and support them further to enhance their interactions with children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY358682 Local authority Reading Inspection number 10340784 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 12 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 28 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007. She operates from a separate purpose-built annex, which has an enclosed outside space in Reading, Berkshire. The childminder's setting is open from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm, all year round. She works with a co-childminder and employs two assistants. 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 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, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder carried out a joint observation of an outdoor activity. n Parents shared their written 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

3 April 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

3 April 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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