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 Good

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The provision is good

Children develop and progress well in the care of this nurturing and attentive childminder. She forms loving bonds with children, placing them at the heart of everything she does. The childminder treats children as unique individuals and knows them extremely well. For example, she gives children ample opportunities to show and talk about items they bring from home. In addition, she consults parents to successfully promote children's own cultures, languages and traditions. Children confidently share their home experiences in lively and engaging conversations. This contributes to their increasing self-esteem and sense of identity.

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The provision is good

There is lots of laughter, fun and celebration, where children enjoy each others company. The childminder offers generous praise when children follow the clear rules and boundaries she sets. As a result, children demonstrate impressive social skills and good manners, which they practise regularly through consistent routines. The childminder is a strong role model, who effectively supports children's emotional well-being to help them feel secure and understood.

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The provision is good

Outdoor learning is a key feature of the childminder's varied curriculum. She embraces children's natural curiosity and deepens their understanding with clear explanations to questions they ask. Children love to learn new things and readily recall past events with enthusiasm. The childminder organises ample outings in the local area, such as to a local care home for the elderly. Children play games, chat and learn about the resident's experiences. These visits help children to appreciate intergenerational relationships, and are particularly valuable for those whose extended families live abroad.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is extremely passionate about her role, and demonstrates a clear commitment to continuous professional development. She carefully reflects on her practice and undertakes relevant training to further improve outcomes for children. For example, she explores ways to strengthen children's management of their self-care routines, working on the more tricky tasks, such as developing their competence to use cutlery more efficiently. n Mathematics is skilfully woven into everyday routines. For instance, children take on roles of responsibility, such as setting the table for lunchtime. The childminder guides them to think mathematically. She prompts them to consider quantities, patterns and comparisons, using words like 'same', 'different', 'more' and 'less'. Real-life situations of early mathematics, such as these, effectively support children's readiness for school. n The childminder creates an inclusive and language-rich environment, where

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need to do better?

children become competent talkers. She fosters high-quality interactions and

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need to do better?

24 April 2025 encourages children to learn to be respectful listeners. The childminder ensures that all children, including those who can sometimes be more reserved, are given space to contribute during discussions. This helps children express themselves with confidence. To further support children's increasing vocabulary, the childminder successfully nurtures children's love for books. She reads their favourite stories with enthusiasm, which helps to motivate children to retell these with detail and expression. n Raising children's awareness of adopting a healthy lifestyle is a priority. The childminder provides children with nutritious home-cooked meals, that they thoroughly enjoy. Children talk positively about vegetables, knowing these are healthy food choices. Weekly outdoor sessions in woodlands offer large spaces for children's active play and exploration, such as opportunities to run and climb.

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need to do better?

Children's knowledge of good hygiene routines is demonstrated well as they thoroughly wash their hands before meals. In this way, children successfully learn ways to stay fit and develop good habits for life. n The childminder has a thorough understanding of child development. She meticulously plans stimulating activities based on children's interests, needs and abilities. For example, the childminder provides materials, such as wooden planks and toy cars, to encourage children's problem-solving through play. Although she knows children's ability to critically think is important, at times, the childminder steps in too quickly to solve any minor challenges. During such moments, children's use of own knowledge and skills to work through problems themselves becomes limited. Consequently, children do not always experience opportunities to test their own ideas or build their resilience to the fullest. n Partnerships with parents are extremely well-established. The childminder keeps

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need to do better?

parents informed about children's routines, care and learning on a regular basis. She provides detailed termly assessments, alongside information on next steps in children's development. The childminder spends quality time with parents and shares ideas to continue children's learning at home. Parents state how well their children's interests are deepened through the childminder's proactive approach, such as growing a real passion for dancing to music.

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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 extend opportunities for children to make their own decisions to solve problems independently, in order to lead their own play and build resilience even more.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549387 Local authority Reading Inspection number 10394882 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 3 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 30 September 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017. She lives in Reading, Berkshire. She operates Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, between 8am and 5.30pm, for most of the year. 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, 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 a group 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

24 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

24 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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