Mercer, Donna Rebecca

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children form close relationships with the nurturing childminder, who works hard to ensure that children feel confident and secure in her care. The childminder provides clear boundaries for children and has a consistent approach to promoting appropriate behaviour. Children receive an abundance of affection and praise for their efforts and achievements throughout the day, demonstrating they feel safe and secure. Children from a young age begin to develop confidence and high self- esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder has clear intentions for children's learning. She supports children to develop good levels of communication and speech. The childminder is skilled at introducing new words to build on children's exposure to rich language opportunities. For example, she encourages lots of conversations that prompt children to start to use their own increasing range of words. For instance, following a planting activity, young children are able to name sunflowers, seeds, lavender and rhubarb. This supports their developing language skills.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder offers children learning experiences she knows they will enjoy and that will encourage them to focus for prolonged periods. For example, children enjoy chalking with chalks on the patio and rocking back, and forth on the rocker in the garden. She engages them in ball games so they can practise how to catch and throw accurately. In addition, children enjoy blowing though the large wand to create the bubbles. Children's physical development is supported well.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder provides a carefully planned curriculum to consistently build on children's knowledge and skills. She introduces new topics well to ignite children's curiosity and find out what they already know and can do. For example, children thoroughly enjoy exploring planting their individual sunflowers using their creative skills to decorate their individual pots. The childminder checks children's understanding and provides clear explanations and demonstrations to support their progress. n Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder is a positive role model and her expectations for every child are high. For example, she encourages children to say please and thank you from a young age. Children practise their turn- taking and sharing skills. The childminder praises children's kind actions and words, which motivates them to act in a similar way again. Children show confidence and resilience as they learn how to care for themselves and the

p.2

need to do better?

environment around them. n The childminder supports children to develop their independence with hygiene routines, including wiping their faces and washing their hands. The childminder

p.2

need to do better?

12 May 2025 interacts well with children and uses effective teaching methods to encourage them to complete tasks themselves. For example, when children put their shoes on the wrong feet, she supports them with gentle instructions, until they are successful. Children from a young age, attempt tasks themselves, such as putting on and taking off their coats and pulling up clothes, after toileting. n Overall, parent partnerships are strong. The childminder shares regular information on the children's developmental progress. Parents comment on how their children have grown in confidence, since attending the setting. However, there are less opportunities of how parents can support their children's learning at home, to ensure there is a more consistent approach to learning. n Key-person relationships are very effective. Interactions are kind and gentle, and children build strong relationships with the experienced and nurturing

p.2

need to do better?

childminder. n The childminder values the importance of continuous professional development. By attending regular training and participating in networking opportunities, the childminder continually develops her knowledge and improves areas of her provision, which, in turn supports the children in her care. n The childminder places an importance on children learning about their community and the wider world around them. Children attend a weekly toddler group and take regular walks in the surrounding areas where they have the freedom to explore in their play and learning.

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 develop sharing strategies of how parents can support their children's learning at home further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY416451 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10388328 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 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 8 July 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010. She lives in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The childminder operates Mondays to Thursdays from 7:30am to 4pm all year round. She receives government funding to provide early education for children aged from two to three years. The childminder has an appropriate level 3 qualification in childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector completed a learning walk with the childminder, through all areas of the premises used by the children. n Parents shared their views through written feedback. The inspector took these views into account. n The inspector talked to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at a sample of the documentation. This included evidence about suitability and qualification records.

p.4

Inspection activities

12 May 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

12 May 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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