Childminder in Buckinghamshire

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 dedicated childminder creates an inviting and exciting environment that motivates children to explore and engage in a wide range of stimulating activities. Children confidently play alone, with peers and alongside the childminder. They demonstrate positive attitudes and a strong eagerness to learn. Being inquisitive, they frequently ask the childminder questions to deepen their understanding. From the outset, the childminder prioritises children's emotional well-being. She gathers detailed information from parents about each child's routines, likes and dislikes. This enables children to settle quickly and form safe and secure attachments.

p.2

The provision is good

An ambitious and thoughtfully designed curriculum, centres around seasonal themes and encompasses children's individual interests to underpin their learning. The childminder promotes independence and encourages children to take responsibility for their self-care. For instance, children learn to clean their own noses and extend own play for fun and learning. She uses carefully selected stories and songs to support children's communication and language development. The childminder highlights new words, which older children begin to apply in context. This effectively prepares them for their next stage in education.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder is a positive role model. She consistently recognises and praises children's efforts and achievements, particularly their social skills. Children mirror her warm and respectful manner. They show kindness, cooperation and consideration for one another in abundance.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is committed to ongoing reflection of her work. She provides a well-balanced weekly routine that includes regular outings within the local community. Children relish a variety of trips to explore the world around them, especially the farm, which is particularly popular. Children understand daily routines well and even remind one another of the safety rules, such as wearing their sunhats to stay safe in the sun. These experiences contribute positively to children's holistic development. n Children's communication and language development is promoted effectively. The childminder models new vocabulary and engages children in meaningful two-way conversations, giving them time to think and respond. For example, older children use comparative language such as 'bigger' and 'smaller', when describing the play dough worms they make. Storytime is a highlight, where children are captivated by the childminder's expressive reading. She tailors her

p.2

need to do better?

questioning to each child's developmental stage, ensuring all children are included and engaged. This fosters a genuine love for books and stories. n The childminder regularly observes children to assess their development and

p.2

need to do better?

13 June 2025 plan learning experiences. However, at times, she does not always use these observations for precise identification of children's gaps in learning. This means that opportunities to address these small gaps in development are occasionally missed. Nevertheless, children remain engaged and enthusiastic about the rich experiences on offer. n The childminder carefully organises the setting to promote independence and collaborative play. Children confidently access resources and work together to develop imaginative scenarios. For instance, they role-play shopping in the garden, pushing dolls in prams and selecting pretend food items. These activities show children's creativity and expansion of their learning through play. n The childminder places value on inclusivity and takes initial steps to promote children's awareness of different cultures. For example, she provides culturally diverse craft activities related to celebrations. However, opportunities to explore

p.2

need to do better?

a wider variety of people and their traditions, are not yet fully embedded. As a result, children do not always experience richer opportunities to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of others whose life experiences differ from their own. n Children's care needs are met with sensitivity and respect. The childminder adopts a calm and reassuring approach that provides children with comfort when needed. For example, she speaks gently to children during nappy changes and ensures their dignity is maintained. Regular healthy snacks and drinks support children's well-being and the well-established routines effectively strengthen emotional bonds and security. n Strong partnerships with parents contribute to children's consistent good progress. The childminder communicates daily with parents to share detailed updates about their children's experiences. Parents express high levels of satisfaction and describe the childminder's setting as 'magical'. They appreciate

p.3

need to do better?

offers of practical guidance and ideas for supporting their learning at home. This helps to ensure continuity and reinforcement of children's development.

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 use children's assessment and observations more precisely to plan learning experiences that match each child's individual stage of development n enhance opportunities for children to further explore and discuss similarities and differences between people and communities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY551973 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 10398722 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 11 Date of previous inspection 6 November 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. She cares for children Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm for most of the year. The childminder is eligible to receive funding to provide free early years education for children aged nine months to four years. The childminder works with a co- childminder and a part-time assistant.

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 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 childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a group 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

13 June 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

13 June 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