Childminder in West Berkshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder provides excellent care in a nurturing and welcoming environment. She knows the children well and has a deep understanding of each child's unique needs. The childminder creates a space where children feel valued, secure and confident. This allows them to thrive emotionally and socially.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder delivers an exceptional and inspiring curriculum that sparks curiosity and a genuine love for learning. Children are immersed in engaging experiences that encourage them to explore, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Children eagerly share their newfound knowledge. For instance, they proudly explain the importance of leaving flowers untouched so that bees can collect pollen to make honey, demonstrating how well they absorb and apply what they've learned.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder sets high standards of behaviour by displaying kindness, patience and respect in her interactions. Children naturally mirror these qualities, displaying impeccable manners and genuine consideration for others. For example, children actively support and include one another in their play, building a strong sense of belonging and teamwork. They warmly welcome newcomers, making the setting a space where everyone feels valued. Children develop into compassionate, respectful individuals.

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need to do better?

n The childminder creates a thoughtfully planned learning environment. Activities are carefully sequenced to ensure progress, enabling children to build their knowledge with confidence and enthusiasm. For example, young children practise matching how many spots each ladybird has with corresponding numbers up to five. Older children progress to working with numbers and quantities up to 10. Children of all ages and abilities make exceptional progress in their learning. n The childminder provides a language-rich environment with high-quality interactions. She carefully listens to children and shows genuine interest in their thoughts and ideas. The childminder skilfully adapts her language to each child's level of development, supporting children in the correct pronunciation of words. She makes the most of everyday opportunities to introduce new vocabulary. For instance, when teaching children about recycling, they learn words to categorise

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need to do better?

objects, such as paper, plastics and food waste. Children become confident communicators. n The childminder is passionate about promoting good health. Children grow fruit and vegetables. This helps children understand where their food comes from and inspires them to make healthy choices. While eating, the children and the

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need to do better?

10 June 2025 childminder engage in conversations about the importance of healthy foods. In addition to washing their hands before and after eating, children also brush their teeth after breakfast. Children develop a strong foundation for maintaining healthy lifestyles. n Children develop extremely high levels of independence. Through carefully embedded routines, the childminder encourages children to take ownership of their actions and develop essential life skills. Children confidently select their own breakfast, pour their own drinks and take responsibility for cleaning up their spills. The childminder knows when to step in to provide support. This helps children grow into confident, self-sufficient individuals. n Children develop a great understanding about the world around them. For instance, children try a variety of foods to learn about different cultures. The childminder teaches children to make choices about how they can contribute

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need to do better?

positively to the environment. They are beginning to understand consequences to some choices people make, such as the impact people's rubbish has on sea life. The childminder skilfully introduces activities to help children understand how to keep the ocean clean. n Partnerships with parents are incredibly strong. Through regular updates and open communication, the childminder provides invaluable insights into each child's progress. This allows parents to actively support learning at home. The childminder also works cohesively with other providers to provide consistency in children's learning. Parents comment positively on the childminder's dedication and professionalism. n The childminder is passionate about her role. She is reflective of her own practice and continually strives to ensure that she is providing the best possible care and education. She promotes her own professional development and actively seeks out ways to enhance her teaching. For example, she has started

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need to do better?

to integrate different educational approaches into her practice to help children build their exploration skills and experiences.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number EY232309 Local authority West Berkshire Inspection number 10398723 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 5 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 6 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003. She lives in Thatcham, Berkshire. The childminder works from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, for most weeks of the year. She is registered to work with two assistants. The childminder provides funded early education for children between the ages of nine months and four years. She holds a recognised childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector reviewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has had on the children's learning. n The inspector spoke to the children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working with the children.

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Inspection activities

10 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.

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Inspection activities

10 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.

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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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