Childminder in Windsor and Maidenhead

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

The childminder welcomes children into a homely environment and tailors the curriculum to each child's individual learning needs. She sets high expectations for all children in her care and takes time to get to know them from the very start of their childcare arrangement. This enables her to build on their learning experiences effectively. The childminder demonstrates positive behaviour and attitudes in all her interactions, setting a clear example for children to follow. She shows patience and respect during conversations, listens attentively and encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings. She provides suitable challenges that help children develop the skills they will need when they move on to school. For example, children independently put on their own shoes before heading outside to play, proudly demonstrating their growing confidence and self-care abilities.

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The provision is good

Children form warm, secure and trusting relationships with the childminder and their peers. They express happiness and confidence, eagerly engaging in activities together. For example, children work as a team to build a tower with blocks, taking turns and offering encouragement to one another, which shows their respect and kindness in play.

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The provision is good

The childminder thoughtfully plans her curriculum to suit the individual needs of each child, actively supporting their progress across all areas of learning. She adapts activities to engage children and encourages them to practise new skills, such as early writing, by offering a variety of mark-making tools and opportunities for purposeful drawing. To foster school readiness, she helps children develop independence in key routines. For example, she teaches them to dress themselves and manage their own belongings, ensuring they gain confidence for their transition to school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder accurately assesses children's progress, regularly observing them and drawing on a strong understanding of their interests and next steps. She uses this information to move children forward in their learning, motivating them and preparing them well for their future education. As a result, children make strong progress from their starting points. n The childminder actively broadens children's knowledge of the world by celebrating a variety of festivals and exploring foods from different cultures. For example, during Chinese New Year, the children used chopsticks and tasted noodles, enriching their understanding of diverse traditions. n The childminder actively encourages children to express themselves through frequent, meaningful conversations during daily activities. She listens attentively and responds thoughtfully, modelling advanced vocabulary and clear sentence

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need to do better?

22 July 2025 structures. She creates engaging opportunities for children to share stories, describe their experiences and ask questions, which helps develop their speaking and listening skills. The childminder introduces new words in context, supports children in building their vocabulary and uses open-ended questions to stimulate dialogue. Through these approaches, she fosters a language-rich environment, where children grow confident in communicating and develop essential language skills. n Children regularly attend weekly activities in the community, including music sessions with the childminder. They visit local parks and join childminding groups, giving them opportunities to socialise and explore new environments. n The childminder further supports children in recognising, understanding and managing their emotions. She models calm and respectful behaviour during interactions, showing children how to respond thoughtfully in different situations.

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need to do better?

For example, when children become upset or frustrated, she gently guides them to express their feelings in words, offering reassurance and asking open-ended questions to help them identify and name their emotions. n The childminder offers positive and supportive guidance during play but sometimes provides too much help and does not always give children enough time to think or explore on their own. As a result, this does not fully support children to develop their independent thinking skills. n The childminder builds positive partnerships with the local nursery school. She takes time to share planning and discuss children's progress. This helps children experience consistent support and contributes to their good progress. The childminder plans effectively for the development of children's next steps based on her shared knowledge with other settings. n Strong partnerships with parents characterise the setting, with ongoing, open

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need to do better?

communication keeping families informed about their children's progress and daily experiences. Regular updates and shared observations help parents stay connected to each stage of development. Practical ideas and tailored resources flow between setting and home, supporting learning in both environments. This collaborative dynamic gives families the confidence and information they need to build on their child's achievements beyond the setting, promoting consistency and positive outcomes.

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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:

22 July 2025 n strengthen support for children to explore and learn independently during play and activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 108292 Local authority Windsor and Maidenhead Inspection number 10398330 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 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 16 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000 and lives in Holyport, Berkshire. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3 and offers care from 7am to 6.30pm on Monday to Thursday. She receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the front room, kitchen and garden, being the areas used for the purpose of providing childcare. n The childminder and inspector completed a learning walk to understand how the setting and curriculum are organised. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their learning intentions for the children. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a safeguarding discussion with the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector undertook a joint observation of an activity and had a discussion.

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Inspection activities

22 July 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

22 July 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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