Childminder in Swindon

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

Children arrive happy and settle quickly. They gravitate towards familiar toys and routines. Children seem comfortable in the setting and seek involvement from the childminder in their play. These bonds are strengthened through close collaboration with families, which helps children feel safe and secure. The childminder offers some praise and encouragement, which helps build children's confidence.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder works to help children get ready for their move on to school. She plans themed activities, such as colour matching, counting and mark making. Although children enjoy these tasks, the curriculum is not tailored to what each child is ready to learn. While the childminder identifies gaps in children's learning, she does not adapt her approach to help close them. Teaching is not targeted, and interactions do not consistently help children move forward, which slows children's progress.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder takes children to playgroups to build friendships and explore new environments. She often asks if they need help and offers comfort. However, her interactions during these sessions do not consistently support children's learning and development. When conflicts arise, such as snatching or pushing, the childminder uses distraction or gives children general prompts to share, rather than helping them understand the situation and resolve it. Shy children are held on her lap instead of being actively supported to join their peers. These missed opportunities limit children's emotional literacy, peer awareness and social confidence, which are vital for building relationships and thriving in larger group settings.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are encouraged to communicate during everyday routines and play. The childminder repeats familiar words and shows interest in what children say, helping them feel heard. For example, when a child held up a toy car, she responded with the correct pronunciation. However, interactions are often brief and do not extend vocabulary or deepen understanding, which limits children's expressive language and opportunities for sustained conversation. n The childminder builds strong relationships with families and shares helpful advice on children's development. Parents receive regular updates about their child's day, including the activities they enjoy and emerging interests. The childminder offers guidance on topics, such as toilet training and the impact that using a dummy has on children's speech. This helps parents feel informed and supported and contributes to children's consistency and progress across home

p.2

need to do better?

and care environments. n Overall, children behave well and play happily alongside others. They respond

p.2

need to do better?

24 July 2025 positively to familiar routines and enjoy their time in the setting. However, the childminder does not consistently provide age-appropriate emotional support during moments of difficulty. Children who are struggling to follow instructions are sometimes left without timely reassurance or explanation. As a result, children do not gain a clear understanding of how to manage their feelings and behaviour effectively. n Children develop their physical skills well and stay active throughout the day. Outdoor walks and visits to soft-play centres give them space to climb, run and test their limits in safe ways. Indoors, at the childminder's home she introduces activities that build strength and control, like using tweezers, stacking blocks and exploring making marks with different tools. These moments help children gain balance, coordination and the skills needed for early writing. n The childminder works closely with the local authority and dual settings to share

p.2

need to do better?

strategies that support children with additional needs and promote continuity of care. She attends all mandatory training and has begun to reflect on her provision to make improvements. However, the childminder has not yet identified the need to extend her knowledge and practice further to ensure consistently high-quality interactions and a clear, well-sequenced curriculum. This limits her ability to plan purposeful learning experiences and respond to children's individual developmental needs.

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

Due date

implement appropriate behaviour management strategies that actively support children to understand, express and regulate their feelings 29/09/2025

p.3

Due date

plan and deliver a broad curriculum that covers all areas of learning and meets the needs of each individual child 29/09/2025

p.3

Due date

improve interactions to build on children's communication skills. 29/09/2025

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY341757 Local authority Swindon Inspection number 10414832 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 28 June 2021

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Toothill, Swindon. She operates all year round from 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for children. She holds a level 3 qualification in early years childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector and the childminder discussed the provision and the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder to discuss how they self- evaluate the provision. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as the paediatric first-aid and safeguarding certificates. n The inspector took account of written testimonials from parents. n Children spoke and engaged with the inspector during the inspection.

p.4

Inspection activities

24 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

24 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.

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