Childminder 109006

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

Children flourish in this exceptionally nurturing, stimulating and 'home-from-home' environment. All children are warmly welcomed into a calm and purposeful setting where routines are consistent, expectations are clear, and relationships are exceptionally secure. As a result, children settle quickly and display high levels of confidence and emotional security. The childminder knows each child in depth and uses this strong understanding to deliver an ambitious, interest-led curriculum that consistently engages and excites children. For example, a shared fascination with vehicles has been skilfully extended through meaningful conversations about recycling trucks, coloured bins and road signs. Children also enjoy purposeful outings to places, such as the airport and train station, that broaden children's understanding of the wider world. Indoors, rich storytelling and playful conversations ignite children's imagination and develop their early communication

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The provision is outstanding

and literacy skills. Outdoors, a wide range of thoughtfully planned opportunities, such as exploring the water wall, building with large blocks and discovering the alphabet display, enhance children's overall learning and development through purposeful, hands-on play.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour and attitudes are exemplary. They show kindness, take turns and persevere even when faced with challenges, such as putting on shoes or resolving disagreements. The childminder's calm, nurturing approach and high expectations inspire children to give their best and treat others with respect. She models thoughtful communication and provides consistent strategies to help children manage their emotions and build strong self-regulation skills. Children take pride in contributing to daily routines, such as preparing snack, drying puddles before outdoor play, or tidying resources together. This responsibility fosters independence and a strong sense of community. Parents describe the provision as 'profoundly safe, caring and stimulating' and praise the clear daily communication that ensures strong home-to-setting partnerships. Children are motivated, curious and independent learners who make rapid progress and leave exceptionally well

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The provision is outstanding

prepared for the next stage of their learning.

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need to do better?

n The curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and thoughtfully sequenced. The childminder draws on her deep understanding of child development to plan purposeful experiences that build on what each child knows and can do. She carefully tailors her support to meet individual needs. This helps to ensure that every child is fully involved and makes excellent progress from their starting points. n Teaching is consistently of a very high quality. The childminder nurtures a genuine love of books and storytelling, captivating children through expressive

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need to do better?

29 September 2025 reading, carefully chosen props and interactive discussions. She skilfully extends children's learning by encouraging children to retell and adapt familiar stories during independent play. For example, after sharing a favourite book together, children excitedly use puppets and small-world toys to recreate scenes and invent new twists, enriching their language, imagination and early literacy. n The childminder creates a highly stimulating environment that nurtures children's curiosity and problem-solving skills. Activities are thoughtfully planned, yet flexibly adapted, to build on children's emerging interests. For example, a growing fascination with aeroplanes is skilfully extended through imaginative play, discussions about travel and destinations, and a purposeful trip to the airport to observe planes taking off and landing. These meaningful experiences deepen children's understanding, broaden their knowledge and connect learning

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need to do better?

to real-life contexts. n Assessment is meaningful and used effectively to shape learning. The childminder regularly observes children's play and interactions to understand their progress and identify next steps. This knowledge informs future planning and is shared with parents, creating a consistent approach between home and setting. Children receive precisely the right level of support and extension to help them thrive. n The childminder's calm and consistent approach to behaviour creates a respectful and nurturing atmosphere. She sensitively guides children to recognise and manage their emotions, supporting them to resolve conflicts with kindness and understanding. Behaviour is exemplary and children play harmoniously, showing genuine care and cooperation. n Parents are highly valued in their children's learning. The childminder shares clear, insightful information about children's progress and achievements, helping

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need to do better?

families feel informed, respected and fully involved. Strong two-way communication ensures that learning is consistently reinforced between home and the setting, creating a seamless experience for children. Parents express heartfelt gratitude for her commitment and the warm, supportive environment she provides. n Children thrive in this vibrant and nurturing environment. They develop strong communication skills, curiosity, and independence through a rich variety of experiences that build their confidence and deepen their learning. By the time they leave, children are articulate, motivated and exceptionally well equipped for the next stage of their learning and life beyond the setting.

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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 109006 Local authority Swindon Inspection number 10407906 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 18 Date of previous inspection 21 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1994. She lives in the Haydon End area of Swindon. She provides childcare all year round, except for family holidays. Her operating hours are 7.15am until 6pm. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. She works in partnership with her husband, who is also a registered childminder. The childminder is in receipt of 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 carried out a learning walk with the childminder to discuss how the provision is organised and how the curriculum is designed and delivered. n Teaching and learning were observed indoors and outdoors to evaluate the quality of education and its impact on children's development. n Daily routines, including mealtimes and transitions, were observed to assess how these support children's independence and emotional security. n A joint observation of an activity was undertaken with the childminder to evaluate teaching and children's learning. n Key documentation was reviewed upon request. n Parents' views were gathered through written feedback and discussions. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at intervals throughout the day to explore curriculum intent, implementation and safeguarding knowledge.

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Inspection activities

29 September 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

29 September 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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