Childminder in Bedford

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY239848 Inspection date 02/10/2008 Inspector Kelly Eyre

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and 11 in the Brickhill area of Bedford. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there are two bedrooms available for children to have undisturbed rest. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has one dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to provide care on each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered to provide three places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and there are currently three children attending who are within this age group. Children travel from the surrounding areas.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Compulsory and Voluntary Childcare Register. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the Early Years age range. There are currently no children on roll in this age range.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's practice is highly effective in ensuring that children make excellent progress across all areas of learning. Her ethos of recognising the uniqueness of each child means that their individuality is valued and they develop a confident, positive attitude to learning and trying new experiences. They are offered sensitive support to ensure that they are able to participate and benefit from the activities offered. The flexible planning is a key strength and contributes significantly to ensuring that the needs of all children are met and their development is promoted to the optimum. This is further supported by good partnerships with parents and other professionals. The positive approach to evaluating her practice means that the childminder has a clear picture of her strengths and weaknesses and is able to implement changes to improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 maintain a record of the risk assessment and ensure that this is reviewed regularly.

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provision

Children's individual development is promoted because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of child development and has comprehensive systems in place to monitor children's progress. Her excellent work in maintaining good partnerships with parents and others involved with the children ensures that their care is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 consistent and their development is further promoted. For example, the childminder gathers comprehensive information from parents about their children and uses this to inform their daily care and activities. She works closely with the local pre-school and is therefore able to continue activities at home and provide support to children on specific issues.

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provision

The childminder's thorough policies ensure that children are safeguarded at all times. For example, safety procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure that they reflect the current needs of the children. However, there is no record of the ongoing risk assessment. The childminder's genuine desire to provide the very best environment for each child means that she continuously evaluates her practice. She is therefore aware of weaknesses and formulates appropriate plans which lead to improvements for children. For example, storage arrangements were re- organised so that all children are able to see the resources available, therefore promoting free choice and inspiration to explore further.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are consistently offered an exciting variety of opportunities that support them in making excellent progress in all areas of learning and development. Their individual learning styles and uniqueness are highly valued and all activity planning is based on this. The childminder positively utilises the information about each child to promote their development. For example, using their favourite toys as learning resources to promote skills such as counting, sorting and creative development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder competently assesses children and monitors their progress, providing exceptionally appropriate support and resources to promote their development. For example, babies and young children are gently encouraged to crawl, stand, balance and walk. The childminder's exceptionally confident approach to planning means that children are able to initiate their play and activities and are always offered support and encouragement in extending this. For example, young children explore stacking beakers and are then encouraged to count the beakers, name the colours and to try stacking other resources such as wooden blocks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder actively promotes children's involvement, offering sensitive support and encouraging them to be confident and express their thoughts and ideas. They are therefore active in their learning and have a positive attitude to this. They discuss their interests and participate in the planning process. This has resulted, for example, in a multitude of exciting holiday activities such as visits to adventure parks and places of interest. These activities are also informed by the childminder's careful evaluations of previous activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The attention to detail and thoughtful planning of the environment and resources further promote children's development and enjoyment. For example, the childminder has put together additional props, such as toy animals, to support stories and rhymes. The positive encouragement and sensitive support enable children to develop their independence, share their ideas, and thus inspires their creativity. For example, whilst walking in the woods children discuss the wildlife and landscape, using a small hill to run and jump, pretending to be airplanes taking off. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment because the childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of this area. Emergency escape routes are carefully planned and reviewed with the children. They are developing a good understanding about taking care of themselves and others. For example, the practise road safety

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

whenever they are out. The childminder has a very good knowledge of issues relating to safeguarding children and has ensured that she has relevant information and details. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Outstanding The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Outstanding How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration or the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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