Childminder in Bedford

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 24 March 2015 9 December 2009

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Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Requires improvement The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Requires improvement The setting does not meet legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 Children do not progress as well as possible. This is because the childminder does not use the information she gathers through observations of their learning to accurately identify their next steps and use these to inform her planning.  The childminder has yet to build a strong partnership with another provider that children attend. Consequently, information about children's learning is not always shared to ensure that any gaps can be identified by all providers.

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It has the following strengths

 The childminder works closely with parents. She uses a variety of ways to keep them updated so that they know what their children are doing and how they are progressing. She encourages parents to keep her informed about any significant events or achievements at home, so that these can be reflected in the care and teaching she provides.  Children feel happy and secure in the childminder's care. They each have their own peg and drawer to keep their possessions in, creating a sense of belonging. They seek reassurance from the childminder and her assistant, who respond well to them. As a result, children confidently play and learn.  The childminder has a secure knowledge of how to protect children. She has carried out checks to ensure her assistant is suitable to work with children. The childminder has robust procedures in place and knows who to contact in the event of a concern about children's welfare.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage the provider must:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 improve the use of information gathered through observations to identify children's next steps in learning more precisely and use the information to plan and provide clearly focused activities that challenge children to make good progress in all areas of learning  strengthen working relationships with other providers that children attend so that key information about children's progress can be shared, ensuring they make consistently good progress in all the settings they attend.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the childminder's house and garden and talked to the childminder, assistant and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector discussed the suitability of all household members and the assistant to have contact with children.  The inspector looked at a variety of documentation, such as children's records, the attendance register, risk assessments and a range of policies including safeguarding procedures.  The inspector viewed all areas of the children's house and garden used by the children.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector took into account the views of parents as recorded in questionnaires and letters.

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who attend. This requires improvement

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment. Children move around freely and choose from a variety of resources that cover all the areas of learning. The childminder recognises that children learn in different ways, and encourages children to play in the well-equipped garden as well as the house. For example, children follow their own interests and enjoy pouring water down a chute, watching it fall into a bucket below, while others prefer manipulating coloured dough in their hands. The childminder observes children's progress, but on occasions she does not effectively use the information gathered to help her plan activities that focus on individual learning needs to support children's development. For example, while children plant sunflower seeds, the childminder does not always offer additional challenge by allowing them to predict what will happen next or by encouraging them to practise their counting and language skills. Consequently, children's

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who attend. This requires improvement

learning is not always extended to the optimum.

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good

The childminder and her assistant quickly form close, trusting relationships with children. They maintain consistent boundaries using simple rules children understand. Children are motivated to behave well as their achievements and good behaviour are highlighted on stars displayed on a chart for everyone to see. The childminder encourages children to adopt healthy lifestyle choices. She gives them a nutritious snack and takes them to the shops to buy fruit and vegetables to eat. She also teaches children to put on their coats and shoes. Through this, children develop independence skills. In addition, they also learn to share and take turns. These skills support children in readiness for their subsequent move to nursery or school.

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provision requires improvement

Ofsted has recently issued notices to improve relating to keeping accurate attendance registers and the supervision of children. The childminder was also sent a warning letter when she failed to notify Ofsted of significant events. The childminder has swiftly and effectively addressed all of the issues raised. She has implemented a robust system to ensure attendance is accurately recorded and has fully reviewed how she supervises children. As a result, the childminder has introduced additional security measures, restricting children from entering specific areas unsupervised. The childminder monitors the work of her assistant and they discuss children's progress on a weekly basis. The childminder is aware of other professionals who can give further advice and support for the children. However, she has yet to build strong two-way communication with one of the local providers that children also attend. As a result, gaps in learning may not be easily

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provision requires improvement

identified. The childminder routinely evaluates her service. She seeks feedback from parents and utilises other professionals to access additional training for herself and assistant. The childminder recently attended training focusing on the needs of two-year- olds, which is reflected in her use of new resources to support their physical development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY393901 Local authority Bedford Borough Inspection number 859569 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 14

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 9 December 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2009. She lives in Bedford and works with one assistant. The childminder operates Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm all year round, except for family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder is registered for overnight care. She holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted 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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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, 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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Telephone number

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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