Childminder in Bedford

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 14 May 2015 12 July 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 Teaching is good because the childminder provides opportunities for children to explore their interests for extended periods of time. She skilfully supports children's learning by modelling language and providing them with new words and ideas. As a result, children remain engaged in their activities and demonstrate enthusiasm and perseverance.  Children approach the childminder confidently and demonstrate strong attachments with her. They snuggle up to her for cuddles and include her in their play. As a result, children feel secure and their self-esteem is well promoted.  The childminder gives children practical challenges. For example, when they play with remote-controlled cars, she puts obstacles on the floor so that they learn to manoeuvre the cars around them. This promotes children's problem-solving skills in fun and purposeful ways.  Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder keeps parents well informed

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This provision is good

about what their children are learning and she gives practical suggestions about how parents can support children's learning at home. Consequently, all those involved in the children's development are extremely well informed about how to extend the children's learning further.  The childminder attends regular safeguarding training, including training on how to keep children safe when using the internet. She confidently describes the signs and symptoms that would cause her concern with regard to a child's welfare and describes the steps she would take in the event of a concern. This means that children's safety is effectively promoted.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 There are fewer opportunities for children to explore sensory and tactile materials when playing in the garden. Consequently, outdoor learning opportunities are not always maximised.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 enhance the good range of activities and experiences in the garden, to include even more opportunities for children to explore sensory and tactile materials.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the childminder's home and discussed them with the childminder.  The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector took account of the views of parents as provided through written questionnaires and feedback.  The inspector examined a selection of information and documentation relating to the suitability of adults, children's safeguarding, and their welfare and developmental progress.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's evidence of self-evaluation.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder has a very good understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how young children learn and develop. She provides exciting, purposeful activities within her home that cover the seven areas of learning. As a result, children make good progress in relation to their ages and learn the skills of communication, social and physical development that prepare them for pre-school and school. When children start attending the childminder's setting, she gathers information from parents with regard to what children already know and can do. This means that she can provide appropriate activities for children from the very start. She builds on this information by regularly observing children and making written and photographic records of their achievements as they play. She uses this information to identify children's interests and to plan for their next steps in learning. This means that

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who attend. This is good

activities are purposeful and well matched to children's learning needs.

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good

Indoors, children have access to a wide range of attractive and well-maintained resources. They enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise as they play outdoors each day and visit local parks and play areas. They grow their own fruit and vegetables in the childminder's garden. This promotes their understanding of the natural world as they plant seeds and learn what to do to help them grow. However, the range of resources available in the garden does not routinely encourage children to engage in exploratory or creative play. Consequently, learning opportunities are not maximised to the extent they are in other areas of the setting. Children learn the importance of good hygiene as they wash their hands before snack and wipe down the table when they have finished. The childminder has very effective procedures in place to support children when they transfer to other settings. She meets with staff to discuss each child's individual needs and shares her

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good

records of their achievements. As a result of this good sharing of information, children settle quickly in pre-school and disruption is minimised. The childminder takes the children to group activities where they have the opportunity to play with a larger group of children.

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provision is good

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to her ongoing professional development and to the improvement of her service. She completes a self-evaluation form and invites parents to give regular feedback through questionnaires. She also seeks and welcomes children's views as part of her self-evaluation. Older children are invited to provide written feedback, while the youngest children are supported to give their opinions verbally. The childminder identifies her strengths and sets targets for improvement. She attends regular training and networks with other childminders to share good practice. She has thoroughly addressed the recommendations from her previous inspection. Parents say they fully appreciate the childminder and her service. They hold her in high regard because she is dedicated to providing high-quality childcare.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY414231 Local authority Bedford Borough Inspection number 851503 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 12 July 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2010 and lives in Kempston. She operates all year round from 6am to 10pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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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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