Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 1 September 2015 12 May 2015

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement Outcomes for children Requires improvement

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

 Accurate assessment and the consistent identification of children's next steps in learning are not yet embedded in practice. This means that planned activities do not always offer children appropriate challenge to help them to make good progress.  The childminder does not always fully encourage parents to share details about what children have achieved at home, in order to more precisely complement their learning.  The childminder's self-evaluation procedures do not consistently support her in accurately identifying some areas for improvement.

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It has the following strengths

 The childminder is kind and caring. Her interactions with children are encouraging and supportive and she offers lots of praise. Children's self-esteem and well-being are promoted. They interact confidently and cooperatively with one another and with the childminder and her assistant.  The childminder follows children's interests. She monitors children's play and reviews her provision, in order to provide them with a range of attractive, well-maintained resources. Children have opportunities to play for extended periods of time with their favourite toys.  The childminder promotes children's understanding of the world around them. She plans regular visits to local farms, so that children have opportunities to learn about animals and the natural world.

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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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Due Date

 ensure that knowledge of the observation and assessment process is developed, in order to better understand children's individual levels of achievement, identify their interests and learning styles and use this information to accurately plan for the next steps in their learning and development. 31/12/2015

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Due Date

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

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Due Date

 extend opportunities for parents to exchange ongoing information about their child's continuing learning and development at home  improve self-evaluation procedures, so that they more consistently support the accurate identification of weaknesses and contribute to plans for improvement.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities and reviewed them jointly with the childminder.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation, evidence of suitability of household members and a range of other documentation, including the safeguarding procedures.  The inspector spoke to the childminder, her assistant 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 and the childminder discussed procedures for self-evaluation.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

The childminder uses approved guidance to record children's progress over time. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder undertakes required safeguarding training to refresh her knowledge. She demonstrates a sound understanding of how to safeguard children in her home and when on outings. The childminder listens to parents' feedback and acts upon their suggestions. For example, she incorporates a suggestion from a parent to provide a regular story time during the session. The childminder has successfully addressed most of the weaknesses raised at the previous inspection. However, her self- evaluation procedures do not consistently support her in identifying that some aspects of her provision still need improvement. The childminder monitors the work of her assistant, so that children receive a consistent approach from all the adults in the setting.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment requires improvement

The childminder has a suitable knowledge of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She undertakes observations of children as they play and has a sound knowledge of their likes and dislikes. She compiles regular summaries of children's progress and shares these with parents. However, information gained from observing children is not used consistently to better understand their individual level of achievement and to plan accurately for their next steps in learning. Consequently, planned activities do not always offer challenge or maximise children's learning. In addition, the childminder does not consistently encourage parents to share information with her about their child's ongoing development at home. This means that she is not fully up to date with their latest achievements or changing interests when planning their next steps in learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

The qualified childminder is warm and supportive towards the children in her care. She knows the children well and places a high priority on meeting their emotional and care needs. As a result, even the youngest children settle easily and demonstrate enjoyment and confidence as they actively explore their environment. The childminder provides children with a good range of healthy snacks and meals. Children feed themselves independently and wash their hands before and after eating. This supports their developing self-care skills and knowledge of good hygiene practices. The childminder promotes children's health and physical development by taking them to local parks and play areas where they have opportunities to exercise and play in the fresh air.

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Outcomes for children require improvement

Children make suitable progress in developing their personal and social skills within the childminder's home. However, the lack of planning for specific learning opportunities means that children do not consistently develop the other key skills they need for the next steps.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY469134 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 1015532 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 - 7 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 20

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2013. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 2. She works with an assistant.

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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

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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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