Cowland, Christine

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 6 January 2016 15 March 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder is well-qualified and has a positive attitude towards working with other professionals and settings that children attend. She shares her own good knowledge within her local childminding community.  Children enjoy a wide range of exciting physical activities outside the home. The childminder plans precisely for children's next steps in learning. The balance of adult- led and child-led activities helps children to make choices about their play and gain the essential skills they need for their future.  The childminder promotes children's communication and language well. She talks to them in a simple and straightforward manner. The childminder explains how things work, such as pencil sharpeners, and children are keen to try these out themselves.  The childminder observes children and carries out assessments of their learning. She uses this information to help plan activities, measure their progress and identify any

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This provision is good

gaps in their learning that she needs to address.  Children develop their physical skills in a range of ways. They enjoy walking in the woods and climbing apparatus in the fresh air.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not ensure that she obtains sufficient information from parents when children start with her so that she can fully support all their needs from the earliest opportunity.

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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

 pursue further information from parents so that the needs of all children can be met as soon as they start.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder at suitable times. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the childminder's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of the childminder, household members and assistants.  The inspector read and took account of the written feedback provided by parents.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms that might cause her concern about children's welfare. She knows how to pass on concerns about children's well-being to the relevant professionals. The childminder has policies and procedures that she shares with her assistants to help guide their work. When working with assistants, the childminder monitors their work and plans activities that maximise their individual skills. After reviewing her practice, the childminder has made changes. She dresses children in brightly coloured shirts when on outings to help make them more easily identifiable. After reviewing a first-aid incident, the childminder now carries information cards with children's details in case of an emergency. She works closely with parents and gains regular feedback from them to help her review her provision.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder intuitively plans activities that are exciting and stimulating for young children. The quality of her teaching is consistently good and helps children to progress well in their development. A visit from a zoo group gave children the chance to handle animals and to learn about the way they feel and the noises that they make. Other sensory experiences, such as playing with ice, water beads and sand, ignite young children's interest. When playing with dough, the childminder talks about how it feels and encourages children to talk about the cutters they use. The childminder carefully observes children and identifies their starting points to build upon what they already know. The childminder gathers information about children's learning from parents and shares learning journals with them. This contributes towards them supporting children's learning at home.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder plans a personalised settling-in period for children to become accustomed to her and their new environment. Children settle quickly and appear content and happy. The childminder sensitively plans activities to give children the chance to adapt to the change in their care and usual routine. Her frequent cuddles and obvious affection for them help children to form close relationships with her from the very beginning. Children eat healthy and balanced snacks and meals. The childminder sits with children during meal times so that they enjoy the sociable occasion of eating together. Children fall asleep naturally and wake calmly, and show their eagerness to learn.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress from the very start. The childminder ensures that children develop the essential skills that they need in readiness for starting school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY275115 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 997840 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 12 Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 5

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 15 March 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2003 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder works with two assistants on occasion.

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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 reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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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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