Swords, Helen

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 18 October 2017 21 August 2013

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1

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This provision is outstanding

 The childminder's superb self-reflection helps her to continue to enhance the way she works very successfully. She actively seeks the views of parents and implements their ideas, such as learning to use sign language, to support children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities expertly.  The childminder values the important role that parents and other professionals play in the continually excellent progress that children make. They regularly meet together to discuss children's ongoing needs. The childminder shares her accurate assessments of children's development and together they precisely identify their next steps in learning.  Children thrive in the childminder's care and make superb progress. They confidently move around, selecting resources that trigger their curiosity. Children excitedly explore an autumn themed discovery tray. They use all their senses to explore crunchy leaves,

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This provision is outstanding

smooth conkers and spikey pine cones.  The childminder gives children time to investigate at their own pace, allowing them opportunities to return to, and enthusiastically master new skills. Young children work out different ways to produce sounds with musical instruments. They encourage the childminder to sing familiar rhymes and join in, making a wide range of sounds themselves.  The childminder carefully considers the needs of every child when she begins to care for others. She expertly helps children prepare for babies starting by introducing dolls into role play and using books. The childminder suggests to parents that babies are introduced gradually to ease the transition process for every child.

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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

 continue to support children to manage risks and challenges in their play, enhancing their understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her.  The inspector saw the areas of the premises used for childminding.  The inspector looked at children's records, evidence of the suitability of household members and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy.  The inspector took into account the written views of parents and the childminder's reflections on her practice.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is outstanding

This experienced, well-qualified childminder is passionate about providing children with the best possible start to their education. She grasps every opportunity to enhance her own skills and practice. The childminder reflects in detail on the needs of each child and identifies where she has gaps in her knowledge. For example, she is attending training on how to deal with allergies, to be fully prepared for new children starting. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide range of safeguarding issues. She knows how to quickly and decisively respond to any concerns she has about children's welfare.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

The childminder rigorously checks on children's progress and implements precise, targeted plans for their learning. Each child thoroughly benefits from highly individualised support that is focused on them achieving at the highest possible levels. The childminder is aware of where and how each child prefers to learn, such as outdoors. Children are keen to play in the garden, they engage very well in lining up vehicles and use them to dig up gravel. The childminder sensitively supports their mathematical development as she counts with them and talks about full and empty. Other children delight in sensory play and explore water that has gathered on the table. The childminder is skilled in knowing when to interact with children and asks them questions to extend their learning. At other times, she leaves them to become highly involved in their own exploration and learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children build extremely secure and trusting bonds with the childminder. They are completely at ease in her home and demonstrate they feel safe within familiar routines. The childminder is kind, calm and shows she knows and values the children as individuals. Children are proud of their achievements and the childminder praises them often. Children's well-being is actively promoted as she expertly teaches them how to keep themselves safe. For example, she stays close by children as they are learning how to negotiate the step in the garden. She offers reassuring words as she actively encourages them to work out how to get up and down the step independently. The childminder is researching ways she can safely introduce children to more risky play. She feels this will enable children to build up more resilience and develop even greater skills.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

All children, including those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, are making rapid progress. They are exceptionally well prepared for their next stage of learning and eventual move on to school. Children immerse themselves in play and learning at every opportunity, and develop a passion to explore and work out how things work. Children enjoy books and stories and are quickly learning how to use these for pleasure and to gain information.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY373460 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 1065173 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 21 August 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire. She operates from Monday to Thursday from 7.30am until 6pm all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder 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

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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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