Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection date 10 December 2018 Previous inspection date 2 December 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n The experienced childminder is proactive in identifying relevant ongoing professional development opportunities. She attends training courses and conferences as well as networking with other childminders. The childminder uses new knowledge she gains effectively, such as to review and update her policies and procedures. n Children are making good progress. Toddlers are learning how to communicate their needs, such as by using sounds and pointing. Older children copy the childminder's good use of manners as they use 'please' and 'thank you' appropriately. n The childminder provides plenty of space and toys at different heights. This encourages children who are beginning to walk to move around and pull themselves up to standing positions. n Children are keen to investigate different materials, such as water, feathers and pine cones. They are very content in their play and exploration, and the childminder is skilful

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This provision is good

at knowing the best times to interact with children to extend their learning. n The childminder helps children to learn about risk in the environment. For example, she explains to children why it is not a good idea to tip out all the construction toys as they could trip and hurt themselves. n The childminder does not provide older children with consistent opportunities to develop their skills in using technology. n The childminder does not consistently help children to learn about their similarities and differences, or to develop the best understanding of people in the wider world.

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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

n enhance older children's opportunities to learn about technology and develop an understanding of how to operate a wider range of equipment n provide more opportunities for children to learn about and celebrate the similarities and differences in each other and develop an understanding of people in the wider world.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector looked at the areas of the premises used for childminding. n The inspector observed the childminder's and children's interactions through play and routine activities. n The inspector observed the childminder teaching the children through a planned activity and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n The inspector discussed children's development with the childminder and looked at children's records and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy. n The inspector took into account the written views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections on her practice with her.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to recognise and respond to any child protection concerns. Her comprehensive policies hold detailed information on how to contact relevant safeguarding bodies. The childminder assesses risks in the house and on outings and takes appropriate action to help her keep children of all ages safe. She reflects on her practice and identifies ways to improve. For example, she is currently reflecting on what are the best ways to share children's development information with parents. The childminder feels more effective information sharing would help to support continuity in children's learning to even higher levels.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder collects detailed information from parents on what children can already do when they start to attend. She carefully observes children's development as they play and this helps her to identify their next steps in learning. She uses this knowledge to plan further activities that build on children's skills and to support their overall good progress. For example, when children are painting, the childminder provides opportunities for the younger children to explore paint with their hands. She uses older children's interests to entice them to join in. For instance, children bring toy dinosaurs to make prints with the paint. The childminder encourages children to look carefully at the patterns they are making and to watch what happens as colours mix together.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder supports children's good health effectively, providing healthy meals and snacks and encouraging children to have regular drinks of water. Children are highly independent in their play and self-care skills. For example, they know where to find the toys they want to use and enjoy helping to prepare their own snack. The childminder provides children with regular opportunities for outdoor play. They practise their physical skills as they play in the garden and go on visits to parks and woodlands. Children talk about how healthy food and exercise help to make their muscles grow strong. The childminder builds strong partnerships with parents. They state their children settle well and quickly feel secure in her care.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children show a keen interest in books and enjoy sharing stories with the childminder. They show a good understanding of how to gain information from pictures as they handle books correctly. Children engage well in imaginative play. For example, they turn over a toy garage and pretend it is a den for a lion. At other times, they fix construction blocks together to make hideouts and steps for toy dinosaurs. Children are making good progress and are developing effective skills that they need to aid their future learning and eventual move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY330816 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10071565 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 6 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 2 December 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates all year round, from 8.15am to 4.30pm from Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3.

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Registers

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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Registers

procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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

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