Gardner Elaine Margaret

Inspection date 26 February 2019 Previous inspection date 28 July 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 Children form close relationships with the childminder. She offers cuddles and reassurance when very young children are tired or upset, helping them to feel secure. n The childminder works closely with other settings that children attend. For example, she finds out the topics and themes children follow at nursery and incorporates these in the explorations and activities she provides. This helps to extend children's learning. n The childminder makes very good use of the local environment. Children regularly visit the local zoo, country parks and farms to help them learn about animals and the world around them. n The childminder finds out what children have been doing at home and shares information with parents about their child's care and progress. This helps to promote continuity in all children's learning and development. n Children confidently select toys and equipment that interest them. They make choices

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This provision is good

for themselves to help support their personal development. Young children rummage in large boxes and feel the texture of the construction blocks they find. n The childminder does not encourage children enough to find solutions to problems or predict what might happen next while they experiment and explore to help them develop their thinking skills.

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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 encourage children to solve problems, predict what might happen next and think through answers to questions themselves.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed activities in the childminder's home. She spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector discussed the childminder's teaching and the impact on children's learning with the childminder. n The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of the childminder and other family members and looked at a range of documents, including policies and children's records. n The inspector read letters from parents and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder knows how to report any concerns she might have about children's welfare. She checks equipment such as car seats and pushchairs, to help ensure they remain in a safe condition. Any hazards or risks are removed or minimised to help keep children safe. The childminder works closely with other local childminders. They share ideas and complete online training courses at the same time, giving them opportunities to discuss what they have learnt to help enhance their knowledge and understanding even more. The childminder welcomes feedback from parents and children to help her adapt and improve the quality of care and education she provides.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children welcome the childminder to join in their games and activities. They share books together and talk about the pictures and stories. Children sort model animals into different categories, such as farm animals and those found in a zoo. They count the creatures and work out which ones are the largest. This helps to support children's development of mathematical concepts. The childminder takes children to organised groups to help extend their learning and experiences even further. Very young children enjoy moving to music. They use their whole bodies to join in action songs and rhymes, assisting their physical and listening skills.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides opportunities for children to mix with others of a similar age. This helps them to learn to speak and listen in groups, and to share equipment and resources. The childminder gently reminds children to take turns and to be kind to others. She works closely with parents, using consistent approaches to help encourage children to behave well. The childminder follows the sensitive procedures she has developed to help settle children in her care. Parents leave children for short periods to help them develop confidence in the new environment. The childminder gathers important information from parents, including any known allergies children might have, their daily routine and what they like to do or play with. This helps the childminder provide familiar and suitable activities and care right from the start.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in their learning and development. They use open spaces to practise their running, balancing and climbing skills, helping acquire spatial awareness and coordination. Children learn to recognise numbers and letters in preparation for their continued learning. They competently carry out tasks independently such as putting on their shoes and coats. Children confidently use pencils and concentrate during their chosen activities. When the time comes, children are ready to move on to nursery and school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 219793 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10071558 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 - 3 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 28 July 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1993 and lives in Dunstable. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 8am to 3pm on Tuesday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early years education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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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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