Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection date 14 May 2019 Previous inspection date Not applicable

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Not applicable 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 childminder plans a wide variety of activities that interest and challenge children of all ages. Children respond eagerly to the stimulating environments indoors and outdoors. For example, they become engrossed in exploring how to use a compass and how a magnifying glass helps them to observe creatures and flowers more closely. n The childminder holds useful conversations with children and helps them to play purposefully. For example, she encourages young children to think about colours and motions of liquids in clear containers, and how they reflect light and images. Children become inquisitive and confidently ask probing questions. n Children delight in the wealth of opportunities for fresh air and exercise in the outdoor area. Very young children enjoy the resources and safe methods that help them to practise walking independently. Older children develop confidence to safely extend their physical skills on larger play equipment.

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This provision is good

n The childminder has a nurturing manner, with high expectations and well-established routines. This supports children's very good behaviour. n The childminder has well-structured communications with a group of fellow childminders. They exchange a wealth of ideas and findings based on their successes. As a result, the childminder has increased the use of natural materials. Children explore and manipulate naturally sourced materials. n The childminder knows each child very well. She observes children closely and uses this to accurately inform planning and to fill gaps in children's learning. All children make good progress. However, there is scope to add more precision to the already successful assessment. n Parents are very pleased with the care the childminder provides and the progress their children make. On occasion, the childminder does not make the most of opportunities to involve them fully in promoting their children's learning.

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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 focus more sharply on assessment of children's learning and development to help children make the best possible progress n strengthen opportunities for parents to be more closely involved in sharing information about children's learning and developmental needs.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector observed activities in the childminder's setting and the impact her teaching has on children's development. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out an evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector discussed the childminder's self-evaluation, risk assessments, policies and procedures. She looked at a range of other documents.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities to meet all legal requirements. She has clear and comprehensive safety procedures which she follows closely to promote children's safety. She is alert to any signs that children may be at risk of harm and knows how to report concerns. Safeguarding is effective. Children learn to take risks safely and they are encouraged to assess levels of safety for themselves. The childminder regularly evaluates her provision and makes improvements. She remodelled the 'mud kitchen', where children now access a range of pots, pans and utensils hanging neatly on hooks. Children choose and match the correct shape and size of equipment to the ingredients they are using. They know where to return them tidily. Children learn a variety of different life skills.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of how children learn. She encourages children to make small steps to build on success and move to the next stage. For example, they enjoy handling shiny pebbles and an array of seashells, which they count and order by category, size and weight. They link these mathematical ideas with other activities. For example, during a game of hopscotch, they match their number of jumps to written numbers. The childminder provides a variety of good-quality resources to help support children to make patterns and marks on paper. Children develop their small-muscle skills as they work towards holding a pencil. The childminder knows whether she needs to correct, repeat or extend children's language. She adjusts her teaching to meet each child's needs.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder consistently shows children respect and patience. In turn, they learn to be kind and to value one another. They grow in confidence with the love and praise they receive. Very young children become independent, for example, when they dress themselves for different weathers. They serve themselves from a choice of healthy snacks. The childminder discusses the benefits of eating fresh fruit and drinking water. Children enjoy observing and discussing the needs of the family cat and puppy. They learn about different animals on visits to the nearby zoo.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop positive attitudes to learning. They acquire early literacy and mathematical skills. Children begin to identify letters and learn the sounds the letters represent. They learn to write their names. Children learn about how the world works. They are well prepared for the next stage in their education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY544864 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10092493 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 - 8 Total number of places 10 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds a recognised 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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