Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder recognises the possible impact that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has on children and families and demonstrates empathy and understanding. She adapts her setting to ensure that children feel settled and secure. For example, during the period when children were not in her care, the childminder kept in touch through regular video calls and messages. This helped children and parents to feel less anxious on their return to her care. The childminder communicates daily with parents. She uses photos to show parents what their children take part in. This helps parents to know what their children are doing while in her care.

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The provision is good

Children have a strong bond with the childminder. They demonstrate that they are happy and feel safe. The childminder is a good role model. Children listen to each other and share resources as they take turns during their play. The childminder takes time to listen to the children and she extends their learning. For example, children show interest in the various textures they explore during an activity. The childminder uses the opportunity as they talk about the feel of a pine cone to discuss their recent visit to the farm and the different animals they saw. This encourages children to talk about their favourite animals and helps to consolidate their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes children's physical development. She ensures that they have daily opportunities for outdoor play, such as splashing in the local stream, going on woodland walks or using apparatus in her garden. The childminder uses opportunities to extend children's learning, such as finding bugs during outdoor play. She carefully reassures children and helps them to learn about what they find. This develops children's understanding of nature and the world around them. n The childminder plans activities and experiences that actively support and encourage children's learning. She considers what children know and can do as they start, and she adapts her plans to ensure that all children can participate. The childminder's curriculum intent is based on children's interests and next steps. She regularly assesses and tracks their progress to ensure that she can confidently meet the needs of all children in her care.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes children's independence. She encourages children to try and do things themselves, such as putting on their outdoor clothing. Children feel reassured by her being close as they try, and smile confidently as she praises them for doing so well. This promotes children's self-esteem and confidence. n Older children talk confidently during their play and the childminder extends this.

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need to do better?

13 May 2021 For example, children reflect on a 'heart shape' they see in the resources they use and how this looks like their heart. The childminder asks questions that encourage spontaneous learning. Children talk confidently about how their heart feels, using words such as 'beating' and 'fast'. This encourages children's vocabulary. Although the childminder includes all children in her discussions, she sometimes models words that do not support younger children's growing vocabulary. n The childminder continues to identify new training ideas and refreshes her knowledge to stay updated with legislative changes. Through her own ongoing evaluations and seeking the views of children and parents, she is able to identify her own strengths and areas for improvement. This supports continuous improvement. n The childminder has a positive relationship with all parents, and they speak highly of her. In particular, parents make reference to the positive way in which

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need to do better?

the childminder helps children to settle into her care. The childminder shares information on a daily basis and parents are able to view their children's progress. However, the childminder does not share children's next steps in learning with parents to help them extend their children's learning at home. n The childminder is respectful when attending to children's care needs. She is sensitive to their personal requirements and supports children's emotional well- being. Children develop a good awareness and appreciation of diversity. This includes the celebration of different cultures through a range of activities and discussions. For example, children create individual salt lamps as they learn about the festival of light.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a strong awareness of keeping children safe. She is clearly able to identify children who may need early help. The childminder is aware of who to refer concerns to and keeps her training updated to ensure that she can respond in a timely manner. The childminder has a good understanding of the many different areas of abuse and the possible impact on children. Additionally, the childminder understands how wider safeguarding issues may link to concerns about children's safety and well-being. This has a positive impact on children's safety and welfare.

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should:

n help parents to extend children's learning at home n support younger children in their spoken language skills to use correct language and terminology.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY550902 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10174243 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Cranfield. She operates all year round from 8am until 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector held a learning discussion. This enabled the childminder to explain how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector spoke with children throughout the inspection. Children told the inspector about the activities they enjoy taking part in. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children during an adult- led activity and reviewed this with the childminder. n The inspector reviewed a sample of the childminder's documentation, including the risk assessment and evidence of the suitability of household members. n Parents provided feedback to the inspector, in person and on the telephone, about the experiences their children have had with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

13 May 2021 We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

13 May 2021 regulates and inspects to 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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