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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children enjoy being with the childminder. They delight in the attention they receive from the childminder and her family. Children laugh as the childminder sings them songs. Young children make gestures indicating they want the childminder to sing more songs, which she does eagerly. She uses actions at the same time as the words to help children understand the meaning.

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The provision is good

Children settle quickly. They seek out the childminder when they need reassurance and are soothed by her cuddles and affection. They snuggle close as she reads them books. Children learn to be independent. For example, young babies choose what toys they want to play with from a low shelf.

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The provision is good

Children use their whole bodies as they crawl and stretch out to play with toys that interest them. Very young children concentrate for long periods of time as they investigate and explore the learning environment. For example, they repeat the action of throwing a ball to see it flash.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has kept in close contact with the children and families during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) lockdowns. This has helped children to cope when returning to the childminder's care. The childminder continued to support their learning with activity ideas. For example, she drew pictures and games, using chalk, on the path outside her house for children to enjoy on their daily walks. n The childminder values her own learning and development. Since the last inspection, she has enrolled on a qualification course. She also keeps up to date with research to help inform her practice. For example, she plays classical music because she has read research that listening to this helps babies' brains to develop. n Parents explain in detail how the childminder supports their children's learning. The childminder shares information with parents and other professionals so that all adults involved in the child's care are able to be consistent. This helps to

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need to do better?

support children's emotional well-being, especially when they need to move on to the next stage of their education. n There are high expectations for children. The childminder aims to help them gain the skills they need to be ready for pre-school and school. Children are encouraged to be polite and practise their independence, even at a very young age. For instance, the childminder demonstrates good manners to children who do not speak yet. n The childminder has a good understanding of child development. She successfully evaluates what children have learned to ensure they are making good progress. This supports her to understand where she needs to reinforce

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need to do better?

19 May 2021 children's skills and to plan what they need to learn next. However, during some activities, the childminder does not focus precisely on what she intends for children to learn. This means that children are not fully supported to extend their skills to the highest level. n The childminder uses the outdoors well to help children learn. There is a variety of sensory plants that she encourages children to feel and smell. The childminder inspires children to explore the natural world around them in their daily activities. For example, they talk about the animals they see on walks and keep track of a bird that is nesting. n Young children are encouraged to communicate. For instance, the childminder uses simple signs and visual cues to help children understand the next steps in the day. However, she does not make the most of opportunities to give young children a wider range of language and speech experiences.

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need to do better?

n The childminder incorporates early mathematics into activities. For example, she sings number songs and names the different sizes of balls. This helps children gain an awareness of mathematical ideas. n Children eat healthy food. The childminder works with parents to encourage children to try new fruits. This helps to ensure young children do not develop allergies. The childminder works with families to promote healthy packed lunches.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has good safeguarding knowledge. She is clear about her responsibility to keep children safe. She knows the signs and symptoms of a range of possible concerns and abuse that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder knows that if an allegation is made against her or a household member it must be reported promptly to the relevant agencies. She has robust hygiene procedures in place to help prevent the spread of cross-infection.

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should:

n help young children to hear a wider range of spoken language, to support their communication skills n refine the focus of planned experiences further so that children make swifter progress in their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY426427 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10127467 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 1 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Potton, Bedfordshire. She operates Tuesday to Thursday, from 7.45am to 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the early years curriculum is organised. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation, including policies and procedures, and training certificates. n The childminder and children spoke to the inspector at appropriate times throughout the inspection. The inspector reviewed an activity with the childminder. n The inspector reviewed feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

19 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

19 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

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