Childminder in Milton Keynes

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

Children look forward to spending time with the childminder and the co- childminder. Children arrive happily in the morning, running down the drive and full of smiles. They show they are excited to be there and feel safe and secure. Children were not able to attend for several months because the childminder had to close the provision due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. However, children had regular opportunities to stay in touch with the childminder through video calls. Children then settled back in quickly on their return.

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The provision is good

There are high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and /or disabilities. Children benefit from a curriculum that is planned to meet their individual needs as well as help them gain a broad set of skills and a wide range of knowledge before they start nursery or school. Children show they enjoy learning.

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The provision is good

Children are kept safe. They take care as they move around the childminder's home, and they cooperate fully with routines to promote their good health, such as handwashing. They are learning about acceptable behaviour and to include others in their play. The relationships between children, the childminder and the co- childminder are friendly and respectful.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows that children are with her to learn and that, in turn, learning new things helps children to feel good about themselves. The atmosphere within her home feels purposeful, and children are keen to take part in the learning opportunities on offer. Children approach their learning very positively. n The childminder places a strong emphasis on supporting children's language skills. She knows that a wide vocabulary and the confidence to talk and listen are important to children's overall progress. She makes really good use of opportunities to model new language as children play. The childminder asks thought-provoking questions. However, she does not always allow children enough time to think and process their responses before giving them the answer herself. n The childminder considers what children already know and can do when planning activities and learning experiences. However, sometimes she does not

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need to do better?

introduce new activities to children clearly enough for them to understand what they are going to be doing and learning. It is then more difficult to get children to focus on the main purpose of the activity. n The childminder acts with integrity. During the coronavirus pandemic, she has put the children's needs and well-being at the heart of her decision-making. For

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need to do better?

24 May 2021 example, she has reduced her operating hours and the number of places she offers to new families. This is to best meet the specific needs of the children she already looks after. n Parents cannot speak highly enough of the childminder. They value the support she offers and the practical advice she gives. They describe her as going 'above and beyond'. During periods of non-attendance, her support has remained consistent. For example, the childminder encouraged and supported parents with toilet training and continued to offer suggestions for learning at home. Parents recognise the progress that children have made during their time with the childminder. n The childminder adapts her delivery of the curriculum well to meet changing circumstances. She is very aware that due to the coronavirus pandemic there are fewer opportunities for children to explore the local community and meet different people. She has, therefore, introduced a wider range of role-play

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need to do better?

experiences for children to try and fill some of these gaps. n Children benefit from plenty of opportunities to be physically active. The childminder recognises the importance of this to their overall good health. Children enjoy time in the garden and make regular trips to local woodlands and parks. The childminder ensures children have time to run about freely and also plans times to teach new physical skills, such as how to throw and catch a ball.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has accurate and extensive knowledge of the signs that a child may be at risk of harm or neglect. She understands the importance of acting promptly if she has any concerns in order to protect children. The childminder knows how to report concerns to the relevant bodies and takes effective steps to keep her safeguarding knowledge updated. She ensures her home is a safe place for children by minimising risks and supervising children closely.

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should:

n give children plenty of time to think and develop their answers to questions designed to extend their language skills further n clearly introduce planned activities to children to help them understand fully what they are going to be doing and learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY559664 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 10190562 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 6 Number of children on roll 1 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. She lives in Westcroft, Milton Keynes and she works with another childminder from her home address. The childminder offers care Monday to Wednesday, 8am until 3pm, for most of the year. The childminder holds a degree in early childhood studies.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a learning walk. n The inspector and the childminder completed a joint observation. n Parents shared their views with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation.

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Inspection activities

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

24 May 2021 24 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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