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 are happy, friendly and confident. They learn to take care of their personal needs, and receive sensitive support from the childminder where necessary. Children have a close relationship with the childminder and her family. They readily go to the childminder for cuddles and seek her support when they need help. The childminder has increased her knowledge about preventing the spread of infection, particularly due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This benefits children's good health and welfare.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy a good range of activities that closely reflect their current interests. For example, they show great excitement as they talk about a trip they are going on to the local dinosaur park. The childminder uses the children's interests to promote their curiosity and exploratory skills. For example, children use a toy hammer to chip away at an ice block to reveal toy dinosaurs and creatures. Children enjoy finding out about the natural world around them. They grow many flowers, vegetables and fruits throughout the year.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder has close working relationships with parents. She is sensitive to each child's family circumstances, which ensures children's continued well-being throughout times of change. Children behave well and show that they are learning to cooperate, for example as they attempt to complete challenging jigsaws together or share favourite resources.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are well cared for. Care practices, such as nappy changing, are hygienic and prevent the risk of cross-contamination. The childminder communicates with parents to ensure that transitions through different stages of development, such as toilet training, are consistent with the approach taken at home. Children understand good hygiene routines and wash their hands after playing in the garden and prior to eating snacks. n The childminder encourages children to 'have a go'. She praises them for their achievements and sensitively acknowledges that something is not quite correct when she can see that a child has made a real effort. n The childminder provides an interesting range of activities indoors and out. Children enjoy the childminder's interesting garden, including activities set up under the heavy duty gazebo. The childminder has increased the available space for children, which means that they can now eat comfortably at the table and

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need to do better?

have suitable room in the lounge for their chosen play. The childminder is clear about what she intends children to learn and the good progress they have made while in her care. n Children enjoy investigating and exploring. They use a brush to gently sweep

p.2

need to do better?

22 June 2021 away oats and biscuit crumbs to reveal toy creatures and items hidden in the mixture. They exclaim 'wow' as they find a toy snake and a shell. The childminder extends children's knowledge. For example, she explains that the shell once had a creature in it and came from the sea. However, although the childminder also asks children relevant questions to support their learning, she does not give them sufficient time to answer these or think about their responses before she gives them the answer or adds more information. n Children make good progress. Parents agree with this and are happy with the care the childminder provides. Frequent communication between the childminder and parents means that any concerns about children's development or behaviour can be discussed. However, information-sharing between the childminder and other providers where some children also attend is not so well established, in

p.2

need to do better?

order to promote high levels of consistency for the child. n Since her last inspection and subsequent visits made by Ofsted, the childminder has taken suitable action to address weaknesses in practice. She shows an increased awareness of safety and good hygiene. She has also attended many training initiatives, including those that increase her knowledge about the positive management of children's behaviour. n The childminder promotes children's communication and language development well. Children chat readily and freely, especially about things that currently interest them. The childminder responds positively to this interaction and introduces children to new words, such as 'velociraptor', to increase their vocabulary.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands the different types of abuse and the signs that children may be at risk of harm. She knows that she must report any concerns she has in a timely manner to the relevant authorities. The childminder is aware that this also includes if an allegation is made against her or a household member. The childminder has a good understanding of wider safeguarding issues and how to identify that children may be at risk of these.

p.3

should:

n find effective ways to share more frequent information with other providers, to ensure that the most consistent approach is taken when caring for children who attend more than one provision n give children more time to think, formulate answers and solve problems as they engage in activities and learning experiences.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY376629 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10118721 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 24 July 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Sandy, Bedfordshire. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

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 her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n Children spoke to the inspector about the activities they were taking part in. n The inspector and the childminder carried out a joint evaluation of an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living and working in the household. n A number of parents provided the inspector with written feedback. The inspector

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Inspection activities

22 June 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

22 June 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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