Childminder in Bedford

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 demonstrate they feel secure in the care of the childminder. They move around her home with confidence and are able to choose which toys they want to play with. Children often go to the childminder for cuddles, such as when they are unsure of visitors. The childminder's caring nature reassures them and they soon return to their activities. Children show how they are learning to be compassionate and caring. When they play with dolls, they handle them carefully and lay them gently down to sleep as they say, 'Shh'. Children respond well to the childminder and their behaviour is very good.

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The provision is good

Children are learning how to develop healthy lifestyles. They know they need to wash their hands before eating and after touching the childminder's animals. They enjoy crunching fresh vegetables as they prepare them in the kitchen, before feeding them to the guinea pigs. The childminder understands how physical activity benefits children's health and well-being. She provides many opportunities for exercise, such as by providing equipment in her spacious garden. Children freely use mathematical language, such as repeating the words 'up' and 'down' when they are on the seesaw.

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need to do better?

n During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the childminder has reflected on her practice to ensure she is keeping children as safe as she can. She and the children still spend most of their time outdoors as the childminder feels this is the safest option. Children greatly benefit from spending time in the fresh air, enjoying physical exercise and learning how to care for animals. This has a positive impact on children's well-being. n The childminder tracks children's ongoing development closely and clearly identifies what they need to learn next. She gains useful information from parents on children's early experiences and what they can already do when they start to attend. This helps her to identify children's starting points in learning from the outset. n Children thoroughly enjoy exploring colour and mark making, such as using paint on the paving slabs outdoors. They sit quietly and use a brush to move the

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need to do better?

paint around. Children ask for water and watch with interest what happens when they pour this on the paint. The childminder talks to the children about how the paint is moving and about the new colours that are emerging. n Overall, the childminder supports children to develop good communication and language skills. She talks to them about what they are doing, using clear descriptive language, and at times she uses signs. Young children can make their needs known through words, gestures and signing. n Parents speak highly about the childminder. They say their children receive

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need to do better?

20 August 2021 nurturing care and develop confidence and strong social skills. Parents state the childminder provides them with good information about how their children are learning and developing. n Children enjoy listening to music and excitedly respond when a favourite song plays. They instinctively join in with movement and dancing. Children show their developing understanding of how technology works as they know the childminder can skip back and forward to songs. The childminder follows children's lead in movement and dancing. This results in plenty of fun and laughter. n The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and looks for ways to improve. She endeavours to undertake webinar training each week. This impacts positively on her knowledge and skills. The childminder regularly networks with other childminders. This enables her to discuss relevant issues with likeminded professionals and has a positive impact on the childminder's well-being.

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need to do better?

n Overall, the childminder teaches children well and is aware of their interests and development needs. However, at times, she is over enthusiastic in her interactions with them. For example, the childminder over questions young children and does not consistently give them time to explore and learn for themselves.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding matters, including those relating to extreme beliefs and views. She knows and understands her responsibilities to protect children's safety and welfare. The childminder knows the procedures to follow if she requires advice or to make a referral following concerns highlighted about children in her care. She has comprehensive policies and procedures in place that she uses to support her good practice. The childminder keeps her knowledge relevant and up to date by completing training and undertaking research.

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should:

n provide more uninterrupted time and space for young children to independently learn and explore.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY558291 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10191014 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Stewartby. She operates all year round from 7am to 7.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder also offers occasional weekend and overnight care.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation. n The inspector and the childminder walked through the areas of the childminder's home that she uses with children and discussed how she operates her setting. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n A sample of policies and procedures was reviewed by the inspector, which included documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector discussed the needs of individual children with the childminder and talked with her about the progress they are making. n The inspector took into account the written views of parents and discussed the

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Inspection activities

reflections of practice with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

20 August 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

20 August 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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