Childminder in Bedford

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

Following maternity leave, the childminder has recently welcomed children back and provides a safe and secure environment for them. Children enjoy the homely atmosphere and like to be involved with everyday tasks, such as helping to turn a lever to open a window and preparing fruit for lunch. The childminder is sensitive to the children's individual care needs. For example, routines for eating and sleeping are flexible.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder provides children with a range of toys and resources. When children are interested in a resource they show some motivation. However, activities are not always focused or challenging enough to keep them engaged. Children can spend little time at activities and they do not consistently benefit from all of the learning experiences they take part in. At times, children do not behave well and this can impact children's attitude to learning. That said, children have warm and close relationships with the childminder. They enjoy their time with the childminder and respond positively to her.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are learning to be independent. For example, children are encouraged to remove their own shoes and use forks to feed themselves at lunch. n Current procedures for parents to leave and collect their children at the door means that parents do not enter the childminder's home due to her COVID-19 (coronavirus) risk assessment. This has not had an adverse impact on children's care because the childminder provides daily feedback verbally to each parent. n The childminder promotes good health practices. Children enjoy eating healthy food and they use their own water bottles to drink water when they feel thirsty. Children grow their own fruits and vegetables in the childminder's vegetable patch in her garden. n The childminder does not have an accurate view of her strengths and does not identify areas where she could improve her knowledge, skills and practice. n The childminder has a good understanding of children's interests and the

p.2

need to do better?

activities they like to take part in. Most children move around freely and choose where they wish to play. The childminder provides the children with plenty of play opportunities of their own choosing. At times, these opportunities do not engage or challenge the children and they lose attention quickly. n The childminder supports children's language and communication skills well. She acknowledges and affirms young children's attempts to communicate. During an activity with vehicles, the childminder introduces new vocabulary to the children such as 'convertible' and 'explore'. n Children have daily opportunities for exercise outdoors both in the childminder's garden and regular visits to the park. They develop a range of physical skills

p.2

need to do better?

19 August 2021 including fine motor control such as using knives to chop fruit for lunch. n The childminder builds good relationships with parents. Parents comment positively about the childminder and say they are pleased with the care their child receives. The childminder provides verbal feedback daily and sends photographs to parents of their children. This good communication helps support children's individual needs. n Children's behaviour is not always good and the childminder does not consistently implement effective behaviour management techniques. However, children are rewarded with praise and positive attention for their achievements. n Overall, the childminder provides a safe home environment, however she does not maintain a record of children's attendance or an accident log as required. The childminder spoke about how she can correct this quickly, therefore reducing any significant harm to children's welfare.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has accessed training and knows how to keep children safe from harm. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, including the wider aspects of safeguarding. The childminder is aware of local referral procedures if she has a concern. The childminder takes steps to ensure that the designated areas of her home are safe for children to play in freely. Any risks to children's safety are dealt with promptly. For example, children are reminded to pick up small pieces of paper from the floor.

p.3

Due date

ensure a daily record is maintained of the names of children being cared for on the premises and their hours of attendence 30/09/2021

p.3

Due date

ensure a written record is kept of all accidents and injuries, and first-aid treatment. 30/09/2021

p.3

should:

n improve professional development to identify gaps in knowledge, skills and

p.3

should:

19 August 2021 practice that will help raise the quality of the curriculum and learning activities provided for the children n reflect on behaviour management strategies used and how these are consistently applied so that children gain a deeper understanding of what is expected of them.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2497494 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10191435 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 2 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Shortstown. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.5

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 this into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector carried out a learning walk and discussed with the childminder how she organises her home for childminding purposes and how the childminder plans and implements the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions between the childminder and the children present. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder and evaluated the quality of teaching and learning. n Parents shared their views about the quality of care and education the childminder provides for their children. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder at convenient times and looked at relevant documentation.

p.5

Inspection activities

19 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

19 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7