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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate they are happy and enjoy their time in this warm, nurturing environment. They move around the setting freely, exploring the variety of stimulating activities which the childminder provides. The childminder is knowledgeable about the children in his care. He plans activities based around their interests and is skilful at adapting them to meet the learning needs of individual children. For example, younger children participate in a brick-sorting activity to support their knowledge of colour identification. Older children are encouraged to add bricks together to support their mathematical development.

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The provision is good

Children interact confidently with visitors. They are friendly and invite them to join in with activities. Children talk enthusiastically about the different places they visit with their childminder. For example, they recall the fun they had on a recent visit to a trampoline park.

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The provision is good

Children develop close bonds with one another. They support each other in activities such as building towers to knock down. Children demonstrate consistently good manners. They are polite to one another and are willing to share and take turns with resources. The childminder supports these behaviours by role modelling respect and kindness within the setting.

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need to do better?

n Children are making good progress. The childminder uses every opportunity to extend children's learning. He encourages older children to extend their mathematical knowledge by finding out about the concept of subtracting, while playing with bricks. n Children have strong knowledge of the rules of the setting and why they are in place. They tidy away toys before selecting new ones to play with. Children explain they must pick toys up, so they do not trip over and hurt themselves. n The childminder is consistent in his approach to behaviour management. He uses age-appropriate language to explain why actions are inappropriate. He helps children to learn about the consequences of their behaviour. n Children's communication and language skills are well promoted in the setting. The childminder consistently speaks to children clearly and supports them to develop a varied vocabulary. The childminder is enthusiastic and energetic when

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need to do better?

reading to the children. They delight in acting out and recreating the stories he tells. n The childminder encourages children's curiosity. He engages them in activities which are challenging for their development and support their critical thinking. For example, when completing puzzles, the childminder deliberately places pieces incorrectly. He then encourages children to examine why they do not fit.

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need to do better?

31 August 2021 n Children have a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They talk about their favourite fruits and how drinking water is good for them. The childminder supports children to become active. He organises a variety of exciting physical activities, such as swimming and trampolining. n The childminder places sharp focus on supporting children's emotional well- being. When children become frustrated, he encourages them to use 'mood jars' which they have made. This helps children to learn to understand and manage their feelings. n The childminder demonstrates professionalism and integrity in supporting children's learning and development. Additional funding is used to provide resources aimed at meeting the needs of specific children. For example, he purchased outdoor resources so children could continue learning safely during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. n Children follow basic hygiene routines in the setting. However, the childminder

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need to do better?

does not encourage children to think about why it is important to wash their hands. Children's knowledge of what contributes to keeping them healthy, is not being fully developed. n The childminder works hard to establish effective methods of communication with families from the start. He gathers comprehensive information which ensures children settle quickly in his care. The childminder's ongoing communication of children's development allows parents to support their learning at home. n The childminder reflects well on all aspects of his practice. He uses self- evaluation tools to highlight additional development opportunities. The childminder works hard to fill gaps in his knowledge with various online and face-to-face training courses.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates good knowledge of what to do if he has concerns about a child and the referral process to follow. He knows the signs and symptoms which could indicate that a child is at risk of harm. The childminder undertakes regular training to keep his knowledge up to date. He supervises children well and completes regular risk assessments, both in the setting and when going on trips. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place which he regularly updates in line with changing legislation.

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should:

n help children to understand the importance of handwashing and how this links to keeping themselves healthy.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY551908 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10174018 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 2017 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. He operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector and the childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of education. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection, including how the early years setting is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of education and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. This included discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

31 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

31 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

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

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