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 say they enjoy their time spent with the childminder. They confidently welcome visitors and are eager that everyone participates in activities. Children choose equipment that interests them and use it in a variety of ways. For example, they use corks as houses and to help form a bridge. This helps children strengthen their creativity. They confidently describe what they are building and listen to the words the childminder uses to expand their vocabularies further.

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The provision is good

Simple rules help the children understand how they are expected to behave. They follow the positive approach of the caring childminder and are respectful of each other. Children are keen to add milk bottle tops to a jar when they have spontaneously been kind. They are able to explain what they did to gain the reward. This contributes to children's consistently good behaviour. Very young children join in group activities, such as changing the date on a calendar. This helps them begin to share and take turns from an early age.

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The provision is good

Children embrace the activities and outings that the childminder uses to help build on what they can already do and know. They frequently visit local open spaces and attractions, such as an aircraft museum, to find out even more information about things they are interested in. Children recall what they have done. For example, after making soup, they recall how they used a blender for the vegetables. This helps to strengthen children's ability to order their recollections.

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need to do better?

n The childminder establishes good links with other settings that children attend. She shares information about what children can do and finds out what they are doing in their nursery setting. This helps her build on the children's learning experiences. n The childminder values the feedback of parents and other professionals. She uses the constructive ideas and advice she receives through parental questionnaires, professional forums and groups to help make continual improvements. This contributes to the good-quality education and care provided. n Children embrace the opportunity to sing songs in both English and Portuguese. They choose which language they would like to use to welcome their friends to the setting. This is one way that children begin to show an interest and awareness for other cultures and languages. n The childminder works in close partnership with parents. She finds out what children can already do, what they like and about their daily routines as soon as

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need to do better?

parents enroll their children. This helps the childminder support children's learning and continue familiar care routines right from the start. n When children are routinely absent for a period of time, such as those who

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need to do better?

15 September 2021 attend the setting during the term time only, the childminder ensures she keeps in contact with them. For example, over the summer holidays, she arranges play dates in the local park. She finds out how children have continued to develop. During the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) lockdowns, the childminder used video calls to read stories and share news with children. This helps children settle quickly when they return to the childminder's home. n Children move freely around the playroom. They select toys and equipment stored at low levels and confidently carry them to and from the garden. Children enjoy using a trampoline and swing in the garden. This helps to strengthen their muscles, supporting their physical development. n The childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals and snacks for children. They talk about the food they eat and recall the fruits and vegetables they grow

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need to do better?

with the childminder and at home. Children explain why they need to clean their teeth. Older children use and understand words, such as 'cavities', in their explanations. This contributes to children's positive attitudes towards healthy lifestyle routines. n Children show high levels of independence. Very young children persevere to put their shoes on and are proud of their achievements. Children confidently wash their hands, chop fruit to eat and tidy away their plates and cups. n Children are motivated to learn. They welcome the childminder's input to their imaginary games and ask questions to satisfy their curiosity. However, there are times when the childminder does not encourage children to solve problems and predict what might happen next for themselves.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of safeguarding. She knows how to make a referral if she has a concern about children's welfare. The childminder keeps a list of contact telephone numbers displayed in her playroom, helping her to swiftly identify the correct person or department to call. She regularly refreshes her knowledge and understanding of safeguarding matters. She also keeps in regular contact with early years advisers who have insight into local activity that may have a negative impact on children's safety and well-being. This helps the childminder to maintain her awareness of wider safeguarding issues.

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should:

n create further opportunities for children to solve problems, predict outcomes and find ways of doing this for themselves, to help strengthen their thinking skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY548656 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10174107 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 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Biggleswade. She operates her provision all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 6. She offers funded early education for three- and four-year- old children.

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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 her and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector observed activities in the childminder's home and garden. She spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n Evidence of the suitability of the childminder and other household members was seen by the inspector. She looked at a variety of documents, including the childminder's first-aid certificate, the attendance register and children's records. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home and garden used by children. She described what and how she teaches children and what aspects of children's development she is currently focusing on. n The inspector read detailed questionnaires that parents have completed about

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Inspection activities

the quality of care and education their children receive. Parents' views were taken into consideration during the inspection.

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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

15 September 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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