McEvoy, Katie Louise

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children feel happy and safe in the childminder's care. They confidently invite visitors to interact with them and sing as they play. Effective settling-in procedures are in place, which helps children to form strong attachments with the childminder. Children welcome the childminder's warm interactions in their play and snuggle up to her when they become tired. The childminder has high expectations of all children and they make good progress. Children develop good control and coordination of their hands as they use spoons to scoop coloured foam into toy cones. They pretend to make different-flavoured ice creams. Children are curious and have a strong exploratory impulse. They discover how the foam feels as they spread it on their hands and feet. Children laugh with delight as they clap their hands and watch droplets of foam fly in the air.

p.2

The provision is good

Children become deeply absorbed in their imaginative play and use toy figures to act out their thoughts. They have a love of books, including those that promote diversity and inclusion. Children concentrate for sustained periods as the childminder reads books to them, using different tones of voice. They make predictions of what is going to happen on the next page.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder supports children to be independent individuals. They confidently take on responsibilities from an early age. Children tidy away resources when they have finished playing with them, pour their own water and wipe their face after eating. n The childminder is proactive in helping children who have had reduced social interactions with people outside of their home due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. She regularly takes them to local groups, where they play and sing with other children, and they visit local farms. This helps children to have a positive attitude about the differences between people and an understanding of different occupations, such as a farmer. n The childminder calmly and consistently manages children's behaviour when they have minor disagreements. Children use good manners and are beginning to regulate their own behaviour. The childminder praises children for their

p.2

need to do better?

efforts, as well as their achievements. This helps them to feel emotionally secure and boosts their self-esteem. Children have friendly and caring relationships. For example, they help each other to put on their shoes and provide reassurance when they accidently spill water on their clothes. n The childminder promotes children's speech and language development very well. She engages children in regular conversation throughout the day to extend their communication skills. The childminder speaks clearly and incorporates the single words they say within short sentences. Her use of open-ended questions

p.2

need to do better?

21 September 2021 challenges the most able children to build on their thinking skills and motivates them to respond using complex sentences. n The childminder supports children to be physically active and lead a healthy lifestyle. She encourages children to assess risks for themselves, such as independently climbing the steps to the slide. Children follow good hygiene routines and benefit from nutritious food. n The childminder is reflective and regularly evaluates the service she provides. She places a strong emphasis on responding to suggestions made by parents. The childminder continues to build on her knowledge and skills. She regularly liaises and shares good practice with a network of local childminders, reads professional publications and completes training. n Children engage in a varied and balanced range of planned and child-led activities. The childminder has a good understanding of children's interests and

p.2

need to do better?

what they need to learn next. However, she does not consistently provide children with the very best opportunities to build on and embed their knowledge from previous experiences. n The childminder obtains a wealth of information from children's parents when they first begin attending. This helps her to develop an understanding of children's individual care needs and assess their stage of development. She uses a range of methods to keep in contact with parents and inform them of their child's progress. Parents comment how the childminder is a 'superstar'. However, the childminder does not regularly inform parents of what children are working towards next, to support their continuity of learning at home.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a comprehensive range of policies to underpin her good practice and promote children's safety and welfare. She implements a robust procedure when sharing digital photos of children with their parents. The childminder has an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures. She is clear about her role and responsibility to keep children safe. The childminder can recognise the possible indicators of abuse and has a clear knowledge of how to respond to any concerns about children's safety or welfare.

p.3

should:

n strengthen opportunities for children to consolidate and build on previous experiences, to extend their learning further n build on existing partnerships with parents to promote greater continuity in children's learning at home.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY556016 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10174812 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Sandy, Bedfordshire. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 4.

p.4

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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector jointly evaluated an activity with the childminder. She observed the quality of teaching indoors and outdoors. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of individuals living in the household. n Children interacted with the inspector during the inspection. The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided and discussed with the childminder how she reflects on the service she provides.

p.4

Inspection activities

21 September 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.4

Inspection activities

21 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.

p.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6