Harris, Catherine Susan

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and enjoy the time they spend with the childminder. They feel safe and secure to explore their environment. Children show a love of books. They confidently select stories to share with the childminder. The childminder brings the stories to life. For example, children are excited when using frozen cotton wool to recreate the snow in 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. Even the youngest children begin to join in with the repeated refrains. The children enjoy being outside. They take walks to the local nature reserve and observe the world around them. For example, children find spiderwebs and learn what they are for.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's behaviour is very good. They enjoy taking part in games. Children are gently reminded of the expectations to share toys with their friends. Children show care and respect for one another. For example, children take great delight in playing together in the indoor tepee. They take turns with the different toy characters they are playing with. The youngest children express themselves very well. They use gestures when they have not yet learned the words. For example, children point to a button on a toy they want the childminder to press and wait for her reaction.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder places a great emphasis on developing early communication and language. She repeats and reinforces the correct pronunciation of words. The childminder extends children's language, introducing new words to expand their vocabulary, and they use the words in their everyday play. n The childminder knows the children well. She plans activities that build on their interests and observations. For example, children explore how ice melts, following a discussion about the cold weather. n The childminder builds positive relationships with the parents. Through discussion with the parents, she finds out what the children know and can do. Parents express how happy they are with the childminder and value the advice she gives them. She uses a communication book to share daily learning and care needs. n The childminder observes the children, to identify areas of learning that they need to develop. She uses these to plan the next steps for the children.

p.2

need to do better?

However, the sequence of learning does not always build on what the children already know. Therefore, children are not able to progress as quickly in some areas of learning, in particular, early mathematics. n Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills. They use the outdoor environment to balance on stepping stones, climb the ladder on a slide and make marks with chalk on the patio. However, there are limited opportunities for children to independently develop their early writing skills indoors.

p.2

need to do better?

11 January 2022 n The childminder attends mandatory training, such as first aid and safeguarding. However, she is yet to establish a targeted programme of professional development, to consistently improve her knowledge and skills to enhance her already good practice. n The childminder provides opportunities to help children develop their independence. They are encouraged to put on their coats and wellington boots when preparing to go outside. They are taught about healthy food and the importance of being healthy. They regularly wash their hands and are taught about why they need to clean their teeth. n Children have good support to help them learn to assess risks. They know that the childminder is on hand to help if needed. For example, with words of encouragement, the youngest children are confident to climb up the rungs of the slide ladder.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in protecting children from harm and reporting any concerns that may arise. The childminder recognises the signs and symptoms of the main types of abuse and knows what steps to take to protect the children in her setting. She has completed relevant training to secure her knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibilities. She provides a safe and secure environment and ensures that children are protected from any potential hazards. The childminder's home is clean and well maintained, and she takes care to ensure any risks to children are minimised, both within her home and during outings. She supervises children closely at all times.

p.3

should:

n ensure learning is sequenced to build on what children know and can do in all areas of learning n identify training and development needs to help strengthen knowledge.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY297412 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10137439 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 14 April 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Marston Moretaine. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 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 completed a learning walk with the childminder and discussed how her curriculum supports children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder. She reviewed a sample of documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n The inspector held discussions with parents and took account of their views.

p.4

Inspection activities

11 January 2022 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

11 January 2022 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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