Shapland, Samantha Joanne

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children demonstrate exceptional levels of confidence at this highly inspirational setting. The childminder helps them to become aware of and name their feelings. Children show care, concern and respect towards each other. For example, older children teach younger children to learn the names of shapes. Children develop their brilliant social skills as they chat at the lunch table about their experiences. They marvel at how they are eating apples; the same food they have used to make birdfeeders. The childminder expertly encourages them to recall their knowledge to truly give meaning to their learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely articulate. The childminder broadens their vocabulary in a fun and interesting way. For example, children focus on learning about birds. They read non-fiction books about birds and listen to their bird songs. Children learn the names of the different species. The childminder challenges them further by learning parts of the birds in other languages that they are familiar with.

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The provision is outstanding

Children gain a sharp awareness of how to keep themselves safe. They ride tricycles up and down a path, waiting for each other and giving each other space to turn around and go the other way. Children handle tools, such as knives and palm drills, competently. There is an abundance of further opportunities for them to develop their small hand muscles. Children use a range of tongs to scoop small items. The childminder superbly supports young children to manipulate string through small holes, and older children persevere until they have tied knots in the string. Their success at challenging tasks has an extremely positive impact on their self-worth.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is a passionate professional who strives to provide a high level of care and education. She builds on her own learning as she eagerly attains qualifications and training that thoroughly underpin children's learning further. For example, she has completed a forest school leader qualification. n The childminder shares her learning widely with other childminders and the children they care for. She offers outdoor learning in the forest and works with other professionals to secure safe learning sites. This increases the number of children who can benefit from her outstanding skills. n Children show their extensive knowledge of healthy lifestyles as they play. They are eager to spend a lot of time outdoors. Children serve up carrots and lettuce from the home corner because they are good for you, and know that sweet foods are bad for your teeth. Young children wipe their noses and wash their

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need to do better?

hands afterwards. This helps them gain great personal skills to build on for future independence.

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need to do better?

25 January 2022 n The childminder has a deep knowledge of how children learn and applies this, building on what children already know and can do. She has an excellent understanding of the children she cares for and carefully plans what they will learn next and when. The childminder uses information about children's whole lives to give them well-rounded experiences. n Parents are extremely happy with the service the childminder provides. They say she keeps them very well informed about their children. The childminder obtains their views frequently to evaluate her service. Parents and the childminder work in partnership to benefit children. For example, they help children to eat more healthily. Furthermore, the childminder includes other settings that children attend to ensure she obtains detailed information in order to fully understand children's needs. n Children experience early numeracy skills throughout a range of activities. They

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need to do better?

eagerly ask to count days of the week during circle time. Young children move their bodies fast and slow, matching the tempo of music. Children are curious and inquisitive. Before an activity, they notice there are only two apples but four people. The childminder challenges them to think about how they can make four and what two add two is. This helps children to acquire mathematical knowledge in a meaningful way. n Children are tremendously creative and imaginative. They drape pieces of fabric to make curtains for their den. Children sing and dance spontaneously. They are extremely proud of their craft work and are keen to show visitors their creations.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has exceptional safeguarding knowledge, including the complex reasons children and families may need help. She knows the signs and symptoms of possible abuse, including awareness of online child protection issues. The childminder uses her own expertise to support the families and refer any concerns to the relevant agencies if necessary. She keeps her own knowledge of a range of issues updated, for example understanding why domestic abuse rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY562942 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10191522 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 13 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in the village of Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire. She operates all year round from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. She provides 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 pandemic. 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 talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a planned activity. n The inspector read several parents' written testimonials during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members. n Children communicated with the inspector 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

25 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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