Childminder in Milton Keynes

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the care of the childminder and her co-childminder. They gather their shoes and coats with excitement to prepare to go into the garden to discover the varied and interesting activities the childminder has prepared. Children carefully watch what happens when they use pipettes to drop vinegar onto coloured hearts. They listen to the words the childminder introduces in her descriptions of what is happening, quickly putting the words into their own sentences. All children are immersed in a positive, language-rich environment, contributing to their eagerness to expand their rapidly developing vocabulary.

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The provision is outstanding

From a very early age, children confidently try, and tenaciously complete, routine tasks independently. They use age-appropriate cutlery to feed themselves and, with supervision, wash their hands and brush their teeth after lunch. This helps children to proficiently gain the skills to complete positive hygiene routines.

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The provision is outstanding

Children enthusiastically help to tidy the playroom. They work out which wooden boxes fit inside others. They talk about size and shape and quickly build on what they already know to help strengthen their understanding of mathematical concepts. The childminder does not rush children, allowing them to explore, experiment and reach their own conclusions in their own time. Children return to activities to repeat and build on what they previously discovered, helping to support their thirst to learn.

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need to do better?

n The childminder maintains exceptionally good communication with parents and other settings that the children also attend. She ensures parents and other key persons are well informed about children's progress. The childminder considers observations and reports from others. This helps her focus on children's next steps in learning in both children's self-chosen activities and those prepared by herself and her co-childminder. This contributes to children's consistently rapid progress. n Very young children are welcomed to join activities with older children. The childminder skilfully adds challenges to suit the age and stage of development for all. For example, older children investigate what changes happen to size, shape and colour during a chemical reaction. At the same time, younger children are encouraged to strengthen their hand muscles while they squeeze pipettes and follow the direction of the coloured liquid.

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need to do better?

n The well-qualified childminder and her co-childminder continue to expand their own knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop. Regular online courses and webinars help the childminder put plans in place to review and improve the already highly successful teaching and care practices. This

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need to do better?

15 March 2022 contributes to the high-quality experiences children receive. n Children embrace many opportunities to play and learn in different environments. For example, the childminder encourages children to take greater risk when they climb and explore in the local woods. This helps children develop an awareness of how to manage risks and how to begin to keep themselves and others safe. Children become confident learners through their many memorable experiences. They enjoy looking through a book of photos of past trips and enjoyable activities. Children recall and reflect on what they did, which helps to reinforce what they already know and understand before they learn even more. n Children form exceptionally strong bonds with the childminder. They gravitate towards her, initiating conversations and games that are triggered by their interests and preferences. Very young children rest their heads on the

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need to do better?

childminder's shoulder during cuddles. They seek comfort when they are tired or upset and quickly settle when the nurturing childminder responds to their needs. n The childminder gathers detailed information from parents when children first attend the setting. This helps to ensure that children's preferences, daily routines and interests are taken into consideration right from the start. The childminder works closely with parents to help promote a varied and nutritional diet. Two-way communication about what children have eaten helps to support a consistently sensitive approach to make mealtimes a positive experience. As a result, children become more confident to independently sample food they have not previously eaten or enjoyed.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder regularly updates her already strong knowledge and understanding of how to keep children safe. Regular discussions with her co- childminder help to ensure that any concerns are recorded and reported in a timely manner. Updates in relation to changes in local procedures are sought and influence any necessary changes in policy or procedure. This helps to ensure that the childminder and her co-childminder know who is the most appropriate person to notify a concern to, which helps to keep children safe from actual or potential harm.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY498224 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10220066 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 26 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and provides care from her co-childminder's house in Woburn Sands. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5pm on Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. Funded early education is provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder described how she plans her curriculum and the impact it has on children's learning. n The inspector observed activities in the house and garden. She spoke to the childminder, her co-childminder and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n A planned activity was observed. The childminder evaluated the impact of the activity on children's learning. n Parents' views, gathered through questionnaires and emails to the inspector, were taken into consideration by the inspector. n The inspector looked at documents, including the evidence of the suitability of the childminder, her co-childminder and other household members.

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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 March 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

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

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