Childminder in Bedford

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder has failed to meet all the safeguarding and welfare requirements. She has not made sure that all suitability checks are in place for all people living in her home. However, this does not have a significant impact on children's safety as people without checks have no contact with children. Children demonstrate that they feel happy in the childminder's care. They are learning how to play cooperatively, share and take turns. Children consistently use good manners in their interactions with the childminder and with each other, and they behave very well.

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The provision requires improvement

Children thoroughly enjoy being outside. They are excited to see how tadpoles are growing. Children show their developing understanding of the world. For example, they talk about how the tadpoles need to be in the water to be able to change into frogs. Children are very active. They climb up steps to the slide and enjoying sliding down. They have opportunities to stretch their muscles, for example by using their arms to swing from hoops. At other times, they enjoy the childminder pushing them on the swing and they talk about how they can see the sky.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has failed to notify Ofsted of all people living on the premises. This is a breach to statutory requirements. However, this does not have an impact on children's safety, well-being or learning and development. n The childminder knows the children very well. She is aware of where they are in their development and how they like to learn. She observes them closely and uses her observations and assessments to identify what children need to learn next. Children make good progress. n Children develop good listening skills. When they take part in music and movement sessions, the childminder encourages children to listen and follow instructions. Children join in very well and demonstrate how they are learning to anticipate what comes next. For example, they notice how the music changes just before they are asked to stop. n Children build close attachments to the childminder. They enjoy being in each

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need to do better?

other's company and have fun together. Children often go to the childminder for a cuddle when they need support or are feeling tired. n The childminder uses daily routines, such as snack times, to teach children. For example, she asks children how many pieces of fruit they want and models counting. Children show their developing understanding of shapes as they notice that their piece of watermelon is a triangle. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They state that their children are very happy to attend and flourish in her care. Parents say that their children gain valuable knowledge and skills that equip them for later learning at nursery and

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need to do better?

12 April 2022 school. The childminder keeps parents updated about children's progress to help them to support their learning at home. n Children's speech is developing well. The childminder is aware of where there are gaps in learning and gives children targeted support to help close these. Children who speak two languages are making very good progress and switch easily between languages when their parents arrive. n Overall, children are developing good independence skills. They know where to find their belongings and try hard to put on their socks and shoes. After snack, children wash their own hands and faces and are pleased to do things for themselves. However, the childminder does not always encourage children to put away toys they have finished playing with. Consequently, toys are left on the floor and become tripping hazards. n The childminder regularly reviews her practice and identifies areas she wants to

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need to do better?

strengthen further. She undertakes training and research to help her to continually develop her knowledge and teaching skills. The childminder has strong links with other childminders and benefits from their peer support.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has failed to ensure that the required suitability checks for all household members have been completed. However, children's safety is not significantly compromised as these people have no contact with children. The childminder is alert to the possible signs that children could be at risk of abuse or extremist behaviour. She has a clear understanding of her role in protecting them from harm and of promoting children's welfare. The childminder knows how to contact relevant agencies in the local area, to seek advice or to make referrals. She has a clear safeguarding policy, which she uses to underpin her good practice. The childminder undertakes regular child protection training to keep her knowledge relevant and up to date.

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Due date

make sure that the correct procedures are followed to ensure all suitability checks are carried out for all the people who live on the premises. 26/04/2022

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should:

12 April 2022 n develop more ways to support children's growing independence skills, especially with regard to keeping their environment safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY442339 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10137426 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 7 Date of previous inspection 25 September 2012

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Bedford. She operates on Monday to Friday, from 7.45am until 5.30pm, all year round except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds qualified teacher status.

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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 her evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of the childminder's home that she uses with children and discussed her curriculum and how she operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place. They talked about the needs of individual children and discussed the progress they are making. n A sample of policies and procedures were looked at by the inspector. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members and safeguarding and complaints policies. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections on her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

12 April 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.

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Inspection activities

12 April 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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