Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

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 demonstrate that they are secure and happy and enjoy spending time with the childminder. They naturally include her in their play and turn to her for comfort and reassurance. Children mirror the childminder's positive attitude and respond to her high expectations. They persevere and are proud of their achievements. For example, young children learn to climb up the steps to the slide. They clap and celebrate when they reach the top. Children are kind and caring towards one another. They often stop to give one another spontaneous hugs and help each other to use the resources, such as the toy pushchair.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder understands the possible effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns. During these times, she kept in touch with families and sent recorded stories for the children to listen to. This also helped them to settle quickly on their return. Children gain a practical understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. They practise cleaning model teeth and talk about the different types of food that are good for their teeth and their bodies. Children are developing good physical skills and are learning about safety. For example, when using play equipment, children assess how far they can jump down.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children make good progress in their learning. The childminder uses her experience and knowledge of child development and assesses children's progress well. She recognises what she needs to help children learn next and offers them relevant play opportunities to support this. The childminder carefully monitors children's development and takes effective action to ensure no child falls behind in their learning. n Children are developing good communication skills. The childminder speaks clearly, repeating new vocabulary and making sure that children understand this. She offers children creative opportunities that help to reinforce their language skills. For instance, young children visit a local natural history museum, where they eagerly spot different animals and name them. n Children choose books from a creative variety that reflects their interests and encourages them to explore further. For example, children choose books related

p.2

need to do better?

to their current interest in vehicles. They enjoy turning the pages and naming the cars and trucks. They move on to look at other books, handling these with care. n Children learn about the natural environment. They have helped make a bug hotel and check it each day, eagerly noting the beetles, bugs and spiders that are using it. Children watch caterpillars hatching. They read associated books and look at illustrations to help them understand the life cycle. n The childminder carefully plans outings that offer children additional learning

p.2

need to do better?

10 May 2022 experiences. For example, young children visit a nearby zoo and farm. They each take a toy animal with them and concentrate as they try to spot the real animal. They go on to note the different sizes, colours and sounds of the animals. n Children are becoming aware of differences. For example, they frequently use community facilities, such as parks, museums and walks. These spark their interest in the wider world, and the childminder helps them refer to a globe and books to build on this. n Parents speak highly of the childminder and report that communication is very good. For example, the childminder shares information about children's activities and development, supporting parents to build on children's skills at home. Parents feel that the childminder understands each child well and uses this knowledge to offer children pertinent support. n The childminder completes some further training and builds her knowledge.

p.2

need to do better?

However, she does not always make the very best use of training and development opportunities, for example to support her in helping children to think critically and solve problems they encounter as they play. n The childminder generally offers children support in developing their independence. For example, children learn to feed themselves. However, on occasion, the childminder does things for children that they could do themselves, such as putting on their shoes and coats. This confuses children and does not promote their independence to its optimum.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of safeguarding and wider issues, such as the risks associated with exposure to extreme views and practices. She completes safeguarding training and reads associated news and articles to help keep her knowledge up to date. The childminder understands how to recognise possible concerns relating to children's welfare and knows how to report these to the relevant agency. She is aware of the potential risks associated with the use of the internet and takes effective action to protect children from these.

p.3

should:

n focus on professional learning opportunities to further support the continued development of teaching skills, for example in encouraging children to think critically and solve problems as they encounter them in their play n extend the opportunities that support younger children in developing their independence.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2506680 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10191646 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 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has qualified teacher status. She is able to provide funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 provider. n The inspector observed activities indoors and outside and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. She talked with the childminder about how the early years provision is organised. n The childminder and inspector reviewed an activity together. n The inspector viewed relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and the suitability of household members. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times throughout the inspection and considered their views. She also took into account the views of parents, as provided in their written feedback.

p.4

Inspection activities

10 May 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

10 May 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.

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