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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are lovingly cared for at this well-resourced, bright and cheerful home. Care needs are met quickly and a strong sense of structure and routine means that children flourish, feel safe and are ready to learn. Children busy themselves happily with a rich variety of resources as they sing songs together and giggle excitedly at the childminder, responding to her warmth and encouragement. There is never a dull moment for children because there are plenty of opportunities to learn new words and play with friends.

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The provision is good

Children are immersed in stories. They regularly visit the local library where they choose books and read them throughout the day. Children discover new numbers and count objects on their fingers as they sing 'Five Little Speckled Frogs' and 'Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed'. Little voices ring out throughout the day. For example, during care routines, children sing 'This Is the Way We Wash Our Hands'.

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The provision is good

Children behave well because there are clear expectations and boundaries. With support, they are learning how to share, take turns and work together in their play. Children have developed warm bonds with the childminder, who lets the learning be led by the children's interests. For example, children clap and laugh as they roll down the hill together in the garden.

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need to do better?

n The childminder communicates with parents extremely well and has a robust system for reporting children's progress. As a result, parents are able to comment in detail about the progress children have made. n Children's communication and language are well supported. They are encouraged to sing songs, answer questions and learn new words. Consequently, parents and the childminder report good progress and children are more confident and able to express their own thoughts and feelings. n As a result of COVID-19, the childminder has focused more on the children's emotional well-being, for example, by staggering settling-in sessions and meeting with parents outside of the setting. As a result, parents report feeling 'reassured'. n The childminder uses a strong routine to support children's feelings of safety and security. She listens to children and ensures that she prepares them for change. This results in high levels of self-control among the children.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is reflective of her own practice. She plans to enhance her own knowledge and skills, and she is beginning to think about how she can link this with further training opportunities. n British values are promoted by the childminder very well. Children are encouraged to have excellent table manners and to be polite and respectful of

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need to do better?

25 July 2022 one another. n Although children are encouraged to make choices in their play, there are not always sufficient opportunities for children to take risks and explore freely. As a result, children's experiences to develop resilience and independence are limited. n Children regularly visit their community and have a strong sense of who they are and their local area. However, they have not yet had opportunities to explore different cultures beyond their own. n The childminder has very warm and caring relationships with the children and she consistently praises them. Phrases such as 'well done', 'clever boy' and 'that's great' are regularly heard throughout the day. n Relationships with parents are strong. They report that the childminder is very nurturing and that they feel completely at ease knowing that their children are 'in good hands'. n The childminder plans according to the children's needs. She supports all

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need to do better?

children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, extremely well. She identifies support where it is needed and works with other agencies to ensure that children receive any external help that is required. n The childminder promotes mathematical concepts particularly well. For example, when playing with the rubber ducks, children are encouraged to count, line up and take away objects. All children, regardless of their age, join in and as a result, children are challenged and experience success.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep children safe. She is aware of risk factors and signs that may cause concern. She understands her responsibilities to report her concerns in a timely manner. The childminder has a good understanding of the wider safeguarding issues that may affect the children she cares for.

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should:

n enhance opportunities for children to take risks in their play in order to promote independence and resilience n develop children's understanding of different cultures beyond their own.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY485133 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10231963 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 4 Date of previous inspection 19 September 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Silsoe. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 childminder and the inspector held a learning discussion together to understand how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children during adult- led activities and reviewed this with the childminder. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children throughout the morning. n The inspector saw written feedback from parents during the inspection and took their views and feedback into account. n The inspector reviewed a sample of the childminder's documentation, including Disclosure and Barring Service information and first-aid certificate.

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Inspection activities

25 July 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

25 July 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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