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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children are warmly greeted by the childminder as they arrive. They happily separate from their parents with support from the caring childminder. Children are relaxed and happy as they settle down to play in the safe and homely environment. Children engage well in their play. They demonstrate good focus and attention as they explore sensory trays filled with sand, rice and shells. They have time and space to follow their interests and demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

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The provision is good

Children consistently demonstrate positive attitudes. The childminder acts as a good role model for children's kind and friendly behaviours. For example, the childminder supports the children's turn-taking and negotiation skills when building car tracks together. This helps children to learn effective social skills. Children show impressive levels of independence. They expertly wash their hands and find a plate for snack. Older children show determination and persistence as they peel oranges independently. Younger children develop hand-to-eye coordination skills as they learn to use cutlery successfully to feed themselves. Children show care and consideration for the childminder's home as they help to tidy away their toys and food items. When children are ready to move on to school, the childminder ensures that transitions are smooth and children are prepared for their next stage of learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder considers the individual needs and interests of children as she implements her curriculum. She discusses children's starting points with parents and how best to support their child's learning further. She willingly offers advice and guidance for home learning ideas. She completes developmental checks which she shares with parents. n The childminder focuses on teaching language and communication development. Children who speak English as an additional language make good progress. She engages children in conversation, responding to their questions and ideas as they hear aeroplanes fly overhead. The childminder encourages children to recall their own experiences of aeroplanes and holidays. As children play, the childminder introduces new words, such as 'starfish' and 'caravan'. This helps to extend children's vocabulary. n Children access their favourite books independently, turning the pages while

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need to do better?

they sit comfortably on soft furnishings. The childminder captures children's interest in stories as she reads with intonation in her voice for the book's characters. n Children develop their physical skills during outside play. The childminder provides opportunities to develop children's hand grip to have a go at mark making with chalks. They strengthen their hand and arm muscles as they use

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need to do better?

9 August 2022 scissor tools to scoop up rice and sand. They learn to negotiate obstacles as they use ride-along cars. n The childminder plans exciting trips for the children. They visit sunflower fields, parks and local playgroups. These trips give children opportunities to learn about the world around them. n Overall, the childminder plans activities well to meet children's interests and the next steps in their learning. She encourages children to count objects they find as they play. This begins to develop their mathematical skills. However, she does not always use opportunities that arise naturally through play and routines to further develop children's understanding of counting or other mathematical concepts, such as capacity, length and shape. n The childminder is reflective and motivated to continue developing her own knowledge and practice. She is keen to develop her setting to allow children to

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need to do better?

follow their own curiosities further. She researches and takes part in training that is relevant to the current needs of the children in her care. n The childminder establishes positive relationships with parents. Parents appreciate the daily updates and photos she shares with them via effective communication methods. This helps parents to feel fully involved and informed of their children's day and achievements. The childminder provides parents with helpful information. For instance, she shares tips on good oral hygiene.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of her role and responsibilities to safeguard children. She has a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms that a child may be at risk. The childminder knows the correct procedures to follow and who to contact if she has concerns about a child's welfare. This includes wider safeguarding issues, such as extremist views and behaviours. She undertakes regular training to update her knowledge. The childminder maintains a safe home environment and effective safeguarding policies.

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should:

n strengthen opportunities for children to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts through their play and routines.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY479440 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10219438 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 6 Date of previous inspection 18 August 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Elstow, Bedford. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She 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 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 provision. n The childminder took the inspector on a learning walk around her home. n The inspector spoke to the childminder, children and parents and took their views into consideration. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with the children and discussed outcomes. n The inspector observed the children's play, both indoors and outdoors.

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Inspection activities

9 August 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

9 August 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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