Childminder in Bedford

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

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The provision is good

Children are happy and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. They welcome visitors warmly and invite them to join in with activities. Children are highly motivated to learn as the childminder plans activities based on their interests, such as animals. Older children learn how to use tools for a purpose as they roll out dough and cut out animal shapes. Younger children enjoy sensory experiences, such as exploring how the dough feels as they squeeze it in their hands. Children are kind and considerate to each other. Older children look out for younger ones and support them to join in activities. They offer encouragement and praise. For instance, they say 'good job' to toddlers when they succeed at a task. Children's behaviour is very good.

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The provision is good

Children's speech and language skills are developing well. They constantly chat to each other and talk about what they are doing. The childminder is aware of when children need extra support, such as with pronunciation. She speaks to children clearly and models the use of descriptive words as children engage in activities. For example, she repeats the word 'rolling' as young children roll out dough. At the same time, she introduces older children to more complex words and phrases. For example, she encourages children to 'change direction' as they move the rolling pin around.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear intention of what she wants each child to achieve. She gathers information from parents when children first start about what they know and can do. The childminder makes plans for what she wants each child to learn next. She provides opportunities for children to practise their skills and develop their understanding through independent play and planned activities. n Children's mathematical understanding is developing well. They recognise numerals displayed on a poster and easily relate what they see to their own and each other's ages. Children have fun learning how to sort and categorise. For example, they engage in games where they sort animals into their natural habitats, such as a jungle or a farm. n Children are learning how to develop healthy lifestyles and good independence. They have many opportunities to be active in the garden and on outings. Children know to wash their hands before eating, and they eagerly anticipate

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need to do better?

what fruit will be available to them at snack times. Mealtimes are used for social conversations, and children actively ensure that everyone is included. n Partnerships with parents are well established. The childminder exchanges information about children's achievements and progress with them. Parents express very high levels of appreciation. Their written feedback states that the children enjoy attending and they benefit from the many learning opportunities

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need to do better?

2 August 2022 and outings the childminder provides for them. n The childminder fosters children's literacy development well. She encourages children to join in with stories, either by using spoken words or singing. Children gain information from pictures. This helps them to anticipate what is coming next. As children use letter stamps, the childminder uses letter sounds to help children to begin to understand how words are made. These opportunities build strong foundations for children to build on in their later education. n Children form strong relationships with the childminder and each other. The childminder knows children well and makes sure they have secure routines. When young children are becoming tired, she provides them with their comforters from home. Children quickly settle to sleep, showing they feel content and secure in their familiar surroundings. n The childminder reflects on some aspects of her practice in order to improve

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need to do better?

outcomes for children. She has plans to develop her garden into a more effective learning environment that can be used all year round. The childminder undertakes mandatory training to keep her knowledge current and up to date. However, she does not focus on precisely identifying professional development opportunities to extend her knowledge and teaching skills to the highest level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is knowledgeable about all aspects of child protection. She understands the signs of abuse and additional areas relating to safeguarding, such as extremist behaviour. The childminder is clear about her responsibilities to protect children from harm and knows the procedures to follow should she have any concerns. She undertakes regular training to help her to keep her knowledge relevant and up to date. The childminder has effective safeguarding policies and procedures in place. She shares these with parents to help them to understand how she endeavours to keep children safe in her care.

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should:

n identify ongoing professional development opportunities to strengthen existing knowledge and skills and enhance the quality of teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2549621 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10232029 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 Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Kempston, Bedford. She operates all year round from 7am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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

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Inspection activities

2 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

2 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

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

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