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

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a comfortable and inviting environment in which children explore freely. Children are motivated to learn. They are curious and investigate the toys available in a variety of different ways. Children are independent and have opportunities to make their own decisions about what they would like to play with. They use their imaginations as they use the menu cards in the home corner. They practise using chop sticks to pick up the play food, which helps to develop their hand-to-eye coordination. Children are acquiring the skills they need for future learning.

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The provision is good

Children develop their language skills by singing rhymes and reading stories. The childminder focuses heavily on extending children's language, providing a selection of books, along with opportunities for them to take part in action rhymes. Children form good relationships with the childminder. She is nurturing and supportive, promoting children's well-being. Children are comfortable interacting with the childminder. They follow good hygiene procedures. For example, they know to wash their hands before eating and after they have played in the garden. Children are learning to be independent through tasks such as, helping to tidy away their toys, selecting their fruit and pouring their water at snack time. They practise putting on their own shoes and coats and fastening their zips.

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need to do better?

n Children have access to the garden where they have a number of resources to choose from. They play on the climbing frame and swings. Children learn to balance on scooters and bikes, building their coordination and core strength. n The childminder understands how young children learn. She carries out regular checks on their development and discusses their progress with their parents. Parents are very complimentary in their praise of the childminder for the care and learning their children receive. Parents say that the childminder, 'supports their individual children' and that they are, 'pleased with their children's progress'. n Children make good progress from their starting points. The childminder works closely with parents to settle in new children and establish what they already know, to develop their learning further. n The childminder follows the children's interests when planning the activities. For

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need to do better?

example, she provides the children with trucks and diggers to use with the building bricks. They scoop up the blocks saying, 'beep, beep' as it reverses. n Children develop their language skills. They respond positively to the childminder as they listen to familiar stories and rhymes. Children interact with the story and predict what will happen next. n The childminder introduces the children to mathematical concepts. She sings

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need to do better?

28 October 2022 number rhymes and encourages the children to count the ducks. The childminder introduces colour recognition by asking the children to match toys to a coloured square. However, some adult-led activities are not highly effective at meeting the learning needs of all the children, resulting in them becoming distracted and disengaged. n Children behave well and are learning to manage their emotions. They are engaged in their learning and are respectful. Children say, 'please' and 'thank you' and are aware of the childminder's expectations. However, there are occasions when children become upset or frustrated when they need to take turns or wait for their favourite toy. The childminder does not always discuss these emotions and feelings so that children learn how to manage them appropriately. n Children have various opportunities to explore the wider community. The childminder takes them on regular outings, including visits to the zoo, woods

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need to do better?

and local parks. They learn about nature and the world around them. n The childminder regularly reflects on her provision, recognising how she can improve her practice. She completes regular training to keep up to date with changes in legislation. She works closely with other childminders, sharing ideas and seeking advice. n The childminder promotes healthy eating. Children are learning which foods are good for them, and those which are not. The childminder has a good understanding of children's allergies and preferences, and this helps to promote their health and well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a strong understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She completes regular training to ensure that her knowledge is up to date. The childminder recognises the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She is aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. The childminder has policies in place to follow should she need to raise concerns regarding children's welfare to other agencies. She understands how to deal with allegations against herself or a member of her household.

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should:

n develop a sharper focus on planning to ensure the needs and developmental stages of all children are supported, so that they remain highly engaged and focused in their learning n support children to understand their feelings and emotions and help them to display them in an appropriate way.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2581447 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10251018 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 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Dunstable. She operates all year round, from 8am to 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 childminder has 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 provider. n The inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used for childminding. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children. She held discussions with the childminder regarding what she wants children to learn. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from the feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

28 October 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

28 October 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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