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 confidently walk into the childminder's home, smiling and ready to start their day. They take their shoes off and put them away in the cupboard as they wave goodbye to their parents. Children feel safe and secure with the childminder as they regularly check in with her, especially when they are feeling unsure about something. Children are confident to talk to visitors, showing how full their bucket of water is and saying that they are making a 'nice, sweet tea'.

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The provision is good

Children are eager to explore. The childminder provides exciting learning opportunities both inside and outside of her home. For example, children go on a walk to collect autumnal objects, and then explore them in a tray in the garden. They have a positive attitude to learning and choose readily from the varied range of toys and resources. The childminder stores these so that children can access them independently. Children play imaginatively. For example, children use a pretend doctor's kit to make each other better. Older children are kind and considerate to younger children, and this is reinforced by the childminder through praise and role modelling. Children build good friendships with their peers.

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need to do better?

n The childminder teaches children how to lead healthy lifestyles. Children have lots of opportunities to explore the local community and develop their motor skills. For example, they attend local parks, nature walks and farms. The childminder encourages children to try new fruits and vegetables and cooks meals with them so they can learn about what goes into their food. Children sit and try limes, lemons, and passionfruit, while the childminder initiates conversations with them about what the fruits taste and smell like. n Children behave well and learn to have regard for each other's needs and feelings. They develop good manners and learn to negotiate the use of toys and resources. The childminder builds children's self-esteem effectively, giving meaningful praise for good behaviour and individual efforts. She is a good role model and demonstrates ways in which children can be kind to one another.

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need to do better?

Children are developing the key skills needed to be ready for school. n Children's communication and language skills are well supported. She encourages older children to talk about what they are doing and uses simple words with babies to broaden their exposure to new language. The childminder responds well to the babbles and gestures of the babies. She uses basic sign language to ensure that all children are supported. Children also use basic sign language with each other to ensure that their peers can understand. Stories and rhymes used during activities encourage children to make clear links between the subject matter being taught and the print within books. n The childminder differentiates activities based on the developmental stages of

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need to do better?

21 October 2022 children. Babies empty and fill containers, while older children make 'vegetable soup' and talk about different fruits and vegetables. She considers the individual interests of each child and takes account of these throughout the day. At times, the childminder encourages children's developing independence. Children are supported in some self-care skills, relevant to their age and stage of development. However, at times, children are not given sufficient opportunities to build on what they already know and can do during activities. n The childminder has formed effective partnerships with parents. She keeps them informed about their children's day and has set up support groups for parents to converse with each other through regular meetings. Written and verbal testimonials from parents show how pleased they are with her service. For example, they say they, 'Couldn't be without her and are extremely grateful for

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need to do better?

the support she gives them.' The childminder works very closely with parents to ensure that the needs of all children are met.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is committed to protecting the welfare of children. She has a good awareness of the indicators of abuse and knows how to report concerns. The childminder undertakes regular training in safeguarding, attending webinars to ensure that her knowledge of local safeguarding issues is current. She has also completed training in wider safeguarding issues, including the 'Prevent' duty. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to ensure that her premises are safe, and adapts activities to ensure that all children are safe. She understands her responsibilities to ensure that everyone within the household remains suitable to work with children.

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should:

n sequence learning more accurately during activities, to build on what children know and can do.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 219653 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10234349 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 3 Date of previous inspection 1 November 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Shefford. She operates all year round, from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 6.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared written testimonials with the inspector. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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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