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 happy and show that they feel safe and secure, as they confidently introduce themselves to the inspector. Their confidence continues to grow; they develop very good social skills as they mix with larger groups of children from other settings, when the childminder meets with other childminders. Children show warm relationships with the childminder, who is kind, caring and attentive. She knows their routines, recognises when they are hungry or tired and quickly and thoughtfully supports them.

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The provision is good

Children show a keen interest in books. They intently listen to familiar stories that the childminder reads to them with great enthusiasm. She frequently pauses when reading. This challenges children to recall and finish sentences. Children eagerly solve problems through trial and error. They work out how to thread a length of beads through different sized funnels. The use of sand timers helps children to learn to share toys and take turns. Children thoroughly enjoy joining in with action songs and proudly teach the childminder songs that they have learned at home. They are beginning to count, identify numbers and understand mathematical concepts, such as simple addition.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is committed to her professional development. She completes online training and regularly participates in webinars to develop her knowledge and skills. She has strong links with other local childminders and the local authority adviser to obtain good practice ideas. Recent training has enhanced her understanding to support children in developing a good oral hygiene routine. n The childminder supports children's developing communication skills well. For example, she provides a commentary to her own and children's actions, and sensitively repeats words that children attempt to say. This supports their correct pronunciation of words. The childminder skilfully questions children to encourage them to express themselves and their opinions. Children are confident communicators. n The childminder is a positive role model. She consistently uses good manners when talking to children and gives them lots of praise and encouragement for

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need to do better?

their achievements. This promotes children's self-esteem and emotional well- being. The childminder sensitively manages any minor disagreements between children. She is highly effective in helping children identify their own feelings and those of others. This provides children with the foundations in readiness to regulate their own behaviour. n The childminder uses her observations of children's play to identify what they need to learn next. Overall, the childminder's implementation of her planned curriculum ensures that children make good progress. However, at times, she

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need to do better?

25 October 2022 does not set up highly stimulating activities to fully support children's next steps in learning. This means that occasionally children do not benefit from activities to fully support their development. n The childminder supports healthy lifestyles. Children spend a majority of their time outdoors in the fresh air. They enjoy helping the childminder to collect eggs from her chickens and develop good physical skills, as they climb in and out of toy vehicles. The childminder provides children with a healthy range of snacks. Children confidently help to prepare these and know to wait patiently at the table for everyone to finish eating, before resuming their play. n The childminder works closely with parents from the outset. She gathers lots of information to get to know children and help them settle into her provision. The childminder maintains a regular two-way flow of information with parents about

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need to do better?

children's care and learning, to help support consistency. Parents appreciate the childminder's 'warm and caring approach' in the 'home-from-home nurturing environment' she provides. n Children make independent choices from a vast range of toys and resources that reflect their interests. They engage well in their chosen activities. For example, they laugh with delight as they discover how their voice changes when they talk through a cardboard tube. However, when children have finished playing, the childminder does not encourage them to put the toys back where they belong and does this herself. This means that children do not develop a strong sense of respect for their play spaces and learn how to keep themselves safe.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has undertaken safeguarding training and keeps up to date with any changes in legislation or practice. This provides her with a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse, such as female genital mutilation. The childminder's good understanding helps her to identify any potential concerns that might arise with the children she cares for. She knows the appropriate action to take should she be concerned about a child's welfare. The childminder maintains all the required documents relating to children's safety, such as for administering medication and accidents. Robust procedures are in place to prevent unauthorised individuals using their mobile phone in the presence of children.

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should:

n thoroughly implement the curriculum, to fully support children's learning and development to the highest level n strengthen children's understanding of caring for their play spaces and how to keep themselves safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY451019 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10235910 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 9 Date of previous inspection 5 December 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Wrestlingworth. She operates from 7.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. There were no children present in receipt of funding at the time of inspection.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and in the childminder's dedicated outdoor area for children. She assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the childminder and members of the household. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

25 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

25 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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