Childminder in Bedford

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision requires improvement

Children confidently choose toys and equipment that they like and are interesting to them. They welcome the childminder's involvement in their games and enthusiastically join in the activities she prepares for them. Children sit closely to the childminder and listen to a story about a caterpillar. After the story, children sort and count the fruit and other food eaten by the caterpillar, placing it in the same order as the story. Older children are encouraged to let the younger ones join in, helping to encourage children to share and take turns.

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The provision requires improvement

Children enjoy playing with familiar kitchen items and wooden food. They strengthen their hand muscles as they chop the food in half. This supports their development in preparation for early writing skills. The childminder and her co- childminder talk to children about the food they like, helping them to establish an awareness of which foods contribute to a nutritious diet. This is reflected in the food they try at snack and meal times.

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The provision requires improvement

During their many walks and outings, children learn about the natural world around them. They collect conkers and leaves to use in activities in the childminder's home. When children play a matching game about animals, the childminder encourages children to recall which animals they saw at a local farm. Children listen to the childminder's explanations, helping them build on what they already know and understand.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has not used the correct methods to notify Ofsted that she is working with a co-childminder in her home. This is a breach of the statutory requirements. Despite this, children remain safe in the childminder's care. The childminder has made some checks herself to confirm that her co-childminder is suitable to work with children. n The childminder has not established a robust system to store the key information that is required by Ofsted. This compromises the effective management of her setting. However, the childminder located the necessary documents during the inspection. n Children are motivated to learn. They listen to the instructions and requests the childminder gives them during planned activities. However, the enthusiastic childminder does not give children time to solve problems or think about what might happen next, to help strengthen their critical-thinking skills. n The childminder works closely with parents and carers. Before children start in

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need to do better?

her care, the childminder finds out about their likes and interests. She asks about routines that children already have at home, helping her to plan similar ways to offer care and support. For example, when young children are tired, she

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need to do better?

17 November 2022 settles them for sleep in a way that they are used to. This includes using a sling on her back or rocking children in their pushchair. This helps children to quickly settle and feel secure in the childminder's care. n Children who speak English as an additional language are supported effectively. The childminder and her co-childminder learn key words in the language children speak at home. This helps them to identify children's basic needs, such as when they are hungry or need the toilet. Children quickly pick up words in English, helping them to build on their emerging vocabularies. n The childminder builds strong, trusting relationships with children. They share jokes together, making learning fun and enjoyable. Children tell the childminder what they have done at home and in other settings they also attend. This helps the childminder to identify what children already know, allowing her to assess

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need to do better?

their progress and plan new activities to support their learning. n The childminder uses songs and rhymes to help support children's communication and language acquisition. Children listen to the words and rhythm in the songs. They pick up on these and repeat them. Over time, children use the words themselves. The childminder gives children time to choose between two objects. She encourages young children to tell her their choice using simple words or sentences. This helps children to grow in confidence when they speak and listen in small groups. n Parents report that they are very pleased with the care and education their children receive from the childminder. They feel that their children are safe and are progressing well.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of what and how to report any concerns she might have about children's well-being. She understands how different professionals and organisations have different responsibilities and roles in relation to safeguarding children. The childminder refreshes her knowledge and understanding about safeguarding through training courses and discussions with other professionals. She is aware of local issues that may impact children's safety and well-being, helping her remain vigilant to risks and concerns.

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Due date

17 November 2022 ensure a thorough understanding of the requirements to notify Ofsted of significant changes and events in a timely manner is followed. 02/12/2022

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should:

n improve the system used for maintaining and storing relevant documents and information so that they are easily accessible to use and share with Ofsted n find ways to further encourage children to develop their thinking skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2583615 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10251062 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 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Bedford. She operates from Monday to Friday, 7am to 5.30pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works in her own home with a co-childminder on a regular basis. The childminder provides funded early education for 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 this into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed activities in the childminder's home. She spoke to the childminder, her co-childminder and children at suitable times throughout the inspection. n The childminder described how she plans her curriculum for children. She linked this to the individual needs of the children and how it impacts their development. n The inspector and childminder discussed a planned activity and how it supports children's learning. n The inspector read emails sent by parents. She took their views into consideration.

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Inspection activities

17 November 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

17 November 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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