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 well cared for and supported in this setting. The childminder provides a nurturing environment where the children feel safe and secure. Children are supported to select toys independently. The childminder joins their play to extend vocabulary and build on prior knowledge. She uses mathematical language regularly during the day. For example, she supports children when counting toy sheep and discusses the size of the animal enclosures. The childminder knows the children well. Children are excited by the resources provided. The childminder focuses on children's interests to move their learning forward. Children are motivated to learn, show high levels of engagement and demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours. They enjoy planned activities and make independent choices during self-directed play.

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The provision is good

The childminder focuses on children's communication and language development. She listens, clarifies and accurately repeats words. The childminder carefully weaves songs through her daily teaching. She links the songs to children's interests. Children sing as they play, showing what they have remembered. Children are given opportunities to expand their understanding of the natural world around them. The childminder regularly visits local parks and woodlands, as well as making trips further afield. Outings are well planned to build on prior knowledge and further extend children's learning. The childminder uses her own garden to support children's understanding of the world. Children help to plant vegetables, commenting on the changes they observe over time.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate about her role and provides a warm and homely environment where all children thrive. She takes time to get to know the children and families, using this knowledge to plan a well-sequenced and differentiated curriculum. n Children are skilfully supported to make links in learning. The childminder reminds them of previous learning in day-to-day conversations. Children have good opportunities to learn about features of the natural world. For example, the childminder draws their attention to the natural resources gathered during outings to local woodlands. n Children show high levels of focus and concentration during activities. They become thoroughly engaged while using the natural resources with play dough. The childminder supports them to make marks and notice patterns. Even the youngest children are able to focus well on activities for sustained periods. However, sometimes, the childminder allows more confident children to

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need to do better?

dominate her attention. This means that, on occasions, quieter or less-confident children have fewer opportunities to engage with the childminder.

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need to do better?

2 December 2022 n The childminder acts as a positive role model. She reminds children about good hygiene and gives clear explanations about why it is important. Children are shown respect, particularly when being helped with intimate care routines. For example, the childminder asks children if she can check their nappies and wipe their noses. This supports children's personal, social and emotional development. n The childminder has a strong emphasis on developing children's communication and language skills. She expertly narrates both children's play and her own, sensitively repeating words that children attempt to say. The childminder uses carefully selected questions to support children's understanding of new concepts and clarify understanding. However, at times, she does not always give children the time they need to think and respond to questions asked. n The childminder weaves mathematical language into daily routines. At snack

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need to do better?

time, she counts the fruit being shared. She encourages children to peel and cut their own fruit 'in half'. This helps them to develop an early understanding of mathematics. n Children make good progress in their learning and development, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The childminder works closely with other professionals to ensure she delivers tailored support. In addition, she seeks to improve her own knowledge of the specialist needs of children with SEND by undertaking a specific level 3 special educational needs training course. n The childminder is committed to her professional development. She regularly completes online training to further develop her knowledge and skills and uses this information to enhance her provision. For example, she has introduced more natural, textured resources to support those children who learn through sensory exploration.

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need to do better?

n Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They comment that they 'couldn't be happier'. The childminder liaises with parents daily, so that they are fully informed about their child's day. She regularly shares children's learning via photos sent electronically as well as during daily catch ups.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her role and responsibility to keep children safe. She has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. She is clear about the procedures she needs to follow should she have concerns about a child's safety or welfare. The childminder attends regular safeguarding training to update her knowledge of safeguarding procedures. The childminder is vigilant as children explore and gives them prompt reminders about safe procedures, such as not climbing on indoor equipment and moving the toys from the floor, to ensure they stay safe as they play.

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should:

n ensure that all children consistently receive high-quality interactions at all times n give children more time to think, answer and respond to questions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2600059 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10251553 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 5 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Great Denham, Bedford. She operates all year round from 7am 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 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 setting. n The childminder talked to the inspector about what she wants children to learn and how the curriculum is planned. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of children's learning with the childminder. n The inspector had discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of adults in the setting. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

2 December 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 December 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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