Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in this stimulating learning environment. They are excited to be in the childminder's home and confidently greet visitors at the door. Children of all ages display exceptionally high levels of curiosity in their play. For example, children learn about dinosaurs. The childminder immediately builds on the children's enjoyment, encouraging them to brush the dinosaurs' teeth with toothbrushes and foam in the garden. This encourages their creativity and imagination.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are exceptionally happy and feel secure. The childminder knows them extremely well. As a result, children are completely at ease in the childminder's home-from-home setting and are happy to talk to visitors. In the garden, the childminder uses salt to show children how to melt ice. She says, 'can you see it? It's dissolving'. This gives opportunities for younger children to build on what they already know.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder and her assistant treat children with high levels of respect for their own individuality. As a result, children's behaviour is exemplary. They are aware of the consistently reinforced rules, and they treat one another with kindness and respect. Young children gesture for their peers to come and sit down with them before listening to a story. The childminder and her assistant are excellent role models who promote very good manners and courtesy towards others.

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need to do better?

n The childminder focuses on every child to help them achieve their full potential. She has created a curriculum that is challenging and engaging for all children. She expertly adapts the curriculum to fit each child's unique needs. Her passion and commitment truly benefit every child, ensuring they make remarkable progress. For example, in the garden, there are number matching games for older children, whereas younger children scoop snow into various containers. n Children benefit from a language-rich environment. The childminder promotes the development of children's communication and language skills very well. She uses books and opportunities during activities to ensure that children have exposure to new vocabulary. The childminder explains to children what the function of a hearing aid is in a story that they are listening to. n The childminder teaches mathematics to children from an early age. Children

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need to do better?

comment on numbers they see in the environment. The childminder and her assistant provide opportunities during activities to talk about mathematical concepts such as size, shape, and quantity. The childminder questions and challenges children during play. She uses questions, such as 'What are you going to do with that one?' and 'What comes next?', to support children with

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need to do better?

15 December 2022 problem-solving. n Children who speak English as an additional language are supported extremely well. The childminder ensures that she has all the key information needed when children start to be able to give them the very best support. She uses key words in their spoken language and uses electronic means to be able to teach all children new words in different languages. Text in the environment reflects the diverse range of languages that children speak. She encourages inclusivity as other children copy and look at the words as they are spoken. As a result, young children make exceptional progress in their communication and language development. n The childminder supports children's health and well-being tremendously well. Children follow stringent hygiene procedures. They have daily opportunities to engage in outdoor physical play in the spacious garden and walk to places of interest in the local community, such as parks, shops and the woods. The

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need to do better?

childminder is passionate about children having meaningful experiences of the world around them. She supports children's growing independence. For example, children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks that they prepare themselves. Younger children confidently put on their own coats and shoes and enthusiastically help to tidy up. n Feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive. Parents are extremely happy with the care their children receive. The parents praise the childminder for taking 'amazing care' of their children. They say she is 'friendly, welcoming and caring'. They comment on how their children have made 'incredible progress'. The neighbouring pre-school also provided written feedback, praising the childminder stating that they have a 'strong professional working relationship'.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have attended in-depth safeguarding training and are confident in recognising the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They are aware of safeguarding, including topics covering the impact of domestic violence. They understand how to identify, and report concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder is familiar with which agencies to consult to support children who may be at risk. The childminder teaches children how to manage their own risks. For example, young children use 'child safe' knives during snack time to cut their own fruit and are taught to hold them safely.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY485824 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10263449 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 12 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection 2 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Dunstable. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 4. She works with an assistant. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistant and children. n The childminder and inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity completed by the assistant. n Parents shared written views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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Inspection activities

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

15 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

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