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 happy and settled in the childminder's warm and caring company. Older children sit and look at images of different emotions on wooden boards. They make faces and talk about how they are feeling. Younger children regularly go to the childminder and receive cuddles when they need reassurance.

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The provision is good

Children are developing good relationships with each other. They play well together and cooperate willingly when asked to do something. Children share resources and demonstrate respect for their environment with the support of the childminder. The childminder encourages children to be independent. For example, she encourages them to peel their own oranges at snack time. Children confidently ask for help and turn to the childminder when they need support.

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The provision is good

Children develop their imaginative skills as they play in the role play kitchen. They pretend to make a pizza and serve it to the childminder. Children enjoy playing with glitter and glue as they decorate Christmas cards. They squash the tubes with their fingers before spreading the glue with brushes. Younger children explore the glitter with their fingers. The childminder encourages children to make their own choices during activities. This means children can explore and lead their own play.

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need to do better?

n Children are developing their knowledge and understanding of leading healthy lifestyles. The childminder encourages children to try new foods. She works with parents to help expand the range of food their children eat at home. The childminder teaches children good hygiene routines, such as regular handwashing before meals. n The childminder provides a stimulating learning environment. Toys and resources are stored in a way that allows easy access, enabling children to select for themselves. For example, the childminder uses open baskets on shelves that all children can reach. Children select trains and line them up along a cabinet, and others self-select books and look at the illustrations. This promotes their independence. n Children enjoy making new friendships, promoting their social and emotional development. Children of different ages appreciate each other's company in the childminder's home. Older children are sensitive towards the needs of younger

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need to do better?

children. The childminder meets with other childminders on outings to broaden social experiences for children. They also attend local parks and learn about their local community. n The childminder knows the children well. She plans activities around their interests to encourage them to take part. The childminder provides opportunities for younger and less-confident children to be able to take turns during activities.

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need to do better?

14 December 2022 However, the childminder does not always ensure that older children are appropriately challenged during planned activities and, therefore, they quickly lose interest. n Children enjoy learning about numbers. The childminder provides opportunities for them to be able to count in sequence and recognise numerals. For example, children use number magnets on the fridge before snack time and name them as they point to them. n The childminder provides opportunities for children to develop their speech and language. Children delight as they hear stories and point to the characters in a book. The childminder repeats words back to children as they say them. She gives children choices. They take turns and choose which song they would like to sing. As a result, children feel valued and are confident to share their opinions. n Children delight in being physically active. When outside, they push ride-along

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need to do better?

toys and climb on equipment. Children smile as they shake 'jingle bells' that they have made to play along with the songs they sing. The childminder encourages children to use their fine motor skills as they squeeze tubes of glue. She talks to them about how they are exercising their muscles. n The childminder has developed friendly and trusting relationships with parents. Written testimonials highlight the good relationships parents have with her. Parents comment that they are 'very happy' and feel that the childminder is 'welcoming and accommodating'. The childminder provides parents with written reports that outline children's development and what they are learning. Parents state that communication with her is 'helpful'.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is knowledgeable about safeguarding children and child protection. She is aware of the signs and symptoms children may show if they are at risk of potential harm. The childminder has a clear procedure for recording and reporting concerns. She constantly extends her knowledge by seeking updates, researching relevant issues and attending online courses. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments of both the indoor and outdoor environments. This ensures that these are safe and secure for children to access resources independently. The childminder discusses confidently what she needs to do to ensure the suitability of people in her household.

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should:

n provide further opportunities for older children to be challenged in their learning during planned activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2581795 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10251026 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 4 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Wootton, Bedfordshire. She operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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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 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 Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and the inspector evaluated the impact of an activity that the childminder carried out. n Parents shared their 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

14 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

14 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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