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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely happy and confident in the childminder's home. The childminder is very skilled at dividing her time between children of all ages and boosting their self-esteem. Babies and children delight as they talk about how they feel. The childminder gives children pens so that they can draw their emotions on a blank face. The learning environment is bursting with opportunities for children to acquire new skills. Children are highly engaged and enthusiastic about the activities that have been arranged by the childminder.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder provides an extensive range of meaningful experiences that interest the children and build on what they already know. For example, the childminder takes children on regular outings, such as to the farm and parks. Children show an interest in birds after seeing them in the garden. The childminder supports this learning by visiting a local zoo. Children show excitement as they talk about seeing a 'frozen flamingo habitat'.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. Older children act as role models for younger children and are eager to show affection. They have positive attitudes to their learning and play. For example, they proactively tidy up an activity before accessing a new one. Even very young children work in collaboration to ensure that all the pieces of toys are found.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses highly effective strategies to support children's communication and language. For example, she skilfully encourages children of different ages to develop a love of singing and reading. Children spontaneously sing as they play and enjoy expressing themselves using musical instruments. The childminder understands how to teach language at different stages of a child's learning. For example, she models language clearly for babies, and introduces new words to older children, such as 'woodpecker' and 'finch'. n Children have many opportunities to be independent. Babies find tissues to clean their faces and they put on their own coats before going into the garden. The childminder promotes independence by encouraging children to persevere when they find things difficult. Babies are encouraged to pour out their own glue into a pot during a craft activity. Older children are confident in their abilities and

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need to do better?

select what they need without help. n The childminder is skilful when teaching children about the world around them. She speaks to children about how 'birds need feathers to keep them warm'. Children beam as they discuss the bird feeders that they have made, and look at information posters about different birds for reference. They take binoculars into the garden and look for birds in the sky.

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need to do better?

25 January 2023 n Children are provided with a highly effective curriculum that is ambitious and challenging. The childminder builds on children's existing knowledge effectively. For example, the childminder teaches younger children how to use a book that makes sounds, explaining that the pictures show which button they need to press. For older children, she promotes their love of mathematics, counting gems as they engage in craft activity, and using new language. n The childminder reflects on her own practice continuously. She seeks the views of parents when considering the evaluation of her provision. She shows outstanding dedication and an ambitious vision for continuous improvement. For example, she is passionate about adapting the environment and provision for children. The childminder continuously makes extensive changes to the way she uses her indoor and outdoor spaces. She attends regular courses and

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need to do better?

conferences and uses what she has learned in her practice daily. n Parents are very enthusiastic about the care that the childminder provides for their children. The childminder has formed exceptionally strong partnerships with the families that she works with. She evaluates her practice and consistently receives feedback from parents about her provision. She updates parents frequently about what their children are learning. She creates 'learning at home packs' for parents to be able to extend their child's learning at home. The childminder enthuses as she speaks about the importance of informing families and siblings about the topics that children are learning. Children excitedly tell the inspector that they have been making bird feeders at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has exceptional knowledge of safeguarding issues and who to contact if she has a concern. The childminder is confident and talks about a range of safeguarding matters, such as 'Prevent' duty, domestic violence and female genital mutilation. She regularly refreshes her knowledge through various training and online safeguarding updates. Children's safety and well-being are given the highest priority and she teaches children to keep themselves safe. For example, when children use scissors, they talk about the safety element and how babies have 'less sharp' ones to cut with. Children are also taught about fire safety. They practise regular fire drills and learn what to do in the event of a fire.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY377659 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10264079 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 5 Date of previous inspection 22 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Dunstable. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. 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 Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n A joint evaluation of an activity was completed by the inspector and the childminder. 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

25 January 2023 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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