Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel happy and safe in the 'homely' environment the childminder provides. For instance, they freely explore the resources, which are organised well to meet their needs successfully. Children quickly engage with activities on arrival. They are eager to learn and concentrate as they lead their own play. This has a positive impact on their development, as they become confident learners.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are enthusiastic and active learners. They eagerly seek out their favourite resources, such as building bricks and model people to create a home scene. They cooperate well with their friends during activities. 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 toy trains and line them up along a cabinet, and others self-select books and look at the illustrations. This promotes their independence.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's communication and language is promoted well by the childminder. As children play, the childminder comments, names things, pauses for children to fill in the missing word or sentence and asks questions. The childminder reads stories regularly and sings songs to children, who join in. Children talk confidently and frequently use language they already know.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children exceptionally well. She understands that children need to feel safe before they can learn. The childminder encourages all families to support a very positive settling-in period. She offers a home visit to parents to get to know their children before they start in her care. This helps to support children's emotional well-being very effectively from the earliest days. n The childminder completes the required progress checks for children aged between two and three years. She understands the importance of progress checks for the children and makes regular, informal assessments and plans well for children's next steps in learning. The childminder involves parents in their children's progress and ongoing assessments. n Children go on a range of trips out, including to local toddler groups and regular trips to the local farm. This enhances children's understanding of their

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need to do better?

community. n The childminder acts as a good role model to help children be respectful towards each other. However, expectations for children's behaviour are not always consistently promoted, such as sharing, taking turns, and tidying away their toys after use.

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need to do better?

20 January 2023 n The childminder observes children and monitors their progress. She uses their interests to plan suitable activities to address gaps in learning. This helps children to make good progress. For example, children are interested in baby dolls. They demonstrate an understanding of the needs of others as they feed the baby dolls and put them to bed, making sure they are warm. n Children's communication and language development is strong. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to develop children's language and what to do if a child requires additional support. With younger children, the childminder uses repetitive language and pronounces words back to them clearly so they can hear the correct pronunciation. n The childminder places a high priority on supporting a healthy lifestyle for children. She gives parents advice and support on providing well-balanced foods for their children's packed lunches. Children explore different tastes and textures

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need to do better?

and the sounds they make as they bite into fruit at snack time. They demonstrate a good understanding of the importance of eating foods that are good for their bodies. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents express how settled their children are. They feel that communication is clear and that the childminder provides a personal touch to the care she provides for their children. The childminder regularly shares information with parents about their children's development and the experiences they have had during the day. n The self-reflective childminder understands the importance of her own continual professional development. She gathers the views of parents and children to help inform areas of practice she can adapt and change. She identifies areas of improvement and is proactive in seeking out training. For example, she views webinars and accesses online training to continually improve her knowledge.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has strong knowledge and awareness of the core safeguarding principles, such as the possible signs of abuse. She is confident in the processes of recording and reporting concerns, including reporting to her local authority. The childminder is confident in reporting wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk to children of being drawn into radicalisation. She has attended recent training in safeguarding and first aid, and safety is paramount at her setting. The childminder has robust fire-evacuation procedures and clear risk assessments for her indoor and outdoor provision.

p.3

should:

n consistently implement effective behaviour management strategies to help

p.3

should:

20 January 2023 children regulate their own behaviour and understand the impact it has on others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY483163 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10263584 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 3 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 5 May 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Toddington. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

p.5

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 this into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable for children. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact this had on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request, including evidence of suitability. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

20 January 2023 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

20 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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