Childminder in Bedford

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 the nurturing care of the childminder. They confidently explore this safe, stimulating environment, and form exceptionally close, caring bonds with each other. Children of all ages engage well with one another during activities. For example, babies giggle with excitement when seeking out the shapes older children hide for them.

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The provision is outstanding

Children develop excellent communication skills in this exceptionally language-rich environment. The childminder skilfully introduces new and unusual vocabulary in all activities. For example, children explore various pasta shapes in a sensory activity. The childminder role models words such as 'swirly' and 'tubular'. Children are encouraged to repeat these new words and select the corresponding pasta shape.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are highly familiar with the routines in the setting, and demonstrate exceptional levels of independence. All children, including toddlers, confidently put their coats and shoes on before playing outside. They take themselves to wash their hands before meals and snacks, and skilfully pour their own drinks. Children delight in helping the childminder complete age-appropriate tasks. For example, they wipe the table clean after meals, and help sweep up after messy activities.

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need to do better?

n Children become deeply absorbed and demonstrate perseverance in the wonderful learning opportunities that the childminder provides. The childminder offers immense praise and encouragement to support children in achieving their goals. For example, children identify colours, shapes, and numbers on beanbags, before throwing them into various containers. When they miss the containers, the childminder applauds children for correctly identifying the features. She then encourages them to throw the beanbags from different positions until they succeed. n Partnerships with parents are of a very high standard. The childminder works closely with parents to gather detailed information about children's early experiences. She uses this exceptional knowledge of children's individual circumstances to create an environment which supports their individual needs. The childminder regularly shares her high-quality assessments of children's

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need to do better?

progress with parents. She offers advice and inspirational ideas on how parents can further support children's development at home. n The childminder is highly skilled at adapting activities to meet the needs of all ages of children. For example, in a sorting activity, older children identify shapes and colours of various buttons. They explore the features of these different shapes and discuss what makes them unique. In the same activity, toddlers develop fine motor skills by placing the buttons into cups. They delight at the

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need to do better?

26 January 2023 sounds they create by shaking them. n Children behave incredibly well in the childminders care. They follow instructions, and are kind and helpful towards one another. For example, children willingly take turns with popular instruments during a music activity. The childminder is consistent in her approach to behaviour management. She skilfully encourages children to explore the impact both positive and inappropriate behaviours may have on themselves and others. For example, children help tidy away their friend's shoes. They explain that it is kind and will make their friends happy. n The childminder demonstrates exceptional skill when developing children's understanding of diversity and ways of life beyond their own. She embraces children's curiosity by responding to their questions sensitively, supporting their understanding of subjects, such as gender, in an age-appropriate manner. n Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They recognise the outstanding

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need to do better?

care and teaching their children receive. Parents particularly appreciate the wonderful close bonds children develop with the childminder and other children in the setting. They value the in-depth knowledge the childminder has about children's learning and development, and acknowledge how this supports their children to make rapid progress. n The childminder reflects diligently on the care she provides. She uses feedback from parents, children, and other professionals to make well-considered changes to her practice. For example, she has recently created an all-weather garden area in her home. This provides continuous access to outdoor play to support the physical development of children in her care.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has excellent knowledge of the signs and symptoms which could indicate that a child is at risk of abuse. She confidently discusses the correct procedures to follow when reporting concerns to the correct authority. The childminder consistently implements her robust policies and procedures, which she reviews on a regular basis. She conducts regular risk assessments of all areas of her home to ensure it remains safe for children. The childminder completes safeguarding and first-aid training in accordance with local authority guidelines. This ensures her knowledge remains up to date with changes in legislation.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY490475 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10264609 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 20 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Wootton. She operates all year round from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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 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 considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children.

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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

26 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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