Angelika Sammut

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children settle well and enjoy their time with the childminder and her assistant. They respond to the childminder's calm, gentle approach and are kind and considerate towards one another. They readily share toys and take turns, knowing that this is always done fairly. Ongoing discussions with the childminder help children to understand their feelings and manage their behaviour. They enjoy talking with the childminder about starting school. They speak positively and look forward to this new experience. Children persevere at tasks and are proud of their achievements. For example, children persist when trying to fit lids on pots and clap when they succeed.

p.2

The provision is good

Good daily practices help build children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For example, when crossing the road, children explain how they need to listen as well as look for any traffic. Children learn how to keep their bodies healthy. For example, they use a large toothbrush to clean role-play teeth, discussing how they clean their own teeth. Children enjoy daily opportunities that support them in developing their physical skills. For instance, they develop their smaller hand muscles as they learn to use tools, such as scissors, rolling pins and dough cutters, safely and effectively.

p.2

need to do better?

n Since her last inspection, the childminder has completed further training and has incorporated her new knowledge into her daily practice. This has helped her to significantly improve her teaching skills. The childminder continuously reviews her work. She offers her assistant effective supervision to support her in developing her knowledge and practice. n The childminder assesses children as they play and understands what they have been learning and what they need to learn next. She offers them interesting activities that aid them in taking the next steps in their learning and support them in making good progress. The childminder uses her knowledge of each child to quickly note any weaker areas in their learning, taking swift action to address these. n The childminder understands how each child likes to play. She uses this knowledge to help promote their development. For example, children who are interested in puzzles and construction activities enjoy exploring coloured dough.

p.2

need to do better?

They cut shapes and layer these on top of each other, explaining what they are making and adding intricate patterns. Opportunities such as this enable children to experiment and to develop their creativity. n The childminder and her assistant talk clearly to children and repeat new words. They value children's contributions and this encourages children to join in with discussions. Children confidently state their views and participate in making daily

p.2

need to do better?

6 February 2023 decisions, such as whether to eat lunch outside or inside. n The childminder adapts activities well so that children of varying ages are interested and develop their knowledge and skills. For example, during an activity to make 'shakers', younger children develop their coordination as they carefully pour rice and glitter into bottles. Older children observe the bottles and confirm which items float and which ones sink. n The childminder encourages children's growing enjoyment of books. Children enjoy group story times each day. The childminder skilfully maintains their attention, for example, through using puppets and props related to the story. n Children frequently use local facilities, such as the park and shops. They talk about the people they see and the different roles we have in our community. This helps them understand and appreciate diversity. n Children enjoy outdoor activities, such as walking around the park and writing

p.2

need to do better?

on the easel in the garden. However, the childminder does not always offer as many outdoor opportunities as possible to fully build on the development of children who enjoy being in an outdoor environment. n Parents praise the childminder and feel that she treats each child as an individual. They report that the childminder communicates well with them about what their children have been doing each day. However, the childminder does not consistently support parents to extend their children's learning at home.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant prioritise children's welfare. They refresh their knowledge through training and discussions, for example, so that they know how to identify and report any potential concerns in a child's life. Additionally, the childminder and her assistant understand the effects of exposure to radical views and practices. They recognise the possible dangers associated with use of the internet and take effective steps to protect children. The childminder talks with children and passes information to parents about safe internet use.

p.3

should:

n enhance the use of outdoor areas to offer children who enjoy being outside further play and learning opportunities n extend the support offered to parents to aid them in building on their children's learning at home.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY559832 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10244723 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 18 May 2022

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Bedford. She operates flexible hours, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has an appropriate childcare qualification at level 6. She works with an assistant. The childminder offers care overnight for children. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The inspector observed activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The childminder and inspector reviewed an activity together. n The inspector viewed relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and evidence of the suitability of the childminder's assistant. She talked with the childminder about how she supervises her assistant. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times throughout the inspection and considered their views. She also spoke on the telephone with parents and took account of their views.

p.4

Inspection activities

6 February 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

6 February 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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