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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in this caring and nurturing childminder's home. Babies confidently explore the environment, making sounds when they want to communicate their needs. They reach openly for cuddles. Older children come into the childminder's home and stay close to her for reassurance until they are confident to explore their surroundings.

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The provision is good

The play area is clean and spacious. Children access a number of the available resources. The childminder plans activities based on the children's interests. As a result, babies and children are eager to explore the toys that she has set out for them. For example, older children build using blocks and talk to the childminder about building a shop, adding blocks and talking about the height. Babies use toys to pull themselves up and strengthen their leg muscles.

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The provision is good

Children use their imagination to make 'ice creams' with play dough. They talk about flavours and colours as they roll it out. Children use different tools to craft what they are making. They share resources with each other, with some encouragement from the childminder. Behaviour is good and older children learn to include babies in their play. They play well together and are interested in what each other are doing.

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need to do better?

n Children have lots of opportunities to learn about the local community. The childminder takes them on walks to various parks and toddler groups in the area. She uses opportunities to teach children about numbers by counting cars as they pass. She has identified that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some children have not had as many opportunities to socialise as others. As a result, she ensures that children in her care have opportunities to meet other children of different ages to give them these experiences and develop their confidence in new social situations. n The childminder models good behaviour. She often says 'please' and 'thank you' as prompts for children to encourage them to use their manners during the day. The childminder explains in a child-appropriate way why sharing is important. She explains to older children about feelings and that sharing makes their friends happy. n Children have opportunities to choose what they want to play with and are

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need to do better?

eager for the childminder to join in. Sometimes, however, children find some things difficult and the childminder intervenes before letting them try to do it themselves. This means children do not have opportunities to have a go and persist when they face difficulties. n Communication with outside agencies is good. The childminder works well with

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need to do better?

23 February 2023 professionals and educational settings to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. As a result, children have continuity and consistency in their routines and develop well. The childminder ensures that she communicates with local nurseries that children also attend. She shares relevant information about their development and has a good professional relationship with staff at the other settings. n Babies and children paint flowers enthusiastically with cotton buds. The childminder talks about the various activities that she plans to encourage children to use their finger muscles in preparation for early writing. However, during activities, the childminder does not always introduce new concepts to children to create additional learning opportunities. n The childminder provides opportunities for children to use their imagination. She has a box of multi-purpose toys that children can use as they wish. Children

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need to do better?

pretend to talk about going to an 'expensive holiday home' with the childminder. She takes children to a singing and dancing class where they are encouraged to express themselves. Children pretend to make dinner for visitors using play dough. They talk about salads and sandwiches as they create different shapes. n Parents are involved in their children's learning. The childminder works closely with families to support the needs of all children. Parents describe her as 'friendly and caring'. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They invite her into their play and are proud to show her things that they have created.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her safeguarding role and responsibilities. She keeps her knowledge up to date through training online and with the local authority to ensure that she is aware of the risks to children both locally and nationally. She understands how to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and the correct procedures to follow to safeguard children's welfare. The childminder risk assesses her home to ensure that all children are safe. She makes sure that activities are suitable for all ages and that children are always supervised throughout her home.

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should:

n create opportunities for children to be able to problem-solve and persevere with challenges they face n extend activities to create additional learning opportunities for children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY402295 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10265051 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 6 Date of previous inspection 23 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder 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 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 to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity completed by the childminder. n Parents shared written 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

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

23 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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