Childminder, Out-of school day care in Bedford

This provision meets requirements

Children feel settled and enjoy the time they spend in this homely, nurturing environment. They are excited to arrive and explore the activities that the childminder carefully plans around their interests. For example, children are exploring fairies. The childminder encourages them to make a fairy habitat in the garden, and create their own fairies with modelling dough.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children are highly sociable and demonstrate exceptionally high levels of confidence in this nurturing environment. They talk enthusiastically to visitors about their interests and favourite activities, and welcome them into their play.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children behave well in the setting. They demonstrate good manners and cooperate well with each other, taking turns in activities. For example, children set up their own office role-play area. They share out toys and regulate the time they spend with popular resources.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children show high levels of curiosity in their play. The childminder embraces this by asking age-appropriate questions and encouraging children to explore their ideas. For example, children are engrossed exploring pots of slime. They discuss what would happen to the various colours if they mixed them together. The childminder encourages them to guess what colours they can create, before suggesting that they test out their theories.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children take great pride in their accomplishments, which are on display throughout the setting. The childminder celebrates children's individual achievements by offering lots of praise. She encourages parents to share photographs of children's successes at home, and supports children to discuss them with their friends and visitors. n The childminder adopts effective methods to support children's behaviour. She provides children with a clear understanding of behaviour expectations and boundaries. Children play an active role in establishing the rules for the setting. They are encouraged to explore the impact unwanted behaviour may have on themselves and on others. n The childminder reflects well on the care she provides. She seeks regular feedback from parents and children. The childminder uses this information to make well-considered changes to her practice. This allows her to meet the ongoing needs of all children in her care.

p.2

need to do better?

n Parents are highly complimentary about the childminder and the care she provides. They recognise the exceptionally close bonds children develop with the

p.2

need to do better?

10 March 2023 childminder and how this contributes to children's well-being. Parents appreciate the support the childminder offers to all the family, and acknowledges how this supports children emotionally. n The childminder places a sharp focus on children's emotional well-being. She uses age-appropriate methods to help children understand their feelings. For example, the childminder uses mood boards to help children recognise their emotions. She encourages them to discuss their feelings and how to express them in an appropriate manner. n Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They enjoy healthy snacks after school, and have plenty of opportunity for outdoor play. Children of all ages have a good understanding of essential hygiene procedures. They know to wash their hands when they arrive, and before meals, to stop germs spreading. n The childminder establishes effective working relationships with the school she

p.2

need to do better?

collects children from. She gathers information about children's time at school. This enables her to identify children who may have struggled during the day, and to offer additional support where necessary. n Children's safety is paramount. The childminder conducts regular risk assessments of all areas of her home and garden. This ensures the environment remains safe for all children. Children are encouraged to develop a good understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, they all participate in fire drills and evacuations, and are encouraged to identify potential hazards in the environment. n The childminder is well qualified. She actively seeks out additional training opportunities to enhance her knowledge. For example, she completes numerous online and face-to-face training courses. This enables her to better meet the individual needs of children in her care.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms which could indicate a child is at risk of harm. She demonstrates strong knowledge of the correct process to follow when reporting concerns to the appropriate authority. The childminder completes regular first-aid and safeguarding training in line with local authority guidelines. She supervises children well during activities and when transporting children to and from school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2622815 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10280920 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 4 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020. She lives in Elstow, Bedfordshire. She operates from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 9am and 3.30pm to 6pm term time only.

p.4

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 reviewing feedback letters and 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

10 March 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

10 March 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6