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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the care of this kind, nurturing childminder. She has high expectations for children's learning and an extensive knowledge of child development. The carefully organised learning environment provides excellent opportunities for children to learn. Children maintain focus and engage in meaningful play. The childminder gives high value to the children's voice. She thoughtfully offers them choices throughout the day, which empowers them and develops their self-confidence.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

High-quality interactions enable children to build on their communication and language skills. The childminder uses play moments to extend children's vocabulary and deepen their knowledge. For example, she uses intensive interaction with babies to engage them and model key words. Babies receive an abundance of cuddles and reassurance from the caring childminder. They show close attachment to her as she develops excellent relationships with all children. Babies develop excellent physical skills as they pull themselves up to a standing position to access a sensory activity. Older children learn to concentrate and develop resilience. They persevere and engage in challenging activities. For example, children play with vehicles and order them, using numerals as they develop their mathematical understanding.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children listen attentively and demonstrate understanding by following the childminder's instructions. They respond extremely well to her positive praise and encouragement which helps builds their self-esteem.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's communication and language skills in a inspirational way. She is an excellent role model for the children, speaking clearly and frequently introducing new vocabulary. The childminder creates a culture of conversation in her home and children are relaxed to talk to her throughout the day. Children are extremely articulate. n Outside of the home, children are given ample opportunities to explore the local community. They visit the local library, cafe and a music group and the woods. The childminder has identified the importance for children to be able to interact with others outside of her home. She takes them to play groups so children can build on their social skills. n The childminder has a strong focus on literacy skills. Children develop a love of books as the childminder reads to them regularly. She has excellent enthusiasm when reading to the children and chooses age-appropriate high-quality texts to

p.2

need to do better?

engage the children. The childminder also uses props to help children understand the text and children remain focused on the story. Furthermore, the

p.2

need to do better?

10 March 2023 childminder skilfully weaves opportunities for children to write for a purpose into her curriculum. For example, young children make marks to record toys temperatures as they play with the doctors kit. Children are developing excellent literacy skills. n Parents are overwhelmingly happy with their children's experience at the childminder's home. They comment that they receive comprehensive daily reports. Parents share that they know what learning milestones children reach and the childminder shares ideas for learning at home too. Parents talk about the significant progress their children have made with their learning. n The childminder strives to continually enhance her own teaching, skills and knowledge to continuously improve. She is very reflective of her practice. The childminder has recently studied neurology and how the young brain develops and adapted her practice to implement this new knowledge to benefit children.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children learn to become independent from a young age and this helps to develop a strong sense of self-confidence. Younger children learn to hold their own cup and older children learn to put on their own shoes and coat. Children pour their own drinks with excellent coordination and children wash their own hands and faces. n The childminder encourages children to follow a healthy lifestyle. She involves children to plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks, using fresh fruit and vegetables. For example, children learn how to safely cut up fruits as they create a fruit salad. Additionally, the children regularly go on walks in all weathers. The childminder encourages children to reflect on how exercise makes their bodies feel and shares the positive message of movement. This keeps children safe and encourages a positive attitude towards healthy habits. n The childminder prioritises children's well-being at all times. She considers the

p.3

need to do better?

effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and has adapted her settling-in procedures to help meet their needs. The childminder gathers a wide range of information about the child and offers a flexible and thorough settling-in period. This helps all those involved to feel prepared for the child's move from home to the childminder's care. It also assists the childminder to build close, secure relationships from day one.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a thorough understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child was at risk of abuse. She knows what to do if she has a concern about a child's welfare. The childminder also has an understanding of safeguarding issues such as female genital mutilation and county lines. The childminder considers potential risks in her home and ensures she keeps children safe. She teaches children how to cross the road safely and how to use knives safely when cooking.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY489194 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10276438 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 15 Date of previous inspection 14 July 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Oakley, Bedford. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 her evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their written views on the setting, and these were taken into account by the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk together and discussed the aims of the curriculum. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members and the childminder's training.

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