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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are well settled and confident in the childminder's home. Children smile and greet visitors as they enter the home, taking toys to show them. Children enjoy making independent choices about their learning. They transport resources around the home and play where they feel comfortable. The childminder creates activities based on children's interests, building on the skills children already have. For example, children explore the farm animals. The childminder talks about the animals they can see on the farm, making animal noises and encouraging the children to repeat these. This helps to develop children's early language skills.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave in an age-appropriate manner within the home. The childminder's rules and values for the home are embedded from a young age. The childminder adapts the level of support offered for children of different ages. For example, older children manage their own disputes, using the skills and approaches the childminder has helped them develop. This helps to create a fun and calm environment, which all children can enjoy.

p.2

The provision is good

Children develop secure relationships with the childminder. She uses settling-in periods to start building relationships with children and their families. Young children demonstrate this as they seek the childminder out for physical comfort.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is knowledgeable about child development. She knows how to support children's learning to enable all children to make good progress. The childminder uses this knowledge to identify children who may need further support from an early age. She works closely with parents to share knowledge, including activities which could be completed at home. Parents and the childminder work together to ensure consistency for children at home and in the setting. n The childminder generally promotes children's communication and language development well. She sings songs with children, repeating favourites so children hear repeated phrases to develop their language. The childminder narrates the day to children. She talks about what children are doing and what is going to happen next, and asks the children questions. However, at times, the childminder does not always allow children time to process the language they

p.2

need to do better?

hear. n Children develop good hygiene practices as they learn to wash their hands before eating. Children manage this independently. The childminder ensures that meals and snacks adhere to healthy eating guidelines. Children have opportunities to make their own foods, including their own bread. The childminder talks to children about healthy and unhealthy foods, developing their

p.2

need to do better?

16 May 2023 knowledge. n At a local toddler group, children have opportunities to play with other children and adults, developing their social skills. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation, for example in meeting regularly with other childminders. Children have access to further resources and social opportunities. n Children develop an understanding of the world around them as the childminder makes use of the local community. For example, children visit the local park and museum, where they explore the different vehicles on show. The childminder talks to the children about these and gives them time to explore. At the park, children pick flowers, smelling them and talking about what they look like. Children enjoy the freedom of running around the park area. n Parent partnerships are well established. Children remain in the childminder's care for long periods of time. Parents comment on the relationships the

p.2

need to do better?

childminder builds with children. They know their children are happy to attend the setting. Parents speak highly of the childminder, the activities she creates and the progress their children make in her care. n The childminder is committed to reflecting on her own and her assistants' practice. She meets regularly with her assistants to talk about their own development as well as any issues or concerns raised about children. The childminder and her assistants regularly undertake training. This supports their own professional development and enhances the setting.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands her roles and responsibility to keep children safe from harm. She is knowledgeable about the different types of abuse and how to recognise any concerns. The childminder knows the relevant professionals to contact if she is concerned and how to do this in a timely manner. She understands the process to follow should an allegation be made against her, her assistants or anyone in her household. Within the induction process, the childminder ensures her assistants are aware of their roles and their knowledge of whistle-blowing. The childminder completes regular risk assessments to ensure her environment is safe for all children.

p.3

should:

n allow children learning to talk more time to process language narrated to them, to build on links between words and objects.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY491865 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10285907 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 12 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection 23 October 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Caddington. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with five assistants across the four days. She offers funded early education places 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 their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n The inspector and childminder talked about the education provided indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

16 May 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