Childminder in Luton

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the care of this exceptional childminder. They form excellent bonds with the childminder, who gets to know them extremely well from the start. Her carefully planned curriculum is rich and ambitious. Children eagerly take part in a wide range of age-appropriate activities, contributing to their rapid progress. The childminder puts children at the heart of everything she does. She continuously strives for excellence in all areas of her practice. As children listen to stories together, the childminder skilfully differentiates her teaching to ensure that all ages can fully participate. Her enthusiasm and passion to teach and share her knowledge captures children's attention. Young children pretend to 'huff and puff' like the 'big bad wolf' and older children help to finish well-known phrases from the story. This contributes to children's ever-growing vocabulary.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has high expectations for behaviour and she communicates these clearly to children. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They play harmoniously together and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. Photo boards prompt children to recall past learning experiences. They eagerly talk about the photos they see, telling visitors, 'I was very good at threading pasta'. Children are proud of their achievements and this helps to develop high levels of self-esteem and confidence.

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need to do better?

n All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make excellent progress. The childminder focuses keenly on observing, monitoring and meeting the developmental needs and interests of each child. She continually reflects on her practice and adapts her provision and procedures when needed. The childminder recognises the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children's emotional well-being. She plans a thorough settling-in process with a real focus on ensuring that children feel comfortable in her company. Children get to know the childminder in their own home as well as at local parks before starting their time in the setting. Subsequently, children form extremely secure attachments. n Children benefit from an environment that is superbly rich in language. The childminder talks to children constantly as they play. She asks open-ended questions to spark children's curiosity and allows them ample time to think about

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need to do better?

their answers. Children sing songs about farm animals. They talk about each animal, naming them and acting out the sounds they make. They count their legs and discuss how they move. Children's learning is meaningful and they actively engage for long periods. n The childminder impressively supports children's understanding of the natural world. Children learn from, and within, nature. This is particularly beneficial for

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need to do better?

18 May 2023 their well-being. As they visit woodlands, they practise using their core muscles to climb trees and learn how to take risks safely. In the childminder's garden, they learn to grow fruit and vegetables. Parents comment that their children are 'in awe of everything they grow and eat'. The childminder has recently been awarded an 'Eco Scheme' award. Children learn to appreciate nature and the ways to look after the world they live in. n The childminder provides exceptionally rich experiences that help children understand more about their local community and the wider world. Children visit a range of religious buildings and explore foods from different cultures. They learn about why the local football team is named the 'Hatters'. Children attend a gardening club and go fruit picking. This gives them enriching experiences from the outset and contributes to their sense of belonging. n Children learn good hygiene routines from a young age and demonstrate

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need to do better?

excellent independence and self-help skills. They wash their hands independently and tell visitors, 'I washed the germs away'. All children demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility by helping to cut their own snack and pour their own drinks, using differentiated tools. Younger children tidy up their toys by following concise and clear instructions. This fosters confidence and readiness for the next stage of learning. n Partnerships with parents are strong and highly effective. The childminder works closely with parents and offers advice and ideas on how they can further support children's development at home. Parents comment that the childminder is 'very prompt at providing updated assessments' and that she 'has been a great asset' to their children's development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a fundamental part of the childminder's practice. She provides children with an extremely safe environment in which to play and develop. The childminder understands her responsibility to keep children safe and confidently discusses the appropriate action she would take should concerns arise. She has a thorough knowledge of wider safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty and county lines. The childminder attends regular safeguarding training to maintain high levels of knowledge about any recent safeguarding issues. Children learn how to stay safe when out on trips. They learn to manage controlled risks with clear and concise boundaries.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY488041 Local authority Luton Inspection number 10285393 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 8 Date of previous inspection 4 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Luton, Bedfordshire. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years foundation stage curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Inspection activities

18 May 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

18 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.

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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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