Childminder in Bedford

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children benefit from the time they spend with the childminder. They confidently explore the resources, which are organised well to meet their needs successfully. Children are curious learners who demonstrate a desire to find out how things work as they investigate toys. They are proud of their achievements and enjoy receiving praise from the childminder for their efforts. This helps to boost children's self- esteem.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy being active outdoors, such as digging in sand and pushing buggies around the garden. They manage risks when they climb steps with confidence and go down the slide. The childminder provides engaging water-play activities that children thoroughly enjoy. They spend large amounts of time washing dolls with cloths and pouring 'tea' during role-play games. They independently refill their watering cans from the outside water source. The children are motivated as they practise their developing physical skills, building their confidence and core muscle development. Children develop positive attitudes to healthy lifestyles. Daily routines provide children with good opportunities to do things for themselves, such as handwashing, managing clothing and learning about personal care. Children take great pleasure in independently peeling their bananas and using the water dispenser to pour their drinks.

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need to do better?

n The childminder implements a well-thought-out curriculum that aims to teach children a range of skills they will need to manage future challenges, such as starting nursery and school. She plans interesting activities that develop children's confidence and independence. As a result, all children make good progress across the seven areas of learning. n The childminder is reflective and recognises that children may not have had as many social experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome this, she regularly takes children on outings to the local park, duck pond and playgroups. This gives children good opportunities to develop their social skills as they mix with the wider community. n The childminder is a warm and positive role model. Children form close bonds with her and seek her out for cuddles. This shows children feel safe and secure. Children generally behave well. However, the childminder is not always

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need to do better?

consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour. For example, during singing activities, children are demanding of the childminder's attention. As a result, songs are interrupted and children lose interest and engagement in their learning. n Children learn good communication, language and literacy skills. They develop a love of books as they independently turn pages of books. Children freely access

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need to do better?

20 April 2023 writing materials to help develop their emerging writing skills. For example, children practise using pens as they draw lines and shapes on whiteboards. To expose children to new vocabulary, the childminder often sings during routine activities. She also uses sign language to allow the children to communicate in different ways with her. n The childminder helps children understand the concepts of mathematics throughout the day. They play mathematics games where children learn about shapes and practise counting. n The childminder plans a good range of experiences for children which supports their greater understanding of the world. For example, the childminder often prepares craft activities to celebrate different festivals from around the world. She expands their understanding through the use of multicultural books. n Partnerships with parents are effective. The childminder seeks a range of

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need to do better?

information from parents about children's individual needs when they first begin to attend. She speaks to parents at drop-off and collection times and uses digital messages to send photographs of children's achievements. As a result, parents feel well informed of their child's developmental progress. While the childminder's knowledge of online safety is secure, she does not make the most of opportunities to help parents gain a better understanding of how to keep their children safe when using the internet at home. n The childminder understands that regular training helps her to keep her knowledge up to date. She has recently completed training, ensuring that she has the skills and knowledge to support children with additional needs.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibility in keeping children safe. She is able to explain the processes to follow if she is concerned about a child or if allegations are made against her practice. Training is updated regularly, covering a range of topics, including safeguarding awareness about issues such as child exploitation and extremist behaviours. The childminder makes daily checks of her home and garden to ensure that it remains safe and secure for children. The childminder completes mandatory training, such as safeguarding and paediatric first aid.

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should:

n develop a consistent approach to behaviour management to enhance behaviour and help children to develop patience when waiting n share information with parents to help promote online safety when children access the internet at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY456745 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10280780 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 28 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Wixams, Bedforshire. She operates from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 have taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. 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 The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures those are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

20 April 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

20 April 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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