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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in this caring environment. They develop strong bonds with the childminder and her assistant, who are attuned to their care needs. The childminder creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere, where children can thrive. The childminder celebrates and treats each child as an individual, building their self-esteem and confidence. Children and their families are at the heart of everything the childminder does, creating an inclusive setting where everyone feels valued and welcome.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. Children take each other's hands and dance together. They smile and giggle as they dance in circles. When a child says 'Stop!', the other child listens, demonstrating their respect for each other. The childminder and her assistant are positive role models for the children. They interact well with each other, showing kindness and offering help. Children copy these behaviours in their play which adults praise.

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The provision is good

Children eagerly participate in a sensory activity where they are encouraged to smell, feel and taste the different fruits. Children squeeze play dough, fill containers and use hammers. This supports their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Babies' physical development is highly promoted. Adults encourage them to stand at the side of tables to take part in activities, and they support them attentively. Uneven pathways help them to develop their walking skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of child development. Effective assessment procedures quickly identify if a child needs more support. The childminder works with parents to make plans and begin referral processes. This ensures children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive individual help. Parents comment they feel supported by the childminder. n The childminder and her assistant know the children well. Before starting, parents share information about their child's stage of development. The childminder carefully plans next steps that build on what they already know or can do in relation to the overall aims for learning. This results in children making progress. Parents comment about how informed they are of their children's development. They praise the childminder for how much progress children make. n The childminder and her assistant support children's independence. Children

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need to do better?

prepare their fruit, attempt to put on their shoes and make choices. The childminder encourages children to 'have a go', saying 'Let's try together'. As a result, children develop self-help skills and gain confidence. n The childminder ensures children learn about and spend time in their local

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need to do better?

14 June 2023 community. For example, she organises toddler groups, rhyme-time sessions and role-play activities for local families to enjoy. This helps to develop children's social skills and builds their confidence. n The childminder and her assistant are reflective practitioners. They regularly evaluate each other's practice. They understand their strengths well and plan training for areas they want to improve. They seek the views of parents and make changes to the care and education they offer. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder understands the different challenges that children and their families face. She offers support that meets their needs to help improve outcomes for children. Parents describe the childminder as calm and caring. They appreciate how she works with them to support children. For example, the childminder and parents work together as they toilet train children.

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need to do better?

n Children wash their hands before eating and after wiping their noses. This helps them to develop good hygiene routines. However, the childminder does not explain why this is important, so children's understanding is not extended. n Overall, children are well supported with their language development and make good progress. During play dough activities, the childminder's assistant uses lots of descriptive words, such as 'squash', 'fold', 'pinch' and 'knead', to introduce new words to the children. The childminder skilfully narrates children's play and emphasises keywords to support their understanding. She gives children plenty of time to respond to questions, allowing them time to think critically. Children enjoy singing and join in with the actions of familiar songs. However, on occasion, the childminder and her assistant do not ask children questions in a way that helps extend their speech and thinking skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has created a safe space for children to enjoy. Regular risk assessments ensure that children's safety is a priority. Sleeping arrangements for babies follow safer sleeping methods, such as checking babies at regular intervals and using monitors. Safeguarding training is completed regularly, and the childminder checks the knowledge of her assistant. The childminder and her assistant know the possible signs a child may be at risk of harm and the referral procedures to follow if they have concerns. The childminder and her assistant can explain the process they would follow in various situations, such as if they observed unusual bruises on a child or a child was displaying extremist views.

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should:

n extend children's understanding about the reasons for good hygiene routines

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should:

14 June 2023 n develop questioning techniques to help children to build on their speaking and thinking skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2631772 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10289358 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 11 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Henlow. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder also offers overnight care. The childminder works with an assistant. They both hold an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder receives funding for free early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children.

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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 childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being 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 The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the childminder. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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.

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Inspection activities

14 June 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

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

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