Childminder in Milton Keynes

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

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The provision is good

The kind and caring childminder develops close relationships with children who are very happy and relaxed in her care. From a young age, children are highly interested in the wide range of worthwhile activities. They express their thoughts and ideas, and show a good level of concentration. Through daily story times, the childminder encourages children to develop a very keen interest in early literacy. They listen intently and respond enthusiastically to the childminder's questions. Young children practise holding crayons and chunky chalks to make marks on paper. These activities help to raise their awareness that marks have a meaning, and to hold a pencil correctly for writing when they go to school.

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The provision is good

Children behave very well and know what is expected of them, because the childminder instils consistent boundaries. She helps them to explore their feelings and encourages them to show kindness towards their friends, such as offering them their drink. Children join in activities that require them to take turns and to show consideration for one another. They respond positively to consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder, which helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem. With the childminder's positive interaction and ongoing support, this also encourages them to persist and complete tasks.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is clear about what she wants children to learn. She sets up the play space with activities and resources that children help themselves to. The childminder plans opportunities for children to build on their current knowledge, to repeat and practise their skills during a variety of activities. Children enjoy leading their own learning. For instance, when choosing story books. n The childminder places a strong focus on young children's speech and language development. As a result, children make very good progress in this area of learning. Young children speak confidently; they form long sentences and use a wide range of vocabulary language during their play. n The childminder recognises that some children really enjoy learning outdoors. The range of garden resources offer further opportunities for children to build on their existing skills and to develop new ones. For instance, children have fun

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need to do better?

making marks with a muddy consistency as they use different tools, such as wooden spoons. n The childminder uses the daily routine and activities well to incorporate opportunities for children to recognise colour, count and problem-solve as they complete puzzles, post shapes and thread beads. However, children have fewer opportunities to categorise by number and size, and to explore weight and measurement. n Young children giggle and laugh and have a great sense of humour when

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need to do better?

26 June 2023 teasing the childminder. As they complete a familiar puzzle, they engage her in a game by pretending that they do not know where to place the pieces of the puzzle. This activity helps them to develop their confidence. n The childminder helps children to develop good large and small physical skills. For example, children balance on the trampoline, walk up and down steps, thread beads and operate toy telephones and binoculars. Children have many good opportunities to use their imagination. For instance, during role play with dinosaurs and making mud pies. n Children learn about the importance of good hygiene routines. The childminder encourages them to manage their own personal care. For example, children learn about the importance of oral hygiene as they talk about and role play brushing their teeth. The childminder supports children to attempt to take off and put on their clothing, helping them to build on their self-care skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is committed to the continuous improvement of her well- managed setting. She reflects on the quality of her provision and considers the views of parents and children when planning for improvement. n Partnerships with parents and others are good. Parents are very positive about the care and educational learning experiences their children receive. Effective three-way communication between parents, pre-school staff and the childminder, keeps everyone up to date about the children's individual needs. The childminder also shares ideas to help parents support their child's learning intentions at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has good knowledge about how to safeguard children. She recognises the signs and symptoms of types of abuse and knows what to do to protect children given different scenarios. She has a good understanding of the potential impact on children's welfare and safety in relation to safeguarding issues. The childminder knows how to report safeguarding concerns. Risk assessments are effective and helps to keep children safe and secure both on the premises and on outings. Children learn about personal safety, for instance, when they practice the emergency evacuation procedure and learn about road safety.

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should:

n increase the opportunities children have to categorise by type and size, and explore weight and measurement, to help them make the very best progress in mathematics.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 141278 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 10285801 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 1 Date of previous inspection 19 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Bancroft, Milton Keynes. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, term time only.

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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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder identified how she plans and implements her curriculum. n During the inspection, the inspector spoke to and interacted with the children. The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback. 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.

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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

26 June 2023 26 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

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