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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children build strong bonds with the childminder, which supports them to be ready to learn. They enjoy their time in the childminder's company. The childminder knows the children well and nurtures their interest to help their development flourish in her care. She helps young children understand the world around them, building on what they already know. She uses children's curiosity in the environment to go on walks, looking at sunflowers and collecting leaves. Children ask to read books about sunflowers that they have borrowed from the local library. They explore the texture of the leaves when they have dried. The childminder and children describe them as 'crunchy' and 'spiky,' giving meaning to the new words.

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The provision is good

The childminder is a good role model, setting high expectations for children's behaviour. She helps babies and children learn to be polite and respectful to other people. The childminder asks children for their consent to help them with tasks, such as cutting up their food, and waits for babies non-verbal gestures to acknowledge they are ready for help. Children, in turn, demonstrate good manners and kindness to one another. Children use their imaginations in a variety of ways. They construct stories with small figurines. Children use props, pretending that the people figures go to each other's houses and ring the doorbell. Babies copy the older children attempting to push figures through the dolls' house doors. This helps them make links with their own home life.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is a natural educator. She has a good understanding of how children develop and what she can provide to support them to make good progress and be ready for school. She plans her curriculum to build on children's existing knowledge and skills. The childminder actively includes all areas of learning in her daily provision. However, at times, the childminder moves on too quickly to the next step and children do not have excellent opportunities to embed their new learning. n Children are developing their independence skills. Babies feed themselves with their hands and have a go at using a spoon. Older children are becoming competent at washing their hands and helping to tidy up. The childminder offers a lot of praise to the children for their efforts, motivating them to continue the task. n Children have good opportunities to develop their hand control and strength. Babies handle their bottles themselves and concentrate as they pick dried

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need to do better?

berries off branches using two fingers. Older children manipulate paintbrushes to cover their paper to their satisfaction and use scissors to snip leaves and paper, as the childminder encourages them to concentrate. n Children are articulate and confident. The childminder skilfully includes new

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need to do better?

19 September 2023 words for children to hear during play. She adds numbers and shapes to her language, so children can hear and become aware of mathematical terms. Children develop a love of books and reading. They ask to read stories they are familiar with. Babies look through books and lift flaps to find the pictures. These interactions build on children's vital communication skills. n The childminder works closely with other professionals to support children's learning and continuity of care. She liaises with other settings to help children settle into a new environment. When children with special educational needs and/or disabilities attend, she ensures she understands their specific need and what she can do to support them by implementing guidance from specialists. n Parents are extremely happy with the safe and caring environment the childminder provides. They value that the childminder is teaching their children.

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need to do better?

Parents comment they can see how their children are learning to be kind and considerate. The childminder shares information regularly, including photographs and development updates. They appreciate that the childminder gives the children wide experiences within their town, including going to the park and library. n The childminder has pursued ways to improve her practice since the last inspection. She has worked closely with the local authority advisors and made more use of the online training courses available to her. While she has carefully thought about courses that help her overall professional development, she has not considered training that will make a difference specifically to the children in her care, to help them develop even further in their learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has excellent knowledge of safeguarding matters. She has strong knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows the procedures to follow should an allegation be made about her practice, this includes referring to external agencies. The childminder's experience demonstrates that she is fully aware of child protection issues and is able to distinguish when to listen to and record concerns and when a referral needs to be made.

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should:

n help children further embed their previously learned skills and abilities by allowing them even more time to concentrate on experiences n sharpen the focus on professional development to specifically support children attending the setting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2583615 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10266857 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 6 Date of previous inspection 17 November 2022

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Bedford. She operates from Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 7am to 5pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year- old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a planned activity. n The inspector reviewed several parents' written references and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of all household members. n Children talked with the inspector during the inspection.

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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

19 September 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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