Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children attending this setting receive exceptionally high-quality care and early education. The childminder provides an inviting and stimulating, child-focused curriculum where children's individual needs are meticulously planned for. She continually reflects on, and adapts, both the learning environment and her own teaching strategies to meet the emerging needs of the children. For example, as children gain confidence in using first-stage scissors, she provides them with opportunities to practise using more advanced scissors to develop their physical skills. Children beam with pride as the childminder celebrates their success, and she encourages them to think about how their success has made them feel. This helps to build children's self-esteem and confidence.

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The provision is outstanding

Children behave extremely well. The childminder has high expectations for all children. She sets out clear rules and routines which contribute to children feeling happy, safe and secure. The childminder actively encourages children to be kind and respectful to others. She listens carefully to what children say and values their opinions, continually offering them choices in their daily routines. This has a significant, positive impact on children's personal development. The childminder uses every possible moment as an opportunity for learning, and as a result, children make rapid progress across all areas of learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate about her work and is deeply committed to supporting the children and their families in her care. Her ambitious curriculum is tailored to children's emerging interests and developmental needs. The childminder provides high-quality activities and interactions which ignite children's love of learning. For example, as children sing the song 'Incy, Wincy Spider', they learn about the meaning of the words they hear. They find drainpipes, as in the song, in the local environment and talk about what they are for. As a result, children are highly motivated and make meaningful links in their learning. n The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of each child. She has excellent knowledge of child development and uses this knowledge to support and extend children's learning skilfully. From the start, she gathers detailed information from parents to ensure that children's learning is targeted to meet

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need to do better?

their age and stage of development. She diligently tracks children's progress and swiftly identifies children who may benefit from additional support. Parents comment that they highly value the regular meetings with the childminder where they learn about their child's progress and are given ideas and strategies to continue their children's learning at home. n Promoting children's communication and language is given the highest regard.

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need to do better?

5 October 2023 The childminder engages with babies in meaningful vocal interactions, mimicking their noises and acknowledging their attempts at spoken words. Older children are exposed to a language-rich environment where their words and sentences are skilfully modelled and extended. Songs and stories are incorporated into every activity and routine. As children learn about autumn, they sing autumn songs. As they pass birds on walks in the local area they sing 'Two Little Dicky Birds'. Subsequently, children demonstrate superb language skills from a very young age. This is owing to the firm language structures that they learn through daily activities and interactions with the childminder. n Children benefit from regular opportunities to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the world. The childminder appreciates the learning experiences children can have within the local area and plans daily time to spend

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need to do better?

outdoors. She encourages children to immerse themselves in what they see, hear and touch when out and about. Children have excellent first-hand experiences as they visit woodlands, parks and local agricultural farms. During village walks, children comment on the change in season as they describe the 'crunchy leaves' and count the wheels on different vehicles they see. The childminder uses these experiences to support children's mathematical and literacy development through discussions and extended activities. n The childminder strives to improve her already excellent practice. She completes regular targeted training to support and enhance the experiences of children in her care. Training has transformed the way the childminder supports children's understanding and use of speech and language. The childminder places a strong emphasis on evaluating her training and practice. This ensures that she is providing an excellent quality of education for all children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder provides children with an extremely safe environment in which to play and learn. She keeps her safeguarding knowledge up to date through regular training and recognises the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues, including safeguarding concerns such as the 'Prevent' duty. She follows clear policies and procedures to take the appropriate action if she has concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder completes thorough risk assessments and teaches children how to stay safe when out and about.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY495031 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10301031 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 5 Date of previous inspection 19 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Silsoe. She operates from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has qualified teacher status.

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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 provider. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation. n The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Inspection activities

5 October 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

5 October 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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