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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children's interests are at the heart of the childminder's practice. She skilfully supports their development and well-being by planning activities based on their interests and learning needs. As a result of the childminder's nurturing approach, children feel secure and happy in this stimulating learning environment. They confidently explore a wealth of exciting activities, delighting at the praise the childminder gives for their efforts and achievements.

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The provision is good

The childminder develops fun ways to encourage children to complete age- appropriate tasks throughout the day. She creates a game out of tidying away resources, supporting children's understanding of keeping their playroom safe for everyone. The childminder sings children funny songs about germs when teaching them to wash their hands independently. This enables children to develop important skills and routines in preparation for their next stage of learning.

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The provision is good

Children are outgoing and confident in new situations. They engage well with visitors, greeting them warmly and encouraging them to join in their play. The childminder supports children's social development well. They regularly attend structured group play sessions, where children interact with others and learn the importance of compromise and taking turns.

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need to do better?

n Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. She encourages children to participate in the preparation process. This promotes their understanding of healthy eating. Children engage in numerous outdoor play opportunities to support their physical development. They have continuous access to the secure garden area and enjoy trips to local parks. They also attend regular group dance sessions with their childminder. n Relationships with parents are strong and respectful. Parents provide positive feedback regarding the care the childminder provides. They value the support she offers to children and families and acknowledge how this benefits children's well-being. Parents appreciate the wealth of learning opportunities the childminder offers and recognise how they promote children's development. n The childminder places a sharp focus on developing children's emotional well-

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need to do better?

being. She is swift to identify when children feel unsettled. The childminder uses age-appropriate strategies to support children to recognise and manage their feelings. For example, she encourages children to explore different facial expressions using pictures. The childminder explains how the characters may be feeling and the impact this may have on others. n Children are curious and relish in exploring learning opportunities in the

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need to do better?

5 March 2024 environment. The childminder encourages children to examine their ideas further and immerse themselves in play. For example, children are intrigued by looking at their surroundings through different-coloured plastic films. The childminder extends their learning by encouraging them to investigate the effects they create when placing two colours together. n The childminder creates a language-rich environment for children to investigate. She provides opportunities for children to explore books independently as well as planning cosy group story sessions. However, when interacting with individual children, the childminder does not consistently model age-appropriate sounds and words. Opportunities to support children in developing a wide vocabulary are, on occasion, missed. n Partnerships with other professionals are effective at promoting children's development. The childminder shares appropriate information with other settings

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need to do better?

to provide a consistent approach to supporting children's learning. n Children's safety is paramount. The childminder completes regular risk assessments of all areas of her home and when on trips out. She uses age- appropriate equipment and ensures that all resources are suitable and safe for children. The childminder has a thorough understanding of how to identify and report any safeguarding concerns. She completes regular training to keep her knowledge up to date. n The childminder monitors children's development closely. She regularly measures the impact her teaching has on children's progress. For example, children have recently been exploring the story of 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea'. The childminder has set up a tea party role-play activity. She supports children to re- enact the story, demonstrating their understanding.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n better support the communication and language development of individual children by consistently modelling age-appropriate vocabulary during activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2651769 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10308696 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 4 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021. She lives in Bedford, Bedfordshire. She operates from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

5 March 2024 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 March 2024 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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