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 Good

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The provision is good

The childminder creates a warm and homely environment where children's interests are at the heart of her practice. Children settle swiftly in her care and develop close bonds with one another, enthusiastically exploring activities together. They delight at the resources and crafts that the childminder has planned around their individual interests.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides exciting opportunities for children to develop age- appropriate language skills. She creates cosy reading dens where children explore books and enjoy interactive story sessions. They cuddle up with one another and giggle with delight when taking turns to find characters hidden in the stories. Children are confident communicators who develop a love of books. This supports their early literacy skills and prepares them well for school.

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The provision is good

Children are very sociable and demonstrate high levels of confidence. They welcome visitors warmly, engaging them in play and conversation. The childminder provides lots of opportunities for children to develop these vital social skills. They attend regular structured play sessions where they interact with other children and adults. Children play an active role in their community. Along with their childminder, they attend various festivals and develop a deep understanding of the environment they live in.

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need to do better?

n The childminder adapts activities well to meet the learning needs of all children. She skilfully ensures all planned activities are aimed at children's individual interests. For example, children with a passion for animals are encouraged to draw rivers on rolls of paper. They develop fine motor skills by encouraging toy ducks to follow the path of the water. Other children create roads with pens and 'drive' their favourite cars and trucks along them. This ensures children remain deeply engaged in meaningful activities that support them to make good progress. n Relationships between the childminder and parents are strong. Parents comment on how children enjoy their time in the childminder's care. They acknowledge how the carefully planned learning opportunities she provides support children's development and well-being. Parents appreciate the deep knowledge the childminder gathers about children's early experiences. They comment on how

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need to do better?

she uses this to provide support for the entire family. n Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They enjoy a variety of nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder provides opportunities for children to grow fruits and vegetables. This enhances their understanding of healthy eating. Children have access to outdoor play in the large, secure garden

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need to do better?

7 March 2024 and on trips to local parks and woods. This provides them with opportunities to be active and enjoy fresh air and physical play. n The childminder is aware of the importance of supporting children's emotional development and well-being. Children delight at the praise the childminder gives for their efforts and achievements during activities. The childminder creates a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe and secure. They cuddle up to her and seek her out for affection when tired or in need of support. However, on occasion, children become frustrated during play and display unwanted behaviour. The childminder does not consistently support children to develop a deep understanding of these emotions and how they have an impact on their behaviour. n Children's safety and well-being are paramount. The childminder ensures her home remains safe for all children who attend. She completes regular risk

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need to do better?

assessments of the premises and when on trips out. The childminder has a robust understanding of safeguarding issues. This enables her to identify when children may be at risk from harm and swiftly access appropriate help. n The childminder monitors children's development closely. She completes regular assessments that enable her to have an up-to-date picture of children's progress. The childminder is mindful of children's learning needs and is observed supporting them during activities. For example, she consistently role models new words and sounds to support children to develop a wide vocabulary.

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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 develop age-appropriate strategies to support children to gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and how to express their feelings appropriately.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY498469 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10316835 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 10 Date of previous inspection 15 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Shefford, Bedfordshire. She operates from 7am to 9am and 3.30pm to 5pm on Monday, and from 7am to 5pm on Tuesday to Thursday, during term time only. 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. 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 the 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

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

7 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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