Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder provides an interesting and inviting environment for children to explore and learn in. She makes available a range of opportunities for children to think independently and work out how to solve problems. As children try to fill up a bottle with water, the childminder skilfully prompts the children to try using different-sized pots and funnels until the container is full. She carefully explains how they have used 'teamwork' to have 'success' at the task. This trial and error experimentation helps children to develop their critical thinking abilities.

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The provision is good

Children develop high levels of self-worth and value at the childminder's home. They behave extremely well, demonstrating their knowledge of boundaries. For instance, during a game of finding numerals, without prompting, they use a small step to reach the pictures, knowing they cannot stand on the table or chair. Children are highly motivated to learn and exceptionally eager to join in activities that the childminder offers and become deeply engaged in their learning. They experiment with different options and persevere at a task to their satisfaction. This helps children develop an enjoyment of learning that they will need to be ready for the next stage of their education.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes children's communication skills well. She follows children's lead in play, building on their language skills. The childminder speaks clearly to children and ensures that she has understood what they have said to her. When mixing colours, she references the names of colours and explains that they are primary colours. When children play with gloop and mud, the childminder describes the textures they feel and actions they are making. This helps give meaning to the words they hear. n The childminder takes children on a range of outings within the local community. They attend children's centre groups, farms, museums and parks. The childminder helps children develop their understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they travel around their community. These opportunities also help to develop children's social skills as they mix with others in different social situations. In addition, the experiences help promote children's understanding of

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need to do better?

the world around them. n The childminder looks for different ways to update her knowledge and skills. She makes links with other childminders and attends a range of training that benefit the children in her care. n The childminder works with other childcare professionals to support children's well-being and transitions. As children move between other childminders and pre-school sessions, she shares pertinent information to support the child's emotional needs. Additionally, the childminder shares important assessment

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need to do better?

8 May 2024 information, such as the progress check for children aged between two and three years. This helps children to settle and aids other providers to build on children's knowledge and skills. n Children practise physical movement regularly. The childminder encourages them to throw flying discs and hit balls with bats. This helps to develop children's hand-eye coordination. The childminder offers children dough and mark-making utensils to help build the strength needed later for writing. n Relationships with parents are valued by the childminder. She spends time communicating with them in a range of ways about their children. The childminder updates them regularly with how their children are developing and what they can do to help their children learn at home. This partnership working helps to support consistency of care and education of the children. n Children are becoming independent as the childminder gives them a lot of time

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need to do better?

to practise their skills. They spend time washing their hands thoroughly and pouring their own drinks. Additionally, the childminder allows them to choose the activities they wish to play with. n The childminder is highly qualified and has an excellent knowledge of how children learn. She has high ambitions for children and actively engages them in learning. At times, the childminder does not implement her ambitious curriculum precisely so that children benefit from the high-quality teaching that builds consistently on their learning.

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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 implement the ambitious curriculum consistently so that children benefit from the high-quality teaching that builds consistently on their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2664419 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10335672 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Shefford. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds qualified teacher status. She provides 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. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. 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, parents and children at appropriate times during the inspection and considered their views. 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. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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Inspection activities

8 May 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

8 May 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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