Childminder in Luton

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 friendly environment. Her nurturing and enthusiastic approach enables children to settle swiftly and feel safe and secure in her care. Children are excited to explore the wide range of planned activities and free-play opportunities in the childminder's home. The childminder considers children's interests when planning exciting learning opportunities. For example, in a sensory activity, children search for puzzle pieces that are hidden in cereal. With the childminder's help, they find the correct boards and complete the puzzles. Older children develop more sophisticated mathematical knowledge. They weigh the various cereals and explore the different quantities that are needed to make the scales balance. As a result of this well-considered planning, children remain deeply absorbed in activities that provide appropriate challenge.

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The provision is good

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn best. She carefully sequences her teaching, building on what children know and can do. For example, when children struggle in a threading activity, the childminder first completes a demonstration. She then guides children's hands in the task. Once they are confident, she offers praise and encouragement, enabling them to complete the task independently. This approach supports children to develop a positive attitude to their learning.

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need to do better?

n Children are independent. They delight at completing age-appropriate tasks in the childminder's home. For example, children clean and prepare the table before eating meals and snacks. They put their coats and shoes on before playing outside and follow essential hygiene routines with minimal help. These skills help prepare them well for their next stage of learning. n Relationships with parents are strong. The childminder shares information regularly regarding children's progress. She offers ideas and activities to further support children's learning at home. For example, children take home reading activities to explore with their families. Parents speak highly of the childminder and the many interesting learning opportunities that she provides. They comment on how their children look forward to spending time with their childminder and her family. n The childminder monitors children's progress closely. She completes regular

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need to do better?

assessments, which she shares with parents by using an electronic journal system. The childminder has a good understanding of children's learning needs and is observed supporting them during activities. For example, she consistently role models' new vocabulary during all activities. This supports children with English as an additional language to develop their communication skills. However, she does not always extend her teaching during activities to fully

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need to do better?

13 June 2024 promote children's learning. n Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides opportunities for children to grow fruits and vegetables. These develop their understanding of healthy eating. Children have continuous access to outdoor play in the secure garden. They enjoy trips out to parks and structured sports sessions. This provides them with opportunities to be active and enjoy fresh air and physical play. n Children's safety and well-being are paramount. The childminder ensures that her home remains safe for all children who attend. She has a good understanding of safeguarding issues. This enables her to identify when children may be at risk from harm and to seek appropriate help. n The childminder regularly evaluates the care she provides. She seeks feedback from parents and gathers ideas from other professionals. The childminder uses this information to promote children's development and that of her own practice.

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need to do better?

For example, she has recently completed a mentoring programme. She uses the knowledge that is gained to encourage closer partnership working with other childcare providers. n Children are kind, and they behave well. They take turns in activities and share resources appropriately. The childminder is consistent in her approach to supporting children's behaviour. She encourages them to work cooperatively to complete tasks and to achieve their goals. For example, children take it in turns using dustpans and brooms, sweeping up after messy activities. However, conversation and play can be dominated by the more confident and most-able children. At times, this impacts the attention that quieter children receive.

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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 enhance teaching methods that extend children's learning during planned activities and sessions of free play n implement strategies that better support the engagement of all children in group activities, specifically those who are less outgoing.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY498969 Local authority Luton Inspection number 10339383 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 3 Date of previous inspection 13 July 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Luton. She operates all year round, from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. 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 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 the 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

13 June 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

13 June 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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