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

Children demonstrate they feel safe and secure in this warm and homely environment. They confidently explore activities with their childminder, who is attentive to their needs and always on hand to offer praise and support. The childminder skilfully creates a stimulating environment that is focused on children's interests and learning needs. For example, she develops children's fine motor skills by constructing an impressive car track around her garden.

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The provision is good

Children display empathy and kindness for others. They support one another to complete tasks and share the stickers they have been awarded with their friends. The childminder plans fun and engaging ways for children to explore their emotions. For example, children use characters to create different faces that reflect their feelings. The childminder encourages them to discuss these emotions and how the actions of others can impact them.

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The provision is good

Children are polite and behave well in the childminder's care. This is because the childminder is a good role model. She demonstrates good manners and is respectful towards children. The childminder has a consistent approach to supporting children's behaviour. She offers praise for children's efforts and achievements and promotes their positive behaviour in age-appropriate ways. For example, the childminder encourages role-play activities involving dolls to support children to understand how to behave around babies.

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need to do better?

n The childminder monitors children's progress closely. She completes comprehensive assessments that ensure her knowledge of children's abilities remains up to date. The childminder plans activities based on children's needs and is consistently observed supporting their development during play. For example, she encourages children to complete age-appropriate tasks during the day. This supports children's growing independence. n Children's safety is paramount. The childminder conducts detailed risk assessments of her home and all equipment. This ensures her environment continues to meet the changing needs of children. The childminder confidently discusses the signs that could identify if a child is at risk of harm and the correct referral process to follow. She ensures all essential first-aid training is kept up to date and monitors accidents and incidents closely. n The childminder sequences children's learning well, reflecting on past activities.

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need to do better?

She uses her findings to plan opportunities based on what children can do and need to practise more. For example, the childminder identifies that children are struggling to use scissors. She develops their hand muscles and fine motor skills further in an ice excavation activity. Children use pipettes to squeeze salt water

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need to do better?

9 August 2024 on the ice and hammers to chip away at it to reveal the frozen sea creatures. However, the childminder does not always allow children the opportunity to explore activities beyond what is planned and develop their ideas further. n Children demonstrate a love of books that supports their early literacy skills. The childminder sets up cosy reading areas throughout her home where children can explore a wide range of books. She creates fun interactive story sessions for children to engage in. For example, children use props and characters to recreate the story of 'The Three Little Pigs'. n The childminder implements robust processes that support children to settle well in new environments. Parents appreciate how the childminder takes time to get to know children and families prior to them starting. They state that this means they feel confident leaving their children, knowing they are safe and happy.

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need to do better?

Children are well prepared for their next stage of learning. They follow appropriate routines that mirror those of school. For example, children understand the need to wash their hands regularly and to sit down when eating their healthy meals and snacks. n Feedback from parents is positive. Families greatly appreciate the close bonds children have with their childminder and how this supports their well-being. Parents report that they feel involved in children's learning. For example, families take 'Waddle' the penguin on holiday with them. Children document his adventures and share their experiences with their friends.

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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.

p.3

should:

n adopt a more flexible approach during planned activities that allows children to fully explore learning opportunities and develop their ideas further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY538508 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10354892 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 9 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Toddington. She operates from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. 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 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

9 August 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

9 August 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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