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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder creates a warm and homely environment. Her nurturing approach enables children to settle swiftly and feel safe and secure. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn best. She plans exciting activities that focus on children's interests. For example, children solve clues to find the dinosaurs that are hidden in the garden. These engaging activities support children to remain deeply absorbed in play and have a positive attitude to learning.

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The provision is good

Children behave well and form close bonds with each other. They show consideration and deep empathy for others. For example, older children show concern and rush to reassure babies when they hear them cry. Children display affection towards one another. They cuddle their younger friends and blow them kisses before they go for their naps. The childminder reinforces these behaviours well. She is a positive role models who demonstrates respect and kindness to both children and adults.

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The provision is good

Children are self-assured and outgoing. They engage well with adults and other children and show confidence in new situations. The childminder supports this well by placing a sharp focus on children's social development. Children attend various group-play sessions and have opportunities to engage within the local community.

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need to do better?

n Children's safety and well-being are paramount. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of safeguarding concerns and the correct referral processes. She ensures her home and garden remain safe for all children who attend. She completes regular risk assessments and supports children to identify and manage risks in their play. For example, children explain how they must climb steps one at a time so that they do not fall over and hurt themselves. n The childminder is committed to enhancing the care she provides. She reflects well on her knowledge and practice and implements strategies to further support children's development. For example, she has improved her knowledge around managing behaviour in toddlers to better support the current cohort of children in her care. However, the childminder does not consistently use the same robust methods of evaluation when monitoring the performance and supporting the

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need to do better?

practice of her staff. n Relationships with parents are strong. The childminder establishes effective methods of communicating information about children's progress and the time they spend in the setting. Parents speak highly of the childminder and her staff and the close bonds they have with children. n The childminder monitors children's progress closely. This enables her to develop a good understanding of children's abilities. The childminder adapts her teaching

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need to do better?

11 September 2024 well during activities to support the specific needs of all children. For example, during song sessions, babies develop their physical skills by dancing and following the actions. Older children solve mathematical problems by estimating how many legs two 'Incey Wincey' spiders may have. n Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides opportunities for children to grow fruits and vegetables in the garden. This develops their understanding of healthy eating. Children enjoy trips out to parks and dance sessions. This encourages them to be active and enjoy fresh air and physical play. Children are knowledgeable about essential hygiene routines and why they are in place. They clean their hands before eating and after messy play and explain that this washes the germs away. n Children display strong communication skills. They confidently use sophisticated

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need to do better?

vocabulary during play. For example, when exploring vehicles in the sand tray, toddlers describe how the 'excavators' are digging 'mounds' of sand. The childminder encourages children to develop this extensive knowledge of the English language. She creates interactive story sessions where children learn new words and explore their meanings. n The childminder organises routines well to build on what children know and can do and support them in developing new skills. For example, mealtimes are continuously evolving. The childminder explains that now that all children understand the importance of sitting down while eating, they enjoy sociable meals together at the table. She explains how in the future children will be encouraged to serve themselves meals and tidy away afterwards. This well- sequenced learning builds children's confidence and supports them to make good progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n enhance current methods used to evaluate and support the practice of staff.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2680455 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10355308 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 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates all year round from 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays and family holidays. She holds a childcare qualification at level 4.

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Inspection activities

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, her assistant 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

11 September 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

11 September 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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