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 enjoy their time with this nurturing childminder. Her ethos of promoting children's self-esteem and their belief in themselves is evident in all she does. She offers children consistent, sensitive encouragement and reassurance. Children respond to this, settling well and becoming confident learners. Children reflect the childminder's calm enthusiasm and persevere when playing, often challenging themselves. For example, children playing with a construction set decide to build a rocket. They experiment by arranging the bricks on end, persisting at this task until they succeed, and squealing with delight when the rocket tumbles down.

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The provision is good

The childminder is a very good role model to children, remaining calm, polite and fair. She talks with children about any minor disputes, helping them to understand one another's feelings and to start to resolve any conflicts themselves. The childminder supports children in building friendships and children talk fondly of their friends, remembering activities they enjoy together. The childminder's ongoing explanations and her robust risk assessing support children in learning how to keep themselves safe and healthy. For example, children understand the concept of passing germs on if they share toys that have been in their mouths. They recognise possible dangers such as the stairs, and learn to use these safely.

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need to do better?

n The experienced childminder remains enthusiastic and conscientious about her work, reviewing her practice and making positive changes. She ensures that the toys and resources correspond with children's interests and needs. She completes further training, reads childcare literature and exchanges information with other childminders, helping her to develop her practice and keep up to date with changes. n Children make good progress and are well prepared for the move to nursery or school. The childminder observes children and monitors their progress, checking that no child falls behind in their learning. She uses her experience and written guidance to aid her in understanding how the children are developing and to plan how she can support them in taking the next steps in their learning. n The childminder supports children well in developing their language and communication skills. She introduces subjects that interest children. For

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need to do better?

instance, they enjoy talking about the pet rabbits, remembering their names and what they like to eat. The childminder knows children well and quickly tunes in to younger children's babbling and first words, helping them to build on these and be part of discussions. n Children demonstrate their enjoyment of books. They look through these on their own, carefully examining the illustrations, and also enjoy snuggling up with the childminder to listen to a favourite story. The childminder skilfully maintains

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need to do better?

19 November 2024 their attention. For example, encouraging younger children to explore the textured illustrations and older ones to predict what happens next. n The childminder carefully links activities to help reinforce children's learning. For example, after reading a story that includes porridge, children play with oats. They remember the story as they fill bowls and decide which one is for each of their bears. The childminder introduces simple mathematical language and children repeat this, for instance, stating 'all the pots are full to the top'. n Children enjoy regular opportunities to use local facilities, helping them to understand and feel part of their community. They eagerly describe visiting the library, where they used a 'dark tent' and explored lights. Daily discussions, such as talking about different abilities, interest and family lives, aid children in becoming aware of differences and respecting these.

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need to do better?

n Children usually enjoy opportunities to think creatively and solve problems as they play. However, on occasion, the childminder answers questions and solves problems for them, rather than encouraging them to do this themselves and extend their ability to think critically and creatively. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They note the good progress their children make while with her, particularly in developing their speech. The childminder communicates well with parents. She explains the activities children have been engaged in and offers practical suggestions for parents to build on these at home.

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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 extend the opportunities that support children in exploring further and developing their skills in solving problems and thinking critically.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY471018 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10367386 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 7 Date of previous inspection 6 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education places for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure these are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed activities and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. She talked with the childminder about how the early years provision is organised. n The childminder and inspector discussed and reviewed activities. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She also reviewed written feedback from parents and considered their views.

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Inspection activities

19 November 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

19 November 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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