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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are safe, happy and comfortable in the childminder's home. This is because the childminder makes them feel at ease and plans activities that match their interests. Children benefit from many opportunities and experiences. For example, the postman delivering letters or the refuse being collected gives children the chance to greet, acknowledge and understand the important roles these people have in the community. As a result, children make positive relationships with each other, the childminder and people in the community.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder understands the skills younger children are developing, as well as the skills older children need to support their transition to school. Therefore, she focuses on children's communication and language development. Children develop their language through the curriculum, conversation and company of the childminder and their peers. Children understand the rules and boundaries, such as helping to tidy away the toys when needed and how to be kind to others. This is because the childminder sets clear expectations for children's behaviour.

p.2

The provision is good

Children visit toddler groups, parks and the childminder's own allotment. Through these experiences, children further develop their social skills, and gain a growing understanding of the world around them.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how young children learn. She knows that children learn through play and is knowledgeable about what children should be learning when, and how to support this. n The childminder considers children's interests when planning activities for them and monitors the progress they make. This helps her to target individual children's next steps in learning. For example, she provides a child who enjoys transporting objects with different-sized boxes to support their next step of understanding size. n The childminder provides activities that are interesting and engaging for all children, which supports them to acquire new knowledge and build on skills. However, she has not considered a broad enough range of approaches to further enhance children's understanding of new words and acquire a wide range of vocabulary. n The childminder has formed positive relationships with the local school. Children

p.2

need to do better?

accompany the childminder on the school drop-off and collection, and they become familiar with the teachers and the environment. This helps children who are due to attend school next year to hear encouraging messages. n Children benefit from healthy a range of healthy snacks, such as toast, apples and blueberries. The childminder uses snack time as an opportunity to help

p.2

need to do better?

22 November 2024 children name different fruits and talk about those they like and dislike. However, the childminder has not considered how to use some routines of the day, such as snack time, to best promote children's independence. n The childminder attends to children's care needs effectively, for example, putting a child's hair into a ponytail when their hair is getting into their eyes. She knows when they need a cuddle or reassurance and responds to them warmly. n Children treat the childminder's home and resources with respect, and they show kindness and consideration towards her kittens. Children understand they need to leave pets alone when they are eating or if they walk away from them as they might need their own space. n The childminder demonstrates good knowledge of child development. She regularly assesses the children to ensure the children are making progress against developmental milestones. The childminder works closely with parents,

p.2

need to do better?

providing support and guidance to identify the need for further support to help children reach their full potential. n The childminder communicates with parents well. She sends daily updates about children's care and routines. Parents comment that the childminder supports their children to 'grow and learn' in a safe, warm and welcoming home. n The childminder incorporates opportunities for children to explore mathematical concepts, such as numbers, shape and weight. The childminder supports mathematical development well. She plans activities that engage the children and allows them to explore to develop their understanding. For example, she sets up a ramp for children to push different toy vehicles down to help them understand that vehicles move because they have round wheels. The childminder models a range of mathematical vocabulary, such as 'round', 'heavy' and 'light', and she asks the children questions to extend their thinking about the

p.3

need to do better?

concepts they are learning about. n The childminder reflects on her provision and is keen to take on advice as to how to improve her setting further. She ensures that her training and her assistants' qualifications are up to date, and she is part of a group of local childminders who help to provide support for each another.

p.3

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 explore further ways to promote children's independence so they get more opportunities to practise and embed skills they require to support their next

p.3

should:

22 November 2024 stage of learning n consider ways to further enhance children's vocabulary.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY542190 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10364055 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 22 January 2019

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Caddington, near Luton in Bedfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm on Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She is registered to work with an assistant and provides funded early education for all eligible children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector completed a discussion about how the curriculum is organised and what the childminder intends children to learn while in her care. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

Inspection activities

22 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

22 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7