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 respond positively to the welcoming, nurturing environment promoted by the childminder. Her attention to detail means that she understands each child's needs and the way in which they like to play. This plays a significant role in helping children to settle quickly and they build secure bonds with the childminder. They react to her enthusiastic, bright outlook and approach their play confidently. For example, children concentrate as they work out how to fit play figures into pirate ships. They persevere and add further figures, transferring this knowledge when they later put figures into toy cars and aeroplanes.

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The provision is good

The childminder is a good role model, demonstrating that she is fair, calm and respectful. Children mirror this, for example, as they share the toys and resolve minor disputes. The childminder ensures that all areas used by children are safe. Specific activities and ongoing discussions aid children in building a practical understanding of safety. For instance, when visiting the farm, they talk about being aware of the different animals and tractors. Thoughtful daily practice supports children in developing their physical skills and in building a good understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. For example, children enjoy yoga sessions, where they stretch, balance and learn to coordinate their movements.

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need to do better?

n Children make good progress and are well prepared for the move to nursery or school. The childminder monitors children's progress, addressing any weaker areas so that no child falls behind in their learning. She uses her experience and written guidance to help her understand children's development and what they need to learn next. The childminder offers children a stimulating range of play opportunities that aid them in taking the next steps in their learning. n The childminder is enthusiastic about her work and shares her enjoyment of this with the children, helping them to develop a positive approach. She regularly joins online seminars and reads current childcare literature, aiding her in developing her practice and keeping up to date with changes. n The childminder supports children well in developing an enjoyment of books and in extending their communication and vocabulary. Books that include children's

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need to do better?

favourite characters capture their attention. The childminder brings stories to life. For example, children read about fortune cookies and open their own examples of these. The childminder introduces new words, such as 'pagoda'. She makes sure children understand these, for instance, as they remember seeing a pagoda in a photograph. n The childminder knows children well and makes good use of their interests to help extend their knowledge. For instance, children interested in fire engines explore a variety of toy engines and books and enjoy a visit to the nearby fire

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need to do better?

21 January 2025 station. Opportunities such as this encourage children's skills in exploration and interaction with others. n Children participate in practical activities that support them in understanding the natural world. They grow fruit and vegetables, such as pumpkins and tomatoes, discussing what these need in order to grow. They visit nearby farms and pick vegetables, cooking these when they return home. n Children enjoy regular use of local facilities, such as walks and a playgroup. They attend community events, for example, the opening of a new supermarket. These opportunities help them to feel part of their community. Their participation in specific activities related to international festivals aids them in gaining a broader awareness of diversity. n Children enjoy their play and interactions with the childminder and these are generally of a very good quality. However, on occasion, the childminder does not

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need to do better?

build on their spontaneous play and fully extend their skills in thinking critically and creatively. n The childminder maintains good partnerships with parents. She supports them in building on their children's learning, for example, through offering resources to use at home. Parents speak highly of the childminder, particularly noting how she tailors activities for individual children and the progress they make in her care.

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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 build on the opportunities that support children in exploring further and developing their skills in thinking critically and creatively.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY541328 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10368431 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 4 Date of previous inspection 20 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Ampthill. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides government funded early years education for all eligible 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 indoors and outside 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 activities. n The childminder showed the inspector a range of relevant documentation. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She also looked at written comments from parents and considered their views.

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Inspection activities

21 January 2025 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

21 January 2025 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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