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

The childminder builds strong bonds with the children. Her warm and nurturing approach helps them to feel happy, safe and secure in her care. When children feel unsure about new situations, the childminder is on hand to fully support and meet their emotional needs. As a result, children settle quickly and confidently explore her home-from-home setting. The childminder provides activities closely linked to children's developmental needs and personal interests. Children show high levels of motivation and remain focused in their play. Young children practice using low-level equipment to pull themselves up, and the childminder offers praise as they practise standing unaided for short periods. Older children work together to build a train track. They enjoy each other's company and learn how to play together, developing their understanding of sharing and turn-taking. The childminder offers timely praise and models expected behaviours as she engages in play alongside children.

p.2

The provision is good

Subsequently, children's behaviour is good.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder gets to know the children well from the start. She is attentive to their needs and swiftly responds to their verbal and nonverbal cues. For example, the childminder recognises when babies communicate that they are hungry or tired. She uses her knowledge of the children in her care to meet their needs effectively. During music sessions, older children are given choices over which instrument they would like, and the childminder supports them in taking it in turns to choose an item from the nursery rhyme bag. These positive interactions promote children's self-esteem and ensures they feel valued and heard.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and is clear about what she wants children to learn and why. For example, children explore mark- making tools in the sand, building on their fine motor skills in preparation for early writing. Babies are given opportunities to use a spoon to feed themselves, practising their hand-eye coordination. The childminder has a clear focus on developing children's confidence, social skills and independence in readiness for the next stage in their educational journey. n As part of the curriculum, the childminder organises trips and experiences outside the setting. Children have opportunities to develop their social skills and expand on peer relationships as they meet with other childminders and their children. Forest school sessions help children to manage risks effectively as they learn how to climb trees in a safe way. During walks in the local area, the

p.2

need to do better?

childminder encourages children to look for shapes in the environment and notice changes in the natural world. Activities such as these broaden children's experiences and build on their cultural capital. n The childminder fosters children's independence effectively. She encourages

p.2

need to do better?

13 February 2025 children to manage their own personal hygiene. Babies practise cleaning their hands independently with flannels. Older children are supported in using the toilet by themselves. As children prepare to go outside, they know what they need to do. They collect their coats and shoes from the cupboard and persevere as they attempt to put them on. The childminder praises their efforts, and this builds on their self-confidence and helps them to develop a 'can do' attitude. n Children are immersed in a language-rich environment. The childminder talks to children about what they are doing during activities and introduces new words to build on their growing vocabulary. As children wash the fruit for snack, the childminder encourages them to think of words to describe the sound the fruit makes as they are dropped into the water. Children take part in daily singing sessions and share stories during snack time. The childminder implements a

p.2

need to do better?

curriculum that builds strong foundations for children's communication and language development. n The childminder is dedicated in providing children with the best possible care and education. She is reflective of her practice and keeps up to date with mandatory training. The childminder works closely with other childminders to share knowledge and good practice. Although she recognises the need to seek further training opportunities, she has not yet fully embedded a programme of professional development to raise the quality of teaching to an even higher level. n Parents speak highly about the quality of care and education that the childminder provides for their children. They feel well informed about their children's learning, stating that the childminder regularly shares what areas of development their children are working on next. Parents value the range of opportunities children have to learn about different cultures and diversity, and

p.3

need to do better?

they appreciate the 'wonderfully stimulating environment' the childminder provides.

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 continue to build on professional development plans to raise the quality of practice and teaching even higher.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY540289 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10375796 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 2 May 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Arlesey. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers government funded early education for all eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed how the childminder interacted with children and spoke with the children present. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector took account of the views of parents.

p.4

Inspection activities

13 February 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

13 February 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.

p.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6