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 experienced childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe and secure. From the start of their care, the childminder gets to know the children well. She gathers information from parents about their child's routines and developmental stage, as well as their likes and dislikes. This helps her to plan a curriculum that fully meets the needs of the children in her care. As a result, children settle quickly and make good progress from their starting points.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are motivated to learn. The childminder differentiates activities to ensure that all children build on what they already know and can do. For example, during a painting activity, older children learn about the properties of simple shapes, while younger children explore the texture of the paint with their hands. All children demonstrate a positive attitude to learning.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour. Clear and well- embedded rules and routines help them understand what is expected of them. The childminder teaches children to share and take turns. At snack time, as children wait for their turn to scoop the fruit onto their plate using a spoon, the childminder praises their patience. When there are minor disputes over toys, the childminder talks to children about how they are feeling and how their actions may have made others feel. As a result of the childminder's interactions, children are beginning to learn how to take turns and share, and are developing an understanding of how to express their needs appropriately.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder's curriculum is broad and balanced. She provides children with a range of experiences and opportunities that broaden their understanding of the world in which they live. The childminder regularly takes children out into the local community. They visit playgroups and meet up with other childminders and the children in their care. This builds on children's social interactions and helps them develop an understanding of similarities and differences. n The childminder uses regular assessments to build on children's progress effectively. She works in partnership with parents to find out about children's experiences from home, and she uses these alongside her own observations to identify next steps in children's learning. n The childminder reads stories with excitement. During daily story time, children listen intently and join in with key phrases. The childminder discusses key texts to ensure that children understand what different words mean. As children

p.2

need to do better?

explore the resources, the childminder narrates their play, sensitively repeating words that children attempt to say. Interactions such as these help to develop children's own storytelling language and builds on their growing vocabulary.

p.2

need to do better?

6 March 2025 n The childminder acts as a positive role model. She reminds children about good hygiene and gives clear explanations about why this is important. Children know that they need to wash their hands ready for mealtimes, and the childminder praises them as they do so independently. Children are shown respect, particularly when being helped with intimate care routines. The childminder asks children if she can check their nappies and wipe their noses. This ensures that children feel valued and heard, which helps them to develop a positive sense of self. n The childminder is committed to keeping her knowledge and skills up to date. She shares good practice with other childminders and has a positive relationship with her local authority. The childminder completes monthly training courses online, mainly targeted at ensuring that her knowledge of safeguarding and child protection is up to date. However, she has not yet fully established a targeted

p.2

need to do better?

programme of professional development to build on her already good practice. n Partnerships with parents are highly effective. The childminder works closely with parents to promote the best possible care and education for each child. She keeps parents well informed about their children's activities and progress, offering support and guidance on key milestones such as toileting. Parents speak very positively about the warm and inviting environment the childminder provides and comment that she makes their children feel 'cherished and inspired' during their time in the setting.

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 build on professional development plans and identify relevant training that is aimed at driving the quality of teaching even further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY544864 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10376034 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 11 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 14 May 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder provides government funded early education for all eligible children. She holds a recognised childcare qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this is having on the children's learning. n The inspector observed how the childminder interacted with the children and spoke with the children present. n The inspector and the 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

6 March 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

6 March 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