Childminder in Bedford

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

The childminder and her assistants provide a warm and welcoming environment for children. Children are excited to arrive, and rush into their arms while the childminder chats to parents and gathers information about children's time at home. These close and respectful partnerships support children to settle swiftly into play and to feel safe and secure in the childminder's care.

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The provision is good

Children of all ages demonstrate close and caring bonds with one another. The childminder fosters these relationships well. She sits together with children when they look through photos of their friends who have previously attended the setting. They chat fondly about the activities and games they enjoyed and plan how they will spend their time together over the summer.

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The provision is good

Children's interests are at the heart of the childminder's practice. She creates an exciting learning environment where children absorb themselves in play. For example, young children enjoy exploring sensory play such as sand, water and paint. Older children help themselves to extensive craft materials and delight at creating pictures and collages. The childminder places equal focus on developing outdoor play opportunities for children to investigate in this unique environment. They have continuous access to outdoor play opportunities, exploring the extensive, secure garden area. Children enjoy growing fruits and vegetables and are excited to show off the baby chickens that they are rearing.

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need to do better?

n Feedback from parents is positive about the childminder, her assistants and the nurturing care they provide. Parents comment on the support they receive around aspects of children's development, such as potty training and strategies to promote behaviour. All parents appreciate how the childminder creates a warm and welcoming environment that their children look forward to attending. n The childminder encourages children to use good manners, take turns and cooperate in activities. She plans activities and routines that allow children to practise these skills. For example, children enjoy sociable mealtimes and explore a wealth of role play opportunities with their friends. When there are disputes among children, the childminder and her assistants are swift to identify this and intervene. However, they do not always encourage children to explore their behaviours and develop a good understanding of why they are inappropriate.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports the practice of her assistants well. She conducts regular supervisions to identify areas for development and opportunities to promote their teaching further. Together with the childminder, assistants attend regular training sessions to keep their knowledge up to date. n Children are encouraged to be independent and develop the skills they may

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need to do better?

6 May 2025 require for their next stage of learning. On arrival, children hang up their coats and place their belongings away safely. At various points during the day, children work together to tidy away resources and sweep up debris. They understand how this keeps the environment safe for everyone. n Children of all ages communicate their needs and interests well. They chat to visitors confidently about their favourite activities and experiences from home. The childminder models good language skills to children throughout the day by encouraging them to engage in discussions. Children enjoy group sessions, where they sing and dance to action songs. They listen intently during story time, where they recall the events in their favourite books. n The childminder encourages children to develop healthy lifestyles. Children have continuous access to outdoor play opportunities in the safe and exciting garden

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need to do better?

area, where they develop their physical skills and grow fruits and vegetables. They enjoy healthy meals and snacks, understanding the need to wash their hands and follow essential hygiene routines. n The childminder provides interesting learning opportunities that she knows children will enjoy and engage well in. For example, she plans to develop children's fine motor skills by encouraging them to paint using pegs and cotton wool. Children paint numbers that are of significance to them and use glue to decorate them with pretty paper shapes. Although children enjoy this activity, the childminder does not adapt her teaching sufficiently to promote the varied learning needs of all children present.

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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 provide further support for children to explore their emotions and the impact their behaviours can have on others n enhance the planning and implementation of activities to ensure they provide appropriate challenge and teaching for all children involved.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY340986 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10380274 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 12 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 4 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Bedford. She works with two assistants. The childminder offers care from 8.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Thursday, all year round. She offers government-funded places for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living and working at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, assistants and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and her assistants about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

6 May 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

6 May 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

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