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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children build strong, trusting relationships with this caring and attentive childminder. From the start of their care, the childminder works closely with parents to help promote a consistent approach to children's learning journeys. She gathers detailed information about children's likes, dislikes, routines and developmental stage, and uses this to plan an environment which suits the needs of every child. For example, older children enjoy manipulating play dough with their hands. The childminder introduces words such as 'squeeze' and 'squash' as she models different ways to use the dough, and this builds on their growing vocabulary. Babies are encouraged to stand as they investigate the equipment on the play dough table, building their leg muscles in preparation for early walking.

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The provision is good

The childminder treats children with the utmost respect, and this contributes to the harmonious and relaxed environment she creates. She consistently praises children's successes, and this helps to build their self-esteem and confidence. Children replicate the childminder's calm and kind nature. For example, older children share toys with younger children and pass them resources when they are slightly out of reach. The childminder encourages children to make their own choices as they play, which helps them feel valued and heard. For example, when children show an interest in the doctor's kit, the childminder is on hand to support and extend their learning. Older children discuss what the equipment is called and how it can be used. Younger children practise placing the stethoscope on and off their ears. Positive interactions such as these, develop children's understanding of the world, builds their communication skills and supports their physical

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need to do better?

n The childminder delivers high-quality care and education. She plans exciting activities based on children's interests and uses these opportunities to build on what children already know and can do. This supports them to engage well and maintain focus during play. For example, the childminder provides young children with resources to support their confidence in early walking. Children smile and show a sense of pride as they confidently move around the garden with the support of wheeled toys. n The childminder continually monitors children's progress to ensure her curriculum is having a positive impact on their learning. She works closely with parents to make sure learning is continuous, offering support and ideas to build on their children's development at home. Subsequently, children make good progress from their starting points. However, she has not yet fully considered how she can share more information with other settings children attend, such as

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need to do better?

about children's assessments, to support continuity of learning even further.

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need to do better?

13 May 2025 n The childminder places high priority on promoting children's independence. From an early age, children learn how to manage their own personal needs. Young children are given opportunities to wipe their own noses, guided by the childminder to ensure they are clean. Older children help to get equipment ready for snack and learn how to cut their fruit with safe cutting tools. The childminder interacts well with children and uses effective teaching methods to encourage them to complete tasks themselves. As a result of the opportunities provided, children build on the skills needed for future learning. n The curriculum for communication and language is well embedded. The childminder narrates children's play, discussing what they are doing and introducing new vocabulary to extend their knowledge. When children show an interest in walkie-talkies, the childminder encourages them to engage in back-

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need to do better?

and-forth conversations, promoting their communication skills further. However, occasionally, the childminder does not always model the correct vocabulary and sentence structure. At these times, children's communication and language skills are not as well supported. n Children have many opportunities to learn about the world around them. The childminder ensures that they have daily opportunities to be outside, which promotes their health and well-being. Children visit local parks where they explore nature and develop their physical skills as they climb the equipment. The childminder plans opportunities for children to widen their social circles and build on their understanding of similarities and differences. For example, they regularly attend toddler groups and meet up with other children and their childminders. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents value the outdoor learning experiences the childminder provides, such as learning about planting fruit and

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need to do better?

vegetables. They comment that the childminder's nurturing approach helps children feel safe and secure, and state that they feel 'blessed to have found someone who cares for the children like their own'. n The childminder is passionate about her role and providing children with the best possible care and education. She completes further training, such as attending local childminding network meetings, which helps to broaden her existing knowledge and practice. This supports her continual professional development.

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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:

13 May 2025 n establish effective information sharing with other settings that children attend, so that there is a joined-up approach to their learning n strengthen teaching skills further, to continually support children's understanding of vocabulary and communication.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2710421 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10392110 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 4 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant level 3 qualification. She offers government funded early education for all eligible children.

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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 foundation stage 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 childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Inspection activities

13 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

13 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

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

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