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

The childminder creates an environment where children feel safe and happy. They confidently greet visitors and delight at showing them their favourite toys and engaging them in play. The childminder understands how this confidence and emotional well-being forms a strong foundation for children's future learning. Children respond well to her nurturing approach, cuddling up to her regularly, demonstrating the close attachments they have with her.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides exciting learning opportunities in the home and when on trips out. Her robust understanding of how children learn best allows her to identify children's interests and use this knowledge as the focus for her teaching. For example, children recall a recent visit to the zoo while exploring books about animals. The childminder encourages them to describe the animals they observed and explore the different noises they make.

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The provision is good

Children are kind to one another and demonstrate good manners. They cooperate well in play and understand the need to wait for their turn, on occasion. The childminder has a consistent approach to supporting children's positive behaviour. She takes time to explain and support children when they may struggle and offers an abundance of praise for their positive behaviours.

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need to do better?

n Feedback from parents is positive. Parents praise the childminder for the close bonds she develops with children. They acknowledge that this helps children to settle well and enjoy their time in her care. Parents appreciate the high-quality, regular communication they receive about children's progress and the activities they enjoy during the day. They comment on the immense support they receive from the childminder regarding children's development and well-being. n The childminder evaluates her practice well and is committed to enhancing the care she provides for children. She seeks regular written feedback from parents and reflects on this information when adapting the service she provides. The childminder embraces opportunities to enhance her knowledge and skills. She completes additional training programmes that are pertinent to meeting the specific needs of children in her care. n All children make good progress from their starting points. The childminder

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need to do better?

provides learning opportunities aimed at promoting children's development. She skilfully adapts her teaching to ensure activities provide suitable challenge for all children involved. For example, babies explore the textures of pom-poms in a sensory activity. Older children develop their fine motor and mathematical skills, sorting and identifying the different coloured pom-poms. n The childminder places a sharp focus on ensuring children remain safe in her

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need to do better?

3 June 2025 care. She demonstrates a robust understanding of safeguarding issues and confidently explains how she would manage any concerns. The childminder conducts regular risk assessments on all areas of her home and when on trips out. She ensures all equipment is safe and age-appropriate and supervises children well in her care. n Children develop routines and behaviours that prepare them well for their next stage of learning. They enjoy sociable mealtimes sitting at the table, where they learn about healthy eating and the importance of hygiene practice, such as washing their hands and wiping their face. The childminder encourages children to be independent and take ownership for their environment. For example, children use cutlery with confidence and help tidy away after playing. n The childminder monitors children's development closely. Her robust assessments allow her to have a precise understanding of children's individual

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need to do better?

learning needs. This knowledge enables the childminder to plan activities that incorporate these needs alongside their interests. For example, children enjoy attending various group play sessions, where they socialise and learn alongside larger groups of children. However, the childminder does not always recognise opportunities to engage children in discussions in the home and further develop their already strong language skills. n Relationships with other settings children attend are robust and provide a consistent approach to children's development. The childminder works with key staff, sharing vital information about children's progress. This is particularly evident when supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The childminder welcomes the input from other professionals in developing strategies that meet children's specific needs.

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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 enhance opportunities for children to practise their language skills by engaging them in consistently rich interactions and discussions throughout the day.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY544553 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10398078 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 5 Date of previous inspection 2 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Leighton Buzzard. She operates from 7.45am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, all year round except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers the 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 a sample of relevant documents. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder 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 about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

3 June 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

3 June 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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