Childminder EY407151

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 exciting learning environment that embraces children's love of nature and the outdoor environment. She uses this to plan appropriate experiences that provide children with the skills they require for the next stage of learning. Children enhance their fine motor skills and their mathematical knowledge by using tweezers to select, sort, and match colourful plastic insects. They develop a love of stories and extend their language skills by exploring an extensive range of books. Children learn to manage risks by navigating obstacles in their outdoor environment, both in the childminder's home and on daily trips to parks and woods.

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The provision is good

Children are curious about their surroundings and demonstrate perseverance in tricky situations. The childminder supports this well with praise and reassurance, encouraging them to explore their ideas further. For example, children become engrossed in removing various herbs and flowers that are frozen in blocks of ice. Together, with the childminder, they discuss how heat melts ice. They use their hands and warm water to release the herbs, delighting at their different fragrances.

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The provision is good

Children are sociable, friendly and welcome others into their environment. The childminder encourages these positive behaviours through good role modelling and nurturing discussions. When new children are due to start, children talk about how their new friends might be feeling and how they can help them to feel comfortable in the new environment.

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need to do better?

n The childminder role models new and descriptive language at every opportunity in order to extend children's vocabulary. When completing puzzles children explore the 'wiggly' and 'wavey' shape of the caterpillar. Children confidently discuss experiences from home with the childminder, listening intently and extending discussions. For example, children recall a recent visit to riding stables. The childminder encourages them to describe the horses and equipment they used, offering alternative more-complex vocabulary where appropriate. n The childminder's well-adapted teaching provides appropriate challenge that focuses on the specific learning needs of all children. For example, when reading 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' story, older children count the different quantities of fruit the caterpillar eats daily. Younger children match pretend fruits to those that they see in the book. However, on occasion, the most outgoing and

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need to do better?

confident children can dominate group activities. The childminder does not always address this effectively and these children benefit the most from the interesting and engaging activities and discussions that the childminder instigates.

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need to do better?

28 July 2025 n Children are learning to be independent in age-appropriate ways. The childminder provides children with plenty of time and immense support to practise skills, such as putting their shoes on. Children prepare their own snacks, learning how to use various kitchen equipment safely. n The childminder provides opportunities for children to engage in their community. Children enjoy group play sessions and trips to the local zoo with their friends. Along with their families, children attend the childminder's fundraising events where they learn about other families, their unique circumstances, and the importance of helping others. n The childminder ensures all areas of her setting are safe and appropriate for the ages of children that attend. She conducts risk assessments, provides appropriate equipment, and encourages children to assess situations and begin to develop skills that will keep them safe. For example, children know to wait at

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need to do better?

gates for adults and understand how leaving toys on the floor can be hazardous for them and their friends. n Parents praise the childminder for the 'steady, warm presence' she has in children's lives and how this contributes to their emotional well-being. They appreciate the flexible approach she has to the care she provides and how she goes out of her way to meet their changing needs. Parents acknowledge how the many exciting experiences the childminder offers contributes to their children making good progress in their learning and development. n The childminder monitors children's progress closely and ensures all statutory assessments are completed in a timely manner and shared where necessary. She completes additional assessments at regular intervals and uses this information to inform her planning.

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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 evaluate the organisation of group activities to ensure all children involved benefit from consistently high-quality teaching and language-rich interactions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY407151 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10398317 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 8 Date of previous inspection 15 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides 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 selection of relevant documents. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities and observed the quality of teaching. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the impact of her teaching on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. 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

28 July 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

28 July 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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