Childminder 219724

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 is kind and caring and shows a good understanding of the needs, interests and development of the children in her care. She uses this knowledge to provide an effective curriculum that supports children's development across all seven areas of learning. The childminder provides lots of opportunities for children to develop an understanding of early mathematical concepts. Children are encouraged to count and gain an understanding of numbers as they play with toy dinosaurs. They naturally sort the dinosaurs into different sizes and shapes and enjoy lining them up. Children demonstrate an understanding of size as they talk about 'big' and 'small' socks and notice how their feet are too small for the larger socks.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour shows they feel secure in the care of the childminder, sharing smiles and belly laughs as they play. They show age-appropriate resilience when faced with challenges and a willingness to keep trying. They talk with the childminder about their families as they draw on large pieces of paper, helping to develop a sense of self. Children know the colours of their older siblings' hair and select the correct pens to represent this in their drawings. Children represent their home and other important areas within their pictures as drawings evolve.

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need to do better?

n The childminder shows a good understanding of the typical levels of development for children. She monitors children's progress and completes detailed developmental checks between the ages of two and three years. The childminder notices quickly when children may be at risk of developmental delay. She works in partnership with parents to provide effective support to help children make the best possible progress. n Overall, the childminder engages well with children as they play, talking with them and introducing them to new words and concepts such as 'maps' and 'stegosaurus'. However, at times, she asks children too many questions, rather than focusing on supporting the fascinations that children are demonstrating in their play. This means, occasionally, children move on from activities before they have become fully immersed in their learning. n The childminder provides lots of opportunities for children to develop physically.

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need to do better?

Children competently pick up small items with tweezers and peg socks to low washing lines, helping to strengthen the muscles in their fingers and hands. Children enjoy playing simple throwing games, aiming beanbags into hoops. Younger children are supported to learn to safely negotiate changing levels in the childminder's garden. n The childminder ensures that she keeps her statutory training up to date. She makes use of professional publications and websites to keep abreast of good

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need to do better?

7 August 2025 practice, along with support from a local childminding group. n Children show an understanding of the importance of caring for resources and being polite and kind. They willingly help to tidy up after games and often remember to say 'please' and 'thank you' when asking for help from the childminder. Older children offer to help bring resources down to the lower part of the garden for younger children. n The childminder extends her curriculum by engaging in activities in her local community. Children regularly attend local playgroups, developing their social skills, playing with other children and learning to take turns and share. They visit local shops and go on outings to local parks and play areas. n Children are developing age-appropriate independence. The childminder encourages them to put on their own shoes, blow their own nose and wash their own hands before mealtimes. The childminder encourages children to drink

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need to do better?

regularly and provides healthy snacks. However, while children show competency in these tasks, the childminder does not always support children to understand why good hygiene practices and remaining hydrated are important for health. n Parents are very complimentary about the childminder. They value the regular information and support she provides to them about children's learning and development. Parents describe how their children love attending and enjoy the outings the childminder organises. They describe the childminder as 'warm and caring' and would 'highly recommend her'.

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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 the quality of teaching and interactions with children, focusing on children's interests and fascinations as they play n support children to understand why handwashing, the correct disposal of tissues and regularly drinking help them to remain healthy and well.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 219724 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10398804 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 11 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Potton, Bedfordshire. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7am until 6pm, all year round, except for family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder provides government funded childcare for children aged from nine months.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation, including attendance records and the childminder's paediatric first-aid certificate. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

7 August 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

7 August 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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