Childminder in Bedford

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Requires improvement

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder has made some improvements since the last inspection. However, her teaching quality still varies and needs more work. Sometimes, she misses chances to ask children meaningful questions and follow their interests while they play. Additionally, she does not always change her teaching to give younger children the right resources and activities to help their development. The childminder develops positive relationships with the children in her care. Children demonstrate that they are happy. They are supported by the childminder to understand their emotions and the importance of sharing, waiting their turn and playing cooperatively with their peers.

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder plans activities that support young children to develop their language, listening and concentration skills. For example, during planned games, children select objects and immediately link them to a song. The childminder encourages them to talk about the objects and then sing songs like 'Incy Wincy Spider' and 'The Wheels on the Bus'. She reads stories to children. Children show an interest in the illustrations, ask relevant questions and are taught the importance of respecting books. The childminder encourages children to count individual objects and match them with written numbers. The childminder praises children for their achievements and supports them to persist if they encounter difficulty.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has continued to reflect on her practice since the last inspection and demonstrates a willingness to make further improvements. She has completed some additional training and has sought support from the local authority to improve her practice. This has supported the childminder to create an outdoor learning environment and improve mealtime routines. Additionally, the childminder now implements improved techniques to help young children manage their feelings and behaviour. n While the childminder has taken steps to improve the delivery of her curriculum, this is not yet sufficiently embedded to ensure all children make consistently good progress in their development. Additionally, she does not always keep children interested during play or build on what they already know and can do. This includes not always adjusting her teaching to meet the needs of all children. n The childminder provides opportunities for children to be physically active in the

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need to do better?

fresh air. The children explore the garden independently using the different resources and activities available. They demonstrate their balancing skills as they walk along wooden planks, dress up and use metal utensils, such as jugs and saucepans to transport water from one container to another. This supports children to develop their hand-eye coordination and imaginative play.

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need to do better?

10 September 2025 n The childminder broadens children's range of experiences by taking them to activities in the community, such as a forest school. Children learn how to use real tools safely, search for minibeasts and use mud to create paintings. Additionally, children attend dance sessions. This supports children's physical strength and coordination as they learn to move their bodies in a variety of ways. n The childminder develops positive relationships with parents. She gathers information at the start of each placement and during settling-in sessions to help her understand each child and make the move from home into her care easier. Parents receive updates about their child's day, and the childminder shares advice she has learned from training courses. n The childminder promotes children's independence appropriately. She encourages children to feed and dress themselves and to wash their hands after

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need to do better?

using the bathroom and playing outside in the garden.

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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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Due date

improve and embed the implementation of the curriculum, including teaching skills to ensure all children receive consistent, good quality learning experiences. 31/12/2025

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY429734 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10373412 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 10 Date of previous inspection 16 October 2024

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Bromham, Bedfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder offers the government-funded childcare for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector observed children taking part in activities with the childminder and assessed the impact on children's learning. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided at the inspection.

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Inspection activities

10 September 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

10 September 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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