Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children settle quickly when they arrive and are happy to see their friends. The childminder welcomes them warmly with a hug, which contributes to children's feelings of safety and belonging. Children are eager to start playing and are confident to choose what they want to do. For example, toddlers show care for the baby dolls as they bath them. They concentrate as they squeeze the sponges and watch the water run down into the bath before vigorously washing the doll. Children benefit from the childminder's encouraging involvement with them. She helps children to think about what they are doing as she gently asks questions and talks to them as they play. This promotes children's self-esteem and confidence.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. They remain busy and interested in their activities and they are keen to explore and join in with arts and crafts. Children learn how to use tools, such as scissors, with support from the childminder. They smile with pride as they successfully cut ribbon for their picture. Children develop a sense of themselves and learn to recognise their friends as they look at photographs. They work together very well and ask their friends to pass the glue and coloured pens.

p.2

need to do better?

n Since the last inspection, the childminder has taken steps to refresh and improve her knowledge of safeguarding, specifically the 'Prevent' duty. This increased knowledge gives the childminder confidence to recognise and report to the relevant agencies any safeguarding concerns that relate to radicalisation and extremism. n Parents and carers say that they are very happy with the care their children receive from the childminder and her co-childminder. They like the daily feedback and photographs, so they know what their children have been doing. Parents comment on how well the childminder and her co-childminder meet children's specific needs and about the progress their children make at the setting. n The childminder successfully engages children during play. For example, when children dig in the sand, lively conversations take place. The childminder uses descriptive language that enhances children's vocabulary. She names the toy

p.2

need to do better?

tools they find in the box and explains what they are for, for example 'a chain saw that is used for cutting down trees'. n The childminder helps to promote children's developing mathematical skills. She involves four-year-olds in counting as they build towers with bricks. She helps children to slow down as they point to each brick they count so they get to the correct number. However, the childminder does not make the most of opportunities that arise during play to extend children's learning about other aspects of mathematics, such as measuring, size and height.

p.2

need to do better?

9 December 2021 n The childminder and co-childminder work well together to support children who were born during the national lockdowns. They recognise that these children have not experienced having so many toys and activities available to them. They provide lots of support and one-to-one activities in their curriculum to help children not to feel overwhelmed with all the activities and toys. This specific support enables children to play in a constructive way, take time to get involved, and have a go at all the activities. n Children are encouraged to develop their independence skills. The childminder sits with one-year-old children, supervising them while they feed themselves at lunchtime. She shows children how to get their waterproof trousers and wellington boots on before they go outside to play. Children are eager to do this for themselves. They begin to develop skills that help prepare them for the next

p.2

need to do better?

stage in their learning. n Behaviour at this childminding setting is very good. The childminder is a good role model for children. She is kind and shows respect to all children. She and her co-childminder use a consistent and clear approach with the children, so they understand the boundaries and expectations for behaviour. Children respond positively to the gentle reminders from the childminder to be thoughtful of others, to share and to work together.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children's welfare. She keeps her training up to date, so she knows how to recognise safeguarding concerns and how to report concerns to the relevant agencies. The childminder works effectively with her co-childminder to identify and take steps to minimise hazards to children. They supervise children effectively when they choose to play indoors or outdoors, to help ensure children remain safe. The childminder talks to children about why it is important to help tidy away when they have finished playing so everyone stays safe and the toys and books are cared for.

p.3

should:

n focus more precisely on extending children's awareness of mathematics, particularly in relation to measurement, size and height, during play and activities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY400908 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10089023 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 4 December 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Long Buckby, Northamptonshire. She works with her daughter, who is also a registered childminder, in her daughter's home. The childminder operates from 7.30am to 6.30pm on Monday to Thursday and from 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm on Friday. She operates all year round, with the exception of family holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector talked about the childminder's intent for her curriculum. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the childminder and her co-childminder. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and the children during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views. She also took account of written comments from parents.

p.4

Inspection activities

9 December 2021 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

9 December 2021 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6