Childminder in North 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 Good

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The provision is good

Children show they feel happy and safe in the childminder's home. They move around the different areas used for childminding confidently. When children become upset when they fall over, they go to the childminder or her assistant for cuddles and reassurance. Children benefit from a well-planned curriculum which matches their interests. For example, children show an interest in playing with small-world toys. They spend sustained periods of time making up different stories with their friends. Children negotiate their imaginative play roles well and make sure their friends are included. Children behave very well and show positive relationships as they work together and look out for one another. Older children support those younger than themselves. For example, when singing action songs, they take younger children by the hand and show them what to do. Children are encouraged to be independent. The childminder and her assistant have high

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The provision is good

expectations of what children can do. They encourage children to put their own coats and shoes on before going outside. When they find this challenging, the childminder and her assistant reassure children and provide step-by-step instructions. Children clap when they succeed in doing a tricky zip on their coat.

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need to do better?

n Before children start, the childminder finds out about the experiences children have at home. She plans activities to broaden these experiences. The childminder recognises children do not always have the opportunity to garden and find out where fruit and vegetables comes from. She provides opportunity for the children to grow vegetables such as cucumbers and peppers. The childminder explains that when the fruit and vegetables have grown, children can taste them. n The childminder and her assistant provide children with many opportunities to develop their mathematical language and understanding. Children sing number songs throughout the day, which reinforces counting from one to five. They learn how to match objects to numerals and find out what is 'one more'. The childminder reads a book with the children about the size of a bear's paws. Children compare the size of their hands and feet and start to use mathematical

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need to do better?

language, such as 'bigger' and 'smaller'. n The childminder and her assistant interact with children throughout the day. They are very attentive towards the children and know each of them well as individuals. At times, however, the childminder and her assistant do not use questions purposefully in order to encourage children to share their knowledge. For example, when asking the children what seeds need in order to grow, they give the answers without allowing children time to consider this for themselves. n Many relaxed, natural conversations take place between the childminder, her assistant and children throughout the day. Children are encouraged to share

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need to do better?

25 March 2022 their thoughts during activities, such as which vegetables they should plant first when gardening outside. However, at times, confident children dominate the conversations with the childminder. This means that quieter, less confident children do not have the opportunity to share their views. n The childminder demonstrates a commitment to continually build on her knowledge. Since her last inspection, she has accessed training which is relevant to the children she is currently caring for. For example, she has recently attended training on how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The childminder feels she now has a much better understanding of how to seek support from different agencies. She passes on any new information she learns from training to her assistant. n The childminder and her assistant support children to develop good hygiene habits. Children know to use hand gel when they arrive back at the childminder's

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need to do better?

home from the school run. They explain to visitors that this is so their hands do not have germs on. Children remember to wash their hands after using the toilet and before they have snack. n Parents are very positive about the care provided by the childminder. They comment that the childminder and her assistant always encourage children to use good manners and say 'please' and 'thank you'. They say that the childminder encourages children to be as independent as possible. Parents say they appreciate the daily updates they receive with photos and information about activities their children have enjoyed doing.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant complete risk assessments to identify and reduce hazards for children. They supervise children carefully on the school run. The childminder and her assistant talk to children about how to stay safe near the road. Children know to look both ways and listen before crossing. The childminder and her assistant have a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They know the procedure to follow and who to report their concerns to. The childminder regularly checks her assistant's knowledge of safeguarding. They complete safeguarding training each year to ensure their knowledge is kept up to date.

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should:

n improve the use of questioning to extend children's learning further n provide quieter, less confident children with the opportunity to express their views.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY478364 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10076038 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 35 Date of previous inspection 22 March 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014. She lives in Rushden, Northamptonshire. The childminder operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She regularly works with an assistant. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder 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 childminder. n The inspector was given a tour of the premises by the childminder. n The inspector and the childminder discussed how she plans the curriculum for the children. n The inspector spoke to two parents on the day of the inspection. Written feedback was also viewed and taken into account. n The inspector looked at a sample of documentation, including suitability records of people living in the household. n The inspector spoke to children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

25 March 2022 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

25 March 2022 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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