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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel safe with the childminder. Two-year-old children snuggle into her for cuddles and settle down quickly when it is time for a sleep. Children share their views confidently with the childminder when she asks them where they would like to eat their snack. This helps children to feel that their opinions and thoughts are valued.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave very well. When starting with the childminder, they sign 'The Agreement Tree' with their fingerprint to show they are kind, respectful and helpful. On the rare occasions when children need reminding about their behaviour, the childminder talks to them about the values they have agreed. Older children help those younger than themselves. For example, they help them to close the lid on the teapot when using the mud kitchen. Children are reminded to use good manners and say 'please' and 'thank you' at snack time.

p.2

The provision is good

Children show high levels of involvement with activities and sustain their interest for long periods. For example, children explore mixing paints to make different colours. They work together and excitedly exclaim, 'We made green!,' when they mix blue and yellow together. Children build on skills and knowledge over time, supported by the skilled childminder.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder supports children to develop their communication and language skills. When children introduce themselves to visitors to the childminder's home, she praises them when they speak clearly. The childminder supports children who are less confident and encourages them. As children play, the childminder introduces new words. For example, she introduces the words 'floating' and 'sinking' as children explore which foods float on top of the water and which sink. n The childminder has a clear understanding of how children learn. She plans activities based on children's interests. For example, she identifies that children are fascinated by how the ceiling fan rotates. The childminder offers further opportunities for children to explore how objects move. Later, children show curiosity in exploring how a toy helicopter propeller spins. The childminder teaches children to make links with what they already know.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder provides some opportunities for children to be independent. For example, at snack time they use knives to cut up a banana. At other times of the day, children are not as independent as they could be. For example, children need reminding to wipe their nose when it is runny. n The childminder is very attentive towards the children. She knows what they can do well and what they need to know next in detail. When interacting with

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need to do better?

9 May 2022 children, she gets down to their level and ensures she always makes eye contact. This encourages children to listen to what she is saying and respond. Occasionally, the childminder is so enthusiastic that she interacts with children too quickly, before allowing children the chance to develop their own ideas. n Before children start with the childminder, she finds out about their experiences at home and what they already know and can do. She builds on the opportunities children have. For example, she provides photos of other children from different cultures and faiths for children to explore. Children learn about the clothes people wear and the food they eat. This helps children to learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others. n The childminder is skilled at including all children in activities, regardless of their age and stage of development. Occasionally, she does not support children to

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need to do better?

understand and manage their feelings. For example, older children can become frustrated when younger children interrupt their play. n The childminder works in partnership with parents well. Parents comment on how much their children's confidence has grown since being cared for by the childminder. When children attend the childminder's home before and after school only, parents comment that messages from school are always passed on. n Children have opportunities to be physically active. The childminder takes them on many different outings in the local community, such as to farms and playgroups. She promotes children's good health by discussing what foods are healthy and unhealthy at snack time.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe. She knows the signs and indicators of abuse. The childminder knows who to report her concerns to. She attends training each year to ensure her knowledge is kept up to date. The childminder reflects on the impact of training she has attended. For example, after attending a recent webinar about county lines, the childminder feels much more knowledgeable about this area of safeguarding. She encourages children to take responsibility for managing risks. For example, she provides checklists for children to check they have sun cream and a hat when the weather is warm.

p.3

should:

n maximise opportunities for children to develop their independence skills even further n allow children more time to develop their own ideas in their play n support children to manage and understand their own feelings.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY300399 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10138470 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 15 Date of previous inspection 25 March 2013

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives in Rushden, Northamptonshire. The childminder operates from Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm, all year round, apart from bank holidays and family holidays. She holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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 childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning n The inspector viewed written feedback from parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request, including evidence of the suitability of household members. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable.

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Inspection activities

9 May 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

9 May 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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