Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely happy and settled. They are highly motivated to learn as they enthusiastically join in with the stimulating activities on offer. Children's behaviour is excellent. They fully understand what is expected of them. Children show a strong desire to be independent, for example toddlers who are new to toilet training. When offered help, toddlers politely refuse, saying they know what to do. Toddlers eagerly repeat the previous knowledge learned and show pride at their achievement. Children consistently interact very well with each other. They notice the achievements of others and eagerly give praise. Children learn how to manage risks. Toddlers know that scissors are 'dangerous' and they need to hold them correctly.

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The provision is outstanding

Children show extremely high levels of perseverance. The childminder has created an environment which enables children to engage deeply with activities, staying focused for long periods of time. The childminder consistently follows the children's lead and encourages them to problem-solve. For example, babies are fascinated by working out how to open and close the playhouse window. Toddlers persist when their sandcastles collapse. The childminder skilfully asks thought-provoking questions to encourage children to think about what could work. When attempts fail, toddlers positively state, 'We have to keep trying.' Children make excellent progress from their starting points.

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need to do better?

n The childminder meticulously plans activities that fully incorporate children's interests and next steps in development. She knows exactly when children need support to build on what they already know and can do, and when to allow them to explore themselves. n The childminder supports language and communication skills to the highest level. She skilfully turns questions around and presents them back to children. Children readily take part in back-and-forth conversations with the childminder. The childminder subtly asks thought-provoking questions to extend children's thinking. Babies can be heard repeating words during their play which they have learned from the childminder. Children are confident communicators. n The childminder is highly supportive of children's curiosity. Toddlers wonder about the sunshine and how the sunshade works. The childminder takes time to show children how the shade blocks the sunshine and forms a shadow. Children

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need to do better?

watch and listen intently. This helps them learn about the world around them. n Children develop a wealth of independence skills. For example, toddlers pick peas from the garden and say they want to try one. The childminder reminds them they need to wash them first. Toddlers recall the water butt in the garden. They independently wash the pea pod under the tap. The childminder praises

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need to do better?

22 June 2022 them for good thinking. Babies are self-motivated and know the daily routines. Children are developing a secure foundation for their future learning. n Children have excellent opportunities to develop their physical skills. The childminder provides positive encouragement as children use balance beams. She models how to jump from a small ramp and land on both feet. Toddlers are keen to try for themselves. Children enjoy throwing balls. The childminder challenges them further and shows them how to move their arms to catch balls. Children laugh as they try but keep missing. This helps develop their growing coordination skills. n The childminder naturally embeds early mathematical language, such as colour, shape and size, throughout children's play and daily routines. For example, at snack time, toddlers confidently count how many crackers and strawberries they have. The childminder checks this with them to confirm their answer. The

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need to do better?

childminder counts 'one shoe, two shoes' with babies. n The childminder provides an abundance of activities to support children's small- muscle skills. Children enjoy painting with water. Toddlers carefully hold brushes to paint circles, while babies paint lines in an up and down motion. Babies are fascinated by sticky tack. The childminder has placed this at different heights to encourage children to stretch. Babies delight as they successfully push pictures onto the sticky tack. They laugh as they pull them off again. This helps children develop the muscles they need for early writing.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a strong understanding of how to recognise any concerns she may have about children's welfare. She knows the signs and symptoms of abuse, including those that may indicate a child is at risk from radical views. The childminder has ensured her training is current. This includes safeguarding knowledge and paediatric first aid. Children are well supervised indoors and outdoors. The childminder undertakes ongoing risk assessments to ensure the setting is safe for children. Children learn to keep themselves safe. For example, the childminder has taught them that in the sun they need to drink water to keep hydrated.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY471766 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10231857 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 8 Date of previous inspection 22 September 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder is based in East Hunsbury, Northampton. She registered in 2014. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intention for children's learning. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. 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 observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a messy-play activity with the childminder. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

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

22 June 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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