Childminder in North 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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children form extremely strong bonds with the childminder. They relax in her care and confidently display their different personalities. Children grin with delight as they engage in animated discussion with the childminder, knowing that she appreciates and values their interactions.

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The provision is outstanding

Children immerse themselves in stories, such as 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. Babies look at the pictures and point to what they see excitedly. Older children retell the story using puppets, confidently anticipating what will happen next. They choose to plant beans, extending their knowledge of the story further. They help the childminder to gather the resources they need, collecting water in jugs and carrying everything carefully.

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The provision is outstanding

Children respond positively to challenges in their learning. Babies focus deeply and persevere as they pick up a small seed when digging in the mud. Older children make predictions about how many rooms are on a cruise ship, thinking carefully before responding to the childminder's challenging question. They capably explain the reason for the answer they give.

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The provision is outstanding

Children swiftly become able to lead their own play following the childminder's initial guidance. They take turns to hide the 'shiny egg' which was part of a story they looked at earlier in the day. They immerse themselves and their friends in the game, playing together for long periods of time, without the need for any adult support.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children receive exceptional support to develop their language and communication skills. The childminder talks about the 'pith' on fruit as children peel their satsumas independently at snack time. The oldest children speak confidently, sharing their excellent knowledge and understanding. For instance, they talk to visitors about the pictures they have created, explaining each part of the picture in great detail. They explain how binoculars work and why things look close up or far away. This helps to build solid foundations for children's future learning. n The childminder incorporates children's experiences into her planning, for instance when they go on special outings with their families. She combines this with wider community events, such as the Queen's Jubilee celebrations. When visiting another childminder, children recognise a fictional character they had seen in a video that celebrated the Jubilee. They recall the video and ask to see

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need to do better?

it again. This helps children to deepen their understanding and make connections between the different experiences they have.

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need to do better?

24 June 2022 n The childminder has a strong knowledge about the children's families, including extended family members. While children play, she engages them in deep discussion about the people who are important to them. For instance, she uses the opportunity to discuss a grandparent's recent holiday while children play in the sand. The childminder involves everyone in the discussion, talking to other children about the shells they find in the sand. This supports all children to feel valued and included in the experience. n Children's behaviour is excellent. They are respectful towards one another. For instance, they ask politely if they would like to use a toy. On the rare occasion that children need support, they clearly understand how their behaviour makes others feel. They immediately apologise to others without prompting. n The childminder provides children with an exceptionally wide range of opportunities. She responded quickly to changes in government guidelines

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need to do better?

during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in an even stronger focus on outdoor learning. The childminder is passionate about giving children new experiences. For instance, she takes children to local green spaces where they collect sticks to make a small fire. The childminder uses the opportunity to teach children about fire safety, helping them to understand how to keep safe. n Parents are fully involved in their children's learning. The childminder shares information with them regularly about their children's progress. Parents openly discuss concerns regarding children's development with the childminder. She uses her vast professional experience to provide them with compassionate support and guidance. For instance, she shares fresh food with families from a local food sharing scheme, to help support children's healthy diets at home. n The childminder completes focused training to support the children in her care.

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need to do better?

She reflects continuously. She recognises the importance of always moving forwards and making improvements to her provision. This helps her to maintain the exceptionally high level of service that she provides.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of how to safeguard children. She completes regular training to ensure she keeps her knowledge as up to date as possible. She shares this information with her husband, who occasionally works alongside her. The childminder is aware of the possible signs of abuse. She has a strong understanding of the possible signs of children being at risk of exposure to extreme views or behaviour. The childminder has policies in place which help her to raise any concerns regarding children's welfare in a timely manner.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 220704 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10138616 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 12 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 5 January 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1990 and lives in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 5 and occasionally works with an assistant. She offers early funded education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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 inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used for childminding. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children. She held discussions with the childminder about what she intends the children to learn and how she monitors their progress. n Written feedback from parents was viewed by the inspector and their views were taken into consideration. n The inspector viewed a range of the childminder's paperwork, including suitability and insurance documentation.

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Inspection activities

24 June 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

24 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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