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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive at the childminder's warm and caring setting. They are excited and eager to learn because the childminder focuses on providing a high-quality and very well-planned curriculum across all age groups. Children sit at snack time engaging in highly stimulating conversation about what they are eating. The childminder encourages younger children to build on their language, choosing between strawberries and pineapples. She knows how to support each child's development, from the babies to older children preparing to move on to school, and adapts activities to meet their needs. Children make exceptional progress over time.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder and her assistant are highly skilled at using children's interests to coherently build on what they know and extend their knowledge of the world. They introduce a flower activity when children show a lot of interest in the garden. Children are keen to find out the names of flowers, such as 'geranium', and eagerly search the garden for ingredients to make potions and perfumes. They confidently use the new vocabulary, which they have learned as they play. Younger children learn the names of different parts of flowers, sorting them into categories. Babies explore flowers in ice and use rolling pins to break the ice, and investigate flower sensory bags.

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need to do better?

n Children demonstrate very friendly and cooperative behaviour with each other. They clearly know the importance of taking turns and readily share resources. Older children are quick to respond if another child needs help, if they are upset or want to participate, for example. Younger children are eager to join in with older children's play. All children have a very good understanding of the rules and boundaries. Younger children and babies relish the responsibility of carrying out small tasks. They persevere with tidying away and pushing boxes back into their places. n Young children develop excellent mathematical skills and count remarkably well for their age. They take pieces of fruit and tell the childminder how many pieces they have taken. Babies use natural resources to make sense of the world around them and enjoy taking part in singing and counting rhymes. Children show great interest in words and print. They know that information can be

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need to do better?

sought from books, labels and the electronic tablet to acquire new knowledge. n The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities exceptionally well. She encourages children's independence and supports interactions with their peers. The childminder builds highly effective partnerships with other settings in order to ensure that children reach their full potential. She works effectively with relevant agencies to make sure all children

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need to do better?

11 August 2022 make the very best progress they are capable of. n Children develop a love of being active outdoors in the fresh air. They competently climb and balance on beams, exploring in the childminder's garden. This helps them to develop good muscle control and a sense of well-being. The childminder has identified the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on children's speech and language and social skills. She provides fantastic opportunities for children to interact with others in the community to bridge the gap in children's growing skills. n If children get upset, the childminder acknowledges their feelings and immediately provides the emotional support that they need. Children who are new to the setting seek comfort with the childminder, and then with time become confident to explore on their own. She places the highest priority on helping children feel comfortable in her home. n Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the childminder's intuitive support for

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need to do better?

their children's care and education. They confirm that they are fully involved in their young children's care and learning. Parents also say that the childminder ensures a level of care and commitment to providing a safe and loving environment which brings their family much comfort. n The childminder meticulously reviews her practice. She strives for continuous improvement, adapting activities and consulting with her assistant to make sure that they provide an exceptional level of care and education. The childminder frequently refreshes her knowledge of early years practice. She completes extensive research, which means that the quality of her provision continues to be of a very high standard.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder prioritises her safeguarding and first-aid training. She understands about family difficulties that could have an impact on keeping children safe. She ensures that all relevant information is kept accessible should she need to secure help for children who might be at risk. The childminder knows the families extremely well. She explains how she is alert to any changes that could affect children's well-being at any level. The childminder understands the processes and procedures of the local authority and ensures that her assistants also have the knowledge that they need to keep children safe. The childminder maintains a very safe and secure environment where children can play and learn independently.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 221292 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10138520 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 12 Number of children on roll 36 Date of previous inspection 19 September 2014

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000. She works with another registered childminder and one assistant. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. She also provides overnight care. The childminder receives funding for two-, three- and-four-year-old children. She holds an early years qualification at level 6.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector read parent testimonials to gain their views. She also spoke to children during the inspection. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the learning opportunities for children during a planned activity and evaluated it. n The inspector looked at a range of documentation, including policies and procedures, children's records and suitability checks for household members. n The inspector observed children taking part in a range of activities, both indoors and outside. n The childminder carried out a learning walk with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

11 August 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

11 August 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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