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 flourish in this exceptionally caring and nurturing environment. They are eager to participate in the rich learning experiences that the childminder provides. Children enjoy outdoor play in the well-equipped, engaging garden. They learn about the natural world as they curiously investigate a spider they have found. The childminder provides magnifying glasses and children look at the spiders and ladybirds they have discovered in the garden. They describe the insects in detail, and talk confidently about what they see, before creating habitats for the creatures to ensure they are safe.

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The provision is outstanding

Children immerse themselves in play as they climb into the water tray in the garden. They plunge their hands into the coloured water and excitedly talk about what they have found. They plop water beads into vessels and use their mathematical skills as they describe the vessels being 'full' and 'heavy'. Children show pride in their efforts as they mix different-coloured water together. The childminder encourages children to predict what colour they might create as they mix. Children benefit from the close support they receive. The childminder skilfully adapts her assistance to advance children's learning. For example, as children explore spray bottles, the childminder gently demonstrates how they work, she shows children how to fill them up and work the trigger. Once children have mastered the process, they squeal with delight as they spray off the marks they have made with chalk on the easel.

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need to do better?

n The childminder builds a focused curriculum, based on children's interests, which is embedded across all areas of her provision. She uses what she knows about the children to provide a language-rich environment. For example, the childminder supports children to develop a love of books and constantly introduces new vocabulary as they play. Children learn new words and meanings, such as 'pipette' and 'syringe' as they enjoy exploring the water. Children enthusiastically listen to stories and hear many new words they are unfamiliar with. n The childminder uses consistent strategies to support children's early understanding of social interactions and good behaviour. She uses what she knows about each child to help support the development of their character. Toddlers learn to be kind and courteous to all their friends. They eagerly join the older children to help tidy away resources and are responsive to the

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need to do better?

childminder's direction. Older children show immense pride as they say: 'I've shared my toys'. n Partnerships with parents and other professionals are of an extremely high standard. Parents talk about the 'brilliant' setting and how their children feel like

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need to do better?

16 August 2022 the childminder's house is a second home to them. Teachers at the local school provide a glowing testimony, where they talk about the excellent transitions and handovers the childminder gives when children move up to school. They say that the childminder's commitment to her role is 'central in supporting families in her care'. n The childminder prepares children exceptionally well for life in modern Britain. Children learn about their own and other children's heritage, as they visit mosques and learn about their friend's different cultures and family traditions. The childminder helps children to consolidate their learning with other regular outings and trips within the local community. For example, children enjoy searching for books in the local library to support their learning. n The childminder has high expectations which support children's developing independence. Two year olds are encouraged to practise their independence

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need to do better?

skills from a very young age. They learn to use child-friendly knives safely, as they join in activities to help prepare fruit for snack time. Children visit the bathroom independently and learn to manage their own self-care. They know to set the time before they start to wash their hands, and recognise that when the timer goes off they are ready to rinse the soap and dry their hands. n The childminder supports children as she further builds on their interests, with new ideas and high quality interactions. For example, children enthusiastically snuggle in and listen to a story about recycling. As the story comes to an end and children ask questions, the childminder uses this opportunity to further children's understanding. Children are encouraged to complete a search for items that might be good to recycle. They respond excitedly, quickly searching and bringing back examples of materials that might be recycled. This teaches

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need to do better?

the children to understand the process of recycling and to respect and care for their environment. n The childminder provides an environment where children feel appreciated and valued. She is committed to ensuring they build a strong sense of identity in her care. For example, children explore customised blocks, which have individual photos of them and their homes attached. As the children construct, they search through the blocks and find their own photographs, happily exclaiming: 'that's me'. The childminder displays children's family photos around the setting, and creates printed photo books to show children's previous activities they share daily.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of how to keep children safe in her care. She recognises potential safeguarding issues and attends local safeguarding and community meetings regularly. The childminder researches online and attends regular training to ensure her knowledge is current. She demonstrates her passion, as during recent research she recognised the local safeguarding board contact details required updating on their website. She swiftly contacted the authorities to verify the details to be updated, to ensure other early years providers access the

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Safeguarding

16 August 2022 correct contact information in the case of concerns.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY292023 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10138498 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 4 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 11 March 2013

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004. She operates each weekday from 8am until 6pm, all year round. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 4.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic began. Inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. 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 intentions for children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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

16 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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