Childminder in West 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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children have strong relationships with the childminder. They show they feel safe and secure in the childminder's home-from-home setting as they eagerly explore the environment and activities around them. The childminder is a positive role model. For example, she teaches children when and how to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children are friendly and show care and concern for each other. For example, toddlers check in with babies when they become upset. They lie next to them and make babbling noises, as if they are asking them if they are alright. The childminder introduces new skills to the children. She shows them how to use a safety knife correctly as they learn to chop soft fruit. Children learn to be careful and where to put their fingers so they do not hurt themselves.

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The provision is good

Children show a positive attitude towards their learning as they engage in activities that follow their interests. For example, children use their imagination as they use bricks and remote controls as pretend telephones. The childminder asks them who is there as they babble into the pretend telephones and say 'hiya'. Children enjoy investigating the childminder's large garden. They develop their physical skills as they practise climbing steps on a slide. The childminder introduces numbers 'one' and 'two' as they climb. Children smile and shout 'weeeee' as they slide down.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers parents and children settling-in sessions before they start. This allows her to gather information from parents about their children's needs and routines. The childminder knows the children in her care well. She has a good understanding of child development, which enables her to act quickly when she notices gaps in children's learning. n Parents describe the childminder as 'nurturing' and 'brilliant'. They are extremely happy with the care she provides. The childminder shares information with parents about how they can support their children at home. For example, she provides ideas to parents to support their children's emotional needs. However, although parents are aware of what their children do during the day, some report that they are not always aware of their child's next steps in learning. n The childminder supports children's communication and language development well. She continuously engages children in conversations and reads stories to

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need to do better?

them. For example, as she reads a story about wild animals, children babble back to her and try to repeat the words she introduces. She teaches them new animal names, such as 'gorilla', and encourages them to make gorilla sounds. The childminder uses simple Makaton signs to support children's communication. n The childminder extends children's learning well. For example, as children investigate containers that used to hold herbs and spices, she encourages them to smell them. The childminder introduces words such as 'ginger' and 'oregano'

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need to do better?

16 January 2023 and describes what they smell like. Outside, the childminder supports children to develop their physical skills as she shows them how to kick and throw soft balls. n Children behave well. They react positively to the childminder when asked to carry out tasks. For example, the childminder encourages children to tidy toys away. She praises them as they follow her lead, which raises their self-esteem. n The childminder provides healthy snacks. She talks to children about the food in their lunch boxes and encourages them to try new things. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before mealtimes and after playing outside. The childminder models how to use soap to make hands clean. This enables children to start to understand what a positive hygiene routine is. n Children are starting to learn how to do things for themselves. For example, when the childminder asks children to find their shoes to go outside, they

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need to do better?

immediately know where these are and get them independently. However, the childminder can be overly helpful in daily tasks, such as when children wash their hands. She does not always give children enough time to try to do these tasks for themselves, to further develop their independence. n The childminder is very proactive when it comes to keeping her knowledge up to date. She attends regular training sessions to further her professional development. The childminder is reflective of her practice. For example, she is looking into ways she can develop a network with other childminders to share good practice and to create new opportunities for children to socially interact.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a strong knowledge of the different types of abuse children can be exposed to, including the signs and symptoms of female genital mutilation. She places high importance on attending regular designated safeguarding lead training to keep her knowledge up to date. The childminder is aware of the professionals she needs to report concerns to about children. She understands how to respond if an allegation is made against anyone living on the premises. This enables the childminder to keep children safe from potential harm. The childminder provides children with a safe environment as she risk assesses the areas they use.

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should:

n strengthen ways to share information with parents about their children's individual next steps in learning n provide consistent opportunities for children to carry out tasks by themselves, to further develop their independence.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2580082 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10250984 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 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in August 2020 and lives in Welford, Northamptonshire. She operates all year round from 7.40am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3.

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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 their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector had a learning walk with the childminder and discussed how she organises and implements her curriculum. n The childminder took part in a joint observation with the inspector. The inspector considered the quality of education during activities and the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions and conversations between the childminder and the children and considered the impact these have on children's learning. n The inspector took account of the views of parents. n The inspector had a discussion with the childminder about her training and how she evaluates her practice. n The childminder showed the inspector relevant documentation, including

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Inspection activities

evidence of her suitability. n The inspector observed a range of activities, indoors and outside, and assessed the impact on children's learning and development.

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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 January 2023 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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