Childminder in North 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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's welcoming home. They confidently explore the activities and independently make choices from the inviting resources on offer. Children form very positive relationships with the childminder and her assistant. Their individual needs are supported effectively, which helps children to feel secure. For example, the childminder quickly recognises when younger children get frustrated because they are tired. She gently soothes and settles them for their nap, ensuring they can rest in peace and comfort. Children make rapid progress when toilet training as they are sensitively supported and given lots of praise and encouragement. This helps children to grow in confidence and develop positive self-esteem.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant know the children well. They plan an exciting and stimulating range of activities that motivate children, engage their interests and help them progress. For example, children focus their attention well when listening to the story of 'The Scarecrows' Wedding'. They enjoy looking at the illustrations and enthusiastically share observations about the characters with their friends. Later on, when gathered around the campfire in the role-play area, they recall the fire in the story and look through the pages to remind themselves who put the fire out.

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need to do better?

n Children thrive in a setting where their language and communication skills are well promoted. The childminder engages children in lively conversation and develops their vocabulary and language skills through a variety of activities. For example, children delight in joining in with singing time, requesting their favourite rhymes, such as 'Sleeping Bunnies', and performing the actions with exuberance. Younger children learn to copy familiar words, such as 'more' and 'again', and follow simple instructions. n The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of her provision. She regularly assesses the learning environment and makes improvements that have a positive impact on children. For example, she has put up display boards so children can see, discuss and value their creations. An interactive phonics wall promotes discussions about sounds and words. The childminder and her assistant access a variety of online training events which

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need to do better?

enable them to continually develop their knowledge of relevant issues. The childminder strives to ensure the best outcomes for all children. n The childminder prepares children well for their transition into school. Older children enjoy reading activities and learn about letter shapes and their sounds. Craft activities develop children's finger movements as they use scissors, play dough, paintbrushes and pencils with good control and coordination. Children

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need to do better?

25 January 2023 learn to count accurately to 10 and recognise and name familiar shapes. However, on occasion, activities do not fully extend children's mathematical skills by giving them opportunities to explore and solve number problems. n The children are very well behaved. The childminder is a good role model who supports children with lots of encouragement and praise. Children are kind and caring and learn to value and respect each other's feelings and thoughts. Older children consider how they might help younger ones by including them in their games, giving them cuddles and offering a helping hand when needed. n Relationships with parents are strong. Parents speak highly of the care children receive and comment that they have seen their child 'coming on in leaps and bounds'. Parents receive regular updates on how their child is progressing and are also supported on how they can help their child at home. The childminder

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need to do better?

creates a folder for each child containing examples of artwork, photos and their achievements, which parents say they enjoy looking through. n The childminder provides lots of opportunities for children to broaden their learning experiences outside the home. She takes them on regular walks around the local area and they attend weekly group play sessions which run in the village. This provides children with the opportunity to develop their social skills and meet a variety of people from the local community. Children enjoy trips to nearby Wicksteed Park and join in with village events, such as the recent jubilee celebrations.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant understand their responsibilities around keeping children safe and know what to do should they have concerns about a child's safety. They keep their knowledge of safeguarding up to date with regular online training courses. This helps to refresh their awareness of the potential signs and symptoms of abuse and how to make a referral. The childminder has a good understanding of different safeguarding concerns, such as online safety and county lines. The childminder ensures her home is secure, and potential hazards are minimised as a result of regular safety checks. Children learn how to play safely through close supervision and guidance.

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should:

n provide more challenging mathematical opportunities to extend children's problem-solving skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY345671 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10235068 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 26 Date of previous inspection 7 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Geddington, Northamptonshire. She works with an assistant and operates each week day from 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of her home used for childminding and explained her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector read feedback provided by several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistant and the children. n Children spoke to the inspector about their activities and what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on

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Inspection activities

request, including training certificates.

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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

25 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

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