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 settle quickly in this comfortable and inviting, home-from-home setting. When playing independently, they make choices from the safe and well-resourced learning environment. For example, children use 'loose parts' to make a robot. They gather different lengths of cardboard tubes, discussing the size and turning them into the robot's arms. The childminder supports children's creativity effectively, and children use mathematical language independently in their play. Children play happily with each other and the childminder, demonstrating their secure attachments.

p.2

The provision is good

Children show a positive attitude to learning and enjoy activities that are on offer. They are given choices and their opinions are valued and respected. For example, children excitedly gather on the carpet to play 'sleeping bunnies'. They delight in choosing different animals to sing about and laugh as they act out the noises each animal makes. This helps children feel valued and supports their communication and language development.

p.2

The provision is good

Children develop independence from a young age and are given opportunities to practice their skills in age-appropriate ways. For example, older children take responsibility for their self-care, including using the toilet independently, and younger children pour their own water at mealtimes. Children demonstrate a 'can- do' attitude and receive praise for their efforts, increasing their self-esteem.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is clear about what she wants the children to learn and creates an environment which focuses on developing independence. She uses effective assessments and observations to plan children's next steps. Children make good progress from their starting points. n The childminder knows the children well. She has a good understanding of their current levels of development and plans activities linked to their interests. However, at times, the childminder does not adapt her teaching techniques to ensure younger children remain fully engaged. n Children make their own choices about the activities they would like to explore. They learn to share and take turns with confidence. For example, children take turns to throw and catch a balloon. The childminder encourages children to work together to play the game, supporting their social skills and helping to develop their hand-to-eye coordination. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well.

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need to do better?

The childminder works together with parents, other settings and professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to provide a consistent approach to support children to reach their full potential.

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need to do better?

20 March 2023 n The childminder offers a broad curriculum and supports children's communication and language development well. Children have a love of books and snuggle up with the childminder as she reads to them. They confidently identify objects in the pictures and sings songs linked to what they have read. The childminder narrates children's play, teaching them new words linked to their learning. For example, children learn the names of different plants as they use natural resources to make artwork. n The childminder teaches children about healthy lifestyles. She provides well- balanced meals and snacks, taking into account children's dietary requirements. Children learn how to look after their bodies through daily discussions. The childminder teaches them the importance of washing hands after blowing their noses and before sitting down for meals. Children have a good understanding of dental hygiene and talk about when they need to brush their teeth.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children benefit from trips to the local woods and regularly attend 'stay and play' sessions within the local community. This enables them to mix with children from other settings and learn about different cultures. However, the childminder does not consider ways to explore a variety of cultures and family dynamics within her setting. Therefore, children do not always develop their understanding of diversity to the highest level. n Parent partnership is a strength of the setting. Parents are very pleased with the care their children receive and comment that the childminder adapts her practice effectively to support children's developmental needs. They appreciate how the childminder provides them with weekly newsletters and daily photographs, enabling them to continue learning opportunities at home.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She completes mandatory safeguarding training as well as further reading on online forums to keep her knowledge up to date. She knows what to do and who to contact if she has any concerns about a child's welfare or if an allegation was made against herself or a household member. The childminder is trained in paediatric first-aid and understands how to respond to accidents and injuries. She ensures that children are kept safe inside her home and while on outings.

p.3

should:

n enhance learning for the youngest children by exploring ways to better engage them in activities to support their ongoing development n build on current practice by providing children with more rich and varied experiences to learn about different cultures and the world they live in.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY486634 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10276323 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 19 Date of previous inspection 11 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. She operates all year round, from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector observed the childminder and children during an adult-led activity and assessed the impact this had on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n The childminder provided the inspector with key documentation on request. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

20 March 2023 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

20 March 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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