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 Good

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The provision is good

Children enjoy the time they spend in this homely environment. They happily explore exciting activities that the childminder plans around their interests. Children also enjoy learning opportunities outside of the setting. They attend song and story sessions at the local library to enhance their language and communication skills. Children enjoy regular trips to local parks, where they explore play equipment, which supports their physical development.

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The provision is good

Children form close friendships with one another. They are kind and considerate and cooperate well with each other during activities. For example, older children encourage their younger friends to join in their games. They roll balls to them, cheering and clapping when they catch them. The childminder has a consistent approach to behaviour management. She encourages positive behaviour with lots of praise. She supports children to understand the importance of being kind to one another and how unkind actions can make others feel sad. Children develop a close bond with the nurturing childminder. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in her care. They cuddle up to her for comfort when they feel tired, and seek her out for reassurance and praise during activities.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes children's language and communication skills well in the setting. She takes every opportunity to engage children in meaningful conversations. She models new vocabulary and supports children to develop a good understanding of the English language. For example, when children mispronounce the names of animals, the childminder is swift to identify this. She models the correct names and encourages children to repeat what she has said. n The childminder engages well with parents from the start. She gathers vital information about children's early experiences. The childminder uses this knowledge to provide new learning opportunities for children. For example, children enjoy sociable meals and snacks. They sit together at the table, chatting about their healthy food choices. Children are encouraged to unwrap their own lunches and feed themselves independently. n Children demonstrate high levels of confidence in this nurturing environment.

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need to do better?

They rush to greet visitors and introduce themselves and their friends. They are excited to show visitors around the setting and engage them in their play. For example, children delight at showing off their sporting skills in a game of football. n The childminder adapts activities well to meet the needs of all children in her care. For example, children are deeply engaged in a modelling dough activity. They count the pots and discuss the colours they have selected. Older children are encouraged to identify different shapes and explore their features.

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need to do better?

27 March 2023 n Parents are highly complimentary about the childminder and the care she provides. They appreciate the close bonds children develop with the childminder and acknowledge how this supports children's well-being. Parents value the numerous learning opportunities the childminder provides and understand how these activities promote children's development. n The childminder supports children's critical thinking skills well. She engages with children during activities, asking age-appropriate questions and allowing them plenty of time to respond. When children encounter problems, the childminder encourages them to explore possible solutions and test out their theories. n The highly qualified childminder demonstrates a deep understanding of how children learn. She plans activities based on children's interests and developmental needs. However, she does not always communicate her robust knowledge effectively to parents. This does not enable all parents to fully

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need to do better?

support children's development at home. n The childminder works hard to ensure that the environment is safe for all children. She conducts regular risk assessments and supervises children well during activities. When children use equipment inappropriately, the childminder is swift to intervene. However, she does not fully support children to understand why certain behaviours may be hazardous and the impact this may have on themselves and others.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates robust knowledge of the signs which could indicate a child is at risk of harm. She confidently discusses the correct process to follow when reporting concerns to the appropriate authority. The childminder completes regular first-aid and safeguarding training in line with local authority guidelines. She completes comprehensive risk assessments of all areas of her home and when on trips out.

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should:

n confidently share her in-depth knowledge of how children learn to enable parents to support children's development at home n support children to identify possible hazards in their play and develop a good understanding of the impact using equipment incorrectly may have on themselves and others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY487029 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10276243 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 7 Date of previous inspection 6 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Duston, Northamptonshire. She operates all year round, from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays. The childminder 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 their evaluation of the provision. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children.

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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

27 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

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