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 have excellent bonds with the childminder. Younger children seek her out for cuddles as they play, smiling at her as they do so. The childminder has high behavioural expectations of the children. Children react positively to her when she asks them to tidy up after themselves and to look after their toys. Children enjoy being given tasks to complete. For example, older children enthusiastically help the childminder to wash up after they complete a cooking activity. As children walk to the local nursery, the childminder reminds them to look out for cars as they cross the road to ensure it is safe. This teaches children how to keep themselves safe when they are near the road.

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The provision is good

Children show a positive attitude towards their learning. They are calm and relaxed as they confidently explore the activities around them. Children have many opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, they practise climbing steps to a slide in the garden, developing their large-muscle skills. The childminder extends children's mathematical knowledge. She introduces large numbers to them as they measure ingredients to make biscuit dough. She writes numbers 200 and 400 on a board for children to see as she discusses how many grams of flour and butter they need. As children weigh out the ingredients, she encourages them to say when the number appears on the scales, developing their number recognition.

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need to do better?

n Parents report that their children's confidence has improved since attending the childminder's setting. The childminder shares daily updates with parents about what children are learning, both verbally and via an electronic app. Parents report they particularly like the childminder taking children out into the community, such as to the park and groups. This enables children to learn about the world around them and socialise with others. n The childminder completes training to keep her knowledge up to date. She researches topics she feels she needs to gain more knowledge on, when needed. The childminder gathers opinions from children and parents via questionnaires, helping her to reflect on her practice. n The childminder knows the children in her care well. She skilfully delivers next steps in learning during activities, enabling children to make good progress. The childminder completes assessments on children, such as the progress check for

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need to do better?

two-year olds, allowing her to identify any gaps in their learning. The childminder introduces new experiences to children. For example, as they mix biscuit dough ingredients together, she shows them how to use an electric whisk. Children say 'This is fun' and 'Wow' as she shows them how to use it, allowing them to learn new skills. n The childminder supports children's communication and language development

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need to do better?

24 April 2023 as, for example, she sings and reads stories to them. Older children excitedly recite parts of stories they know. Younger children look at the illustrations and talk about what they see. However, on occasion, the childminder does not give children enough time to think and respond to questions she asks them. This limits opportunities for children to further develop their speech and share their thoughts and ideas. n The childminder is a positive role model. She encourages children to use their manners, such as please and thank you, and praises them when they do so. Children are polite, friendly and enjoy playing together. Younger children confidently engage visitors into their play as they offer them a pretend cup of tea in the role-play kitchen. Older children use their imagination as they make up 'jokes' at lunchtime. They giggle as they talk to the childminder, saying they are a 'joker'.

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need to do better?

n The childminder educates children on what positive hygiene routines are. For example, children play with toy teeth and toothbrushes. The childminder introduces the word 'plaque' as she shows them how to use a toothbrush to brush it away. Children say they brush their teeth to make them 'nice and shiny'. The childminder reminds children to wash their hands at regular intervals during the day. However, she does not educate children on why they should brush their teeth and wash their hands. This will help to further deepen their understanding of how these practices promote good health. n Older children confidently put on their own shoes and coats as they get ready to go outside. The childminder supports younger children to do the same, giving them time to try for themselves first. This helps to develop their independence skills.

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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 subjected to. This includes the signs that children could be being exposed to extreme views. She completes regular safeguarding training to help keep her knowledge up to date. The childminder is aware of the procedure to follow if she has any concerns about children in her care. She knows to report any allegations made about adults in the home. The childminder checks her garden before allowing children outside, to make sure it is safe and clean. This enables the childminder to keep children safe from potential harm.

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should:

n allow children time to respond to questions asked so they have as many opportunities as possible to develop their speech and express their own thoughts

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should:

24 April 2023 and ideas n support children to deepen their understanding of why they should follow positive hygiene routines, to promote their good health.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY375597 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10280146 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 12 Date of previous inspection 27 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Desborough, Northamptonshire. The setting is open from Monday to Friday, 7.45am until 5.30pm, all year round. The setting is closed on bank holidays, family holidays and between Christmas and New Year. The childminder provides funded early education for 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the childminder. n The inspector read recent parent testimonials.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

24 April 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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