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 show a positive attitude towards their learning as they engage in a variety of activities that the childminder provides in her well-organised home. Children explore the garden and enjoy paddling in a water tray and exploring toy sea animals. As children walk in the woods, the childminder talks about what is around them, encouraging them to listen to the sounds that birds make. Children excitedly hunt for snails, discussing where they think they might be hiding. Children learn about flowers and the world around them. They respond to the childminder's discussions, commenting that blossom looks like snow. They gaze in wonder as she shakes blossom from a tree onto them.

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy spending time with the childminder. She teaches them how to keep themselves safe, including by discussing road safety and how it is important to look left and right before they cross roads. Children help the childminder to get snacks ready. The childminder encourages and supports children to cut fruit, helping them to develop their independence skills. Children are friendly and learn to behave well. The childminder is a positive role model and has high behavioural expectations, for example reminding children to use their manners when asking for things. Children listen and follow instructions well, such as not running too far ahead in the woods so the childminder can still see them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has good awareness of children's individual needs. She plans appropriate next steps in learning, helping children to make good progress. She plans activities that follow children's interests. For example, children intently examine an ant farm they have set up. The childminder encourages them to discuss what the ants are doing, such as what fruit they are eating. n The childminder plans stimulating activities that cover the seven areas of learning. Children develop their physical skills and learn to take risks. For example, as children say that they want to jump from a bridge, they say, 'It's far, but I can jump it', showing confidence and eagerness to practise new skills. The childminder praises them for having a go. n The childminder engages children in meaningful conversations and introduces new vocabulary as they play. Children enjoy listening to a story about a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. They use animal props to act out the story as

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need to do better?

she reads. Children show great interest as the childminder tells them what a cocoon is. This supports children's communication and language development. n The childminder skilfully builds on what children already know and can do. For example, as children play with a solar-powered water fountain, she explains how the sun makes the fountain work. Children are curious and eager to learn. They ask the childminder many questions to seek out new knowledge. However, the

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need to do better?

26 May 2023 childminder does not always encourage children to share their thoughts before she provides them with the answers. This limits their opportunities to share and develop their ideas. n The childminder discusses with children how certain foods can help keep their bodies healthy. For example, she tells them how milk helps to keep their bones strong. Children know the daily routines well. When they come in from outside and before mealtimes, they know to wash their hands and do so independently. However, the childminder does not teach children why they need to do this to help them develop a deeper understanding of why hygiene routines are in place. n The childminder gathers parents' and children's views via questionnaires. Parents report that they are happy with the care their children receive and that they enjoy seeing the different activities they do. The childminder uses an electronic app to share photos and to keep parents updated about their

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need to do better?

children's learning and development. n The childminder is aware of the importance of keeping her knowledge up to date and attends online training to strengthen her knowledge. She meets up with local childminders to share practice and ideas and for children to socialise with other children. The childminder talks to older children about starting school as they walk past the local school grounds. She asks them questions, such as who their teacher will be, and gives them time to watch children playing in the playground. This helps children to become ready for their transition to school.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of the different types of abuse that children can be exposed to, such as the signs and symptoms of female genital mutilation. She completes regular safeguarding training, enabling her to refresh her knowledge and keep up to date with any changes. The childminder is aware of agencies and other professionals that she needs to report concerns to about children and adults in the home. She holds a valid paediatric first-aid certificate and her home is safe and secure. This knowledge and practice help her to keep children safe from potential harm or abuse.

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should:

n provide children with time to share their thoughts and ideas n support children to develop a deeper understanding of why positive hygiene routines are in place.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489227 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10280399 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 21 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Kettering, Northamptonshire. She operates all year round, from 7.45am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays, bank holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year. 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 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 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 an activity with the childminder. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n Parents shared their views on the childminder via feedback questionnaires. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documents on

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Inspection activities

26 May 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

26 May 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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