Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is inadequate

The childminder has not provided Ofsted with the necessary information to carry out checks on the suitability of her assistant. This potentially compromises children's safety. Nevertheless, children are happy in the childminder's setting. For example, they smile as they confidently share their builders' hats with visitors. The childminder supports them to use their imaginations. She provides resources which enable children to dress up as builders as they pretend to build houses and towers with large bricks. The childminder encourages children's play and furthers their learning as she encourages them to count how many bricks they have used.

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The provision is inadequate

Children develop a love of books and keenly listen to the childminder as she reads assorted stories. Younger children show their delight as they are encouraged to open flaps and make animal sounds in response to the image they see. The childminder supports children's concentration skills as she introduces them to stories from a young age, in readiness for their future learning in school. Children learn about the natural world around them. For example, the childminder helps children to understand the life cycle of a butterfly. Children carefully study butterflies that they have looked after since they were caterpillars. The childminder explains why they need to be free and how they look for food. Children decide to carry their butterflies in a net to a spot near some flowers to let them go. Younger children watch with interest as a butterfly lands on their clothing and observe as the butterflies fly away.

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need to do better?

n On occasions, the childminder works alongside an assistant. However, the childminder has not informed Ofsted of this change to her practice or shared the necessary information to ensure all suitability checks can be completed. There are times when the assistant has unsupervised contact with the children. This potentially impacts on the children's safety. n The childminder helps children improve their speaking and understanding as she constantly introduces them to new words. For example, as children create pictures of butterflies she uses words, such as 'symmetry', as she talks about the patterns on their wings. Children who are learning English as an additional language are supported to make good progress. The childminder uses keywords in children's home languages, as well as in English, to help develop children's understanding. n The childminder supports children to understand and embrace different cultures.

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need to do better?

She teaches children to be proud of their home countries and helps them to understand that everyone is different and unique. For example, she looks through books with the children and talks about differences and how it is ok to be small or large or wear glasses.

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need to do better?

27 June 2023 n The childminder supports children to extend their thinking and use their imagination as they read stories together. For example, she has back-and-forth conversations with the children about where they imagine they would like to visit. Children look at the pictures and talk about going to visit a volcano and what it might be like there. n Children understand the childminder's expectations and learn how to behave well. They learn to listen and follow her instructions, such as needing to share bottles as they make potions using sand and water in the garden. The childminder is clear, as she explains to younger children why it is not safe to throw the sand. Children listen and respond when they are told it is time to tidy away and go inside. The childminder praises them as she calls them 'Charlotte's helpers.' n The childminder supports children to be independent and to consider how they and others feel. For example, as she teaches children to use knives and spread

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need to do better?

butter on toast. The childminder helps children to understand why sharing is important as she encourages them to share the pieces of banana they chop. n Parents speak of the 'amazing' childminder, who helps to teach their children to speak English as an additional language. They state the childminder supports them with ideas for children's learning at home, such as offering advice on children's toilet training. The childminder involves parents in their child's learning as she invites them to stay and play. n The childminder meets with another childminder to discuss ideas and reflect on her practice. She identified gaps in her knowledge of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). She attended autism spectrum disorder awareness training to help her to recognise and support children with SEND. The childminder works closely with other professionals to further support children with additional needs. For example, she communicates with health visitors and

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need to do better?

speech therapists to support children who need extra help with their communication and language.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder's assistant works directly with the children and, on occasions, has unsupervised contact with the children when their suitability has not been verified by Ofsted. Therefore, children's safety and welfare are potentially compromised. The childminder understands child protection procedures, including what to do in the event of an allegation. She attends regular safeguarding training to refresh her knowledge, such as training on female genital mutilation. She completes risk assessments and ensures the safe storage of medicines and children's safety on outings. The childminder's home environment is well maintained and secure.

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Due date

provide Ofsted with information relating to all adults who work with children, so that the appropriate suitability checks can be completed 28/06/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that assistants, whose suitability has not been verified, do not have unsupervised contact with children. 28/06/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489826 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10285394 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 11 Date of previous inspection 4 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Wootton, Northampton. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. 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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed the evidence of the persons living or working on the premises.

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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 June 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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