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 are happy and relaxed in the childminder's home. The childminder provides a welcoming and homely atmosphere, helping children to separate from their parents with ease. The childminder follows the children's lead and encourages them to choose what they want to play with. Children confidently explore the wide range of resources on offer, which enables them to make choices.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy being outside. The childminder teaches children how to care for their environment and the world they live in. She takes them on regular outings, including visits to the woodlands and local parks. Children learn about the natural world around them and develop skills for future learning. For instance, children learn to manage their own risks as they navigate the uneven ground and climb on logs. Children learn how to care for their environment and the importance of recycling.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder supports children to listen and take turns as they play a lotto game. Older children are kind and considerate towards the younger children. For example, older children help younger children to put on their coats. Children show a positive attitude to learning. They understand and follow the routines and expectations that are in place. For example, children independently tidy the toys away before lunchtime. They receive constant positive praise from the childminder, which develops their confidence and self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children well and plans a curriculum that reflects their individual learning needs. She uses assessment successfully to identify what children already know and what they need to learn next. She uses the children's interests to plan experiences that engage them, supporting them to make good progress in their development. However, during adult-led activities, the childminder does not always consider the length of time children can concentrate for. During longer activities, younger children can become restless and lose interest. n Children's language and communication are good. The childminder regularly reads stories, sing songs and engages in conversation with children. However, at times she does not make the most of these activities to expand and extend children's vocabulary and help to develop their understanding of new words. n The childminder supports children to develop the small muscles in their hands as

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need to do better?

they connect building blocks and freely experiment with art and craft materials. Children can readily access various mark-making materials, both indoors and outdoors. They confidently inform the childminder that they are drawing 'a heart for mummy,' as they use chalks to draw on the patio. This supports children to

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need to do better?

25 July 2023 develop skills for future writing. n Children are encouraged to make healthy choices. The childminder reminds children to drink water regularly to stay hydrated. She helps children to understand how fruit grows by taking children fruit picking. The childminder shares information with parents in relation to nutrition and how to provide healthy meals. n Behaviour is good. The childminder uses regular praise and encouragement. She recognises children's achievements and tells them when they have done something well. Children enjoy displaying their creations on the display board. They show a sense of pride and accomplishment as they point to and talk about their pictures. n The childminder helps children to learn about the wider world. She takes children to visit museums, European supermarkets and large community events, such as a 'man-made beach' event. This broadens children's understanding and

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need to do better?

appreciation of the communities that exist beyond their own. It also offers new and exciting experiences that children may not usually have. n The childminder shares information about children's learning and development through her daily communication with parents. This includes ideas on how parents can extend children's learning at home. Parents report that they are happy with the care and learning their children receive. They say that their children enjoy their time with the childminder and that they value the variety of activities provided. n The childminder keeps her mandatory training up to date, such as paediatric first aid and safeguarding. She watches webinars on topics that interest her, such as internet safety. However, she does not always focus professional development on enhancing her teaching skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard children. She is aware of the potential signs that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. She knows the importance of keeping detailed records and reporting her concerns to the relevant agencies. She is confident in the procedures to follow if an allegation is made against herself or a member of her household. The childminder ensures that her home is safe and secure. She helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe, for example, on trips out, she teaches children about road safety.

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should:

n improve the planning of group activities to ensure children remain engaged and

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should:

25 July 2023 focused n strengthen interactions with children during planned activities to help extend children's vocabulary n seek further professional development opportunities that focus on further enhancing teaching skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY374652 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10288845 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 7 Date of previous inspection 2 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Barton Seagrave, Kettering. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, 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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. 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 Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. 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

25 July 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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