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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder provides a homely environment, which helps children to feel safe and secure. She places a high value on children's happiness and well-being. Children are relaxed and content in the childminder's care and go to her for comfort and reassurance when needed.

p.2

The provision is good

Children listen carefully to the childminder as she explains how to use new tools, such as scissors. They build strength in their hands as they use resources and their imaginations to create shields to add to their play. They select different-coloured pens to add unique designs as the childminder helps them to identify different colours and shapes.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder promotes good behaviour and kindness in her home. Children play well together. They actively share and take turns and demonstrate good social skills for their young age. Children are excited learners who benefit from the wealth of activities and resources the childminder provides. They eagerly participate in planned activities and confidently make their own choices. The childminder encourages all children to become independent. For instance, children confidently fetch their shoes and put them on before going outside. They learn to use knives safely in the mud kitchen as they chop rosemary to add to their bowls.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder gets to know children well through an effective settling-in process and ongoing communication with parents. This ensures that the childminder knows and understands each child's likes and dislikes. She uses this information to help children settle and to enable her to develop strong relationships with them. n The childminder plans a generally effective curriculum that is based on children's learning needs and interests. She uses observations and assessments to help her understand what children need to learn next. For example, she uses children's interest in bees to introduce growing flowers. However, the childminder does not consistently engage with children as they play. This means that although she identifies what she wants children to learn from activities, she does not always focus on enabling and supporting children to make further progress. n The childminder supports children's healthy lifestyles well. She ensures that

p.2

need to do better?

children have daily outdoor play and offers healthy food for snacks. The childminder teaches children about oral health through storybooks and role play. However, she does not consistently support children to wash their hands before eating or to understand why hygiene routines are important. n Children develop good communication and language skills. The childminder

p.2

need to do better?

7 August 2023 narrates children's play, repeats words often and uses short sentences for children to understand. Children enjoy joining in with nursery rhymes and often sing as they play. Children make good progress with their speech and language development. n The childminder skilfully weaves mathematical language into children's play. For example, during snack time, children are encouraged to count the number of children sitting in the circle. The childminder furthers their understanding by asking them to think about significant numbers, such as their ages and the numbers they see on doors. n The childminder provides a variety of experiences that help children to learn about the wider world. For example, she supports children's fascination with insects. Children benefit from trips to local woodland areas where they go on bug hunts. The childminder plans visits to local groups, such as dance sessions,

p.2

need to do better?

craft activities and soft-play centres with the children. This enables children to develop their social skills with other children and adults. n The childminder plans celebrations that reflect children's home beliefs and those of others. Children learn about festivals and special events, such as Eid, Christmas and family celebrations. The childminder encourages children to share their experiences with their friends. This helps children to learn about other cultures and each other. n Partnerships with parents are good. The childminder talks with parents when they collect their children and shares information about their child's activities. Parents like the wide range of experiences and learning opportunities their children participate in, especially outings they go on. n The childminder attends all mandatory training, such as paediatric first aid and safeguarding. She also accesses other training to support her professional

p.3

need to do better?

development. The childminder regularly evaluates her practice and uses this information to make continual improvements. For example, recent training on online safety has helped her to support parents to keep their children safe when online at home.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding young children. She knows the signs of abuse and who to contact if she is concerned about a child. The childminder understands wider aspects of safeguarding, such as the 'Prevent' duty. She understands the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation being made against herself or a household member. The childminder carries out daily risk assessments to ensure that the environment is safe for children. Children develop a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For example, the childminder teaches them about road safety and stranger danger.

p.3

should:

n strengthen interactions during planned activities to further support children's learning n help children to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of good hygiene practice and how this contributes to their good health.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY493327 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10295573 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 17 Date of previous inspection 20 December 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Rushden, Northamptonshire. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

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 setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that 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 during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the childminder with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.6

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.

p.6

Inspection activities

7 August 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7