Childminder in West 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 and her assistant provide a welcoming, home-from-home environment. They are patient, calm and nurturing, which contributes to children feeling safe and secure. They have clear boundaries for children to follow, and children's behaviour is very good.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are excited when the childminder brings out a large basket of song bags. They each choose a bag, supporting them to learn how to take turns. They use items in the bags, such as a doll and a stethoscope, while they sing together. This captures children's interest, supports their language development and provides them with opportunities to hear and say new words.

p.2

The provision is good

Children relish their time in the interesting and stimulating outdoor area. They eagerly stride into the garden and confidently lead their own play. Children put up camping chairs and choose a book from the outdoor library, where the childminder sits with them to read together. This helps to develop children's literacy skills. Children use their physical skills to push a wheelbarrow around, collecting the herbs and vegetables they have grown. They use their crops in their play, and the childminder joins them as they make carrot pie together in the mud kitchen. The childminder and her assistant count and compare the size of the vegetables with the children, introducing mathematical concepts, such as size and number, to children's play.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children benefit from a well-thought-out curriculum that covers all areas of learning. The childminder gathers detailed information from parents when children first start. This enables the childminder to decide what children need to learn next, and she uses this information to plan her teaching. The childminder knows the children well and uses their interests to engage them in activities, helping them to become engrossed in their play. n The childminder has a clear understanding of what she wants to teach the children to support their next steps. However, her assistant is not always clear about what the childminder intends children to learn from activities, meaning they do not always get the most from the activities on offer. n Children's communication and language development is well supported. They sing songs, listen to stories and engage in conversations with the childminder and her assistant. Children learn from hearing a wide range of rich vocabulary,

p.2

need to do better?

including wisdom, compass and imprint. At times, the childminder and her assistant do not give children time to respond to questions to develop their understanding and thinking skills. n Children benefit from a range of outings to widen their experiences and support

p.2

need to do better?

18 August 2023 their knowledge and understanding of the world, such as visits to local parks and farms. Children also develop confidence and social skills when visiting new places. n The childminder and the assistant model good manners and encourage children to have good relationships with others. As a result, children are polite, and they understand the concept of taking turns and sharing. n The childminder and her assistant support children's emotional well-being effectively. They talk to children from a young age about feeling happy and sad. As they become older, the childminder encourages the children to recognise how their behaviour has an impact on others. Children learn to be kind and considerate towards each other. n The childminder and her assistant support children effectively to have a good understanding of self-care and to be independent. They allow children time to put their own shoes and coats on. Children develop fine motor skills as they pour

p.2

need to do better?

their own drinks and cut their own apple and banana. Children's self-esteem is supported well, as the childminder offers praise and encouragement, helping children succeed. n The childminder provides children with opportunities to be creative and develop their mark-making skills as they use plastic spiders and paintbrushes to create pictures. They develop their fine motor skills as they recreate their favourite characters from songs and books. Children do this by using a variety of different materials on offer, such as play dough and pipe cleaners. n Parent partnership is a strength of this childminder. Parents feel very well supported and receive useful information about their children's development. They say their children are always happy to come to the childminder's home. They feel that the childminder and her assistant are friendly and supportive and that they provide nurturing and caring attachments with their children.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant regularly update their safeguarding knowledge. They are quick to identify signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm, and they know who to contact if they have any concerns. The childminder and her assistant complete daily risk assessments to help remove any potential hazards. They teach children how to keep themselves safe to help prevent them from having accidents. For instance, they give children explanations as to why they need to tidy away toys so that they do not trip or fall.

p.3

should:

n ensure that the childminder communicates the learning intentions for activities

p.3

should:

18 August 2023 to her assistants to enhance children's development n allow children time to respond to open questions to develop their critical thinking skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY490756 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10295546 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 14 December 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Astcote. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with assistants. She provides funded early education for 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 her evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder took the inspector on a learning walk across all areas of the premises to explain how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions between the childminder, her assistant and the children during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder and her assistant. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of all persons living and working in the premises. n The childminder completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the inspector.

p.5

Inspection activities

18 August 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

18 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