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 well cared for by the childminder and her co-childminder. She greets children with a cheery welcome and provides resources linked to their interests to help them settle quickly into play. Children show they feel safe and secure as they confidently follow the morning routine. They put on their 'slippy socks', which allow them to move from inside to outside. The childminder supports children to continue their learning outside, as she provides a well-resourced sheltered outdoor area that children can use all year round.

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The provision is good

The childminder places a strong emphasis on communication and language. She creates a language-rich environment that encourages children's love of books. Children happily select their favourite books and snuggle into the childminder for a story. She extends their involvement and develops their vocabulary with activities that follow on from their favourite stories. For example, the childminder uses them to extend children's learning about the environment. Children explore natural objects, such as moss, bark and sticks, as they play. The childminder furthers their interest in the environment as she provides weekly forest-school sessions. These sessions help children to appreciate and learn about the natural world, ignite their imagination and promote their creative development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses her knowledge of child development, along with her own observations and discussion with parents, to decide what children need to learn next. She provides a wide variety of experiences for children and ensures that areas of development are promoted. However, she does not yet use assessment to identify more specific gaps in children's learning. That said, overall, children make good progress in their development. n Children's behaviour is good. The childminder is a good role model and helps children to understand the importance of sharing and taking turns. She reminds children to let others have a go during play and activities so that all children feel included. As a result, children learn to behave well and are kind to one another. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified swiftly and supported appropriately. The childminder knows how to access support and

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need to do better?

advice from other agencies and supports parents with this process. She works effectively with other professionals and parents to ensure consistency and help children make good progress. n Mathematics is well supported. The childminder skilfully uses mathematical concepts and language during children's play. For example, children add fir cones to balance the scales. The childminder encourages children to look at size, shape and quantities and recognise that the larger cones are heavier than the smaller cones.

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need to do better?

25 October 2023 n The childminder supports children's physical development through a wide range of activities. For example, children's hand muscles are strengthened as they use small tools to scoop out pumpkins. Children have daily opportunities to be outside. They enjoy walks in the woods and enjoy large play equipment at local parks to help develop their balance. n The childminder helps the children to become critical thinkers and problem- solvers. She offers guidance as children play. For example, as children build a garage from construction blocks, she helps them understand why some pieces do not fit. Children persist and try different-shaped bricks until they are successful. The childminder praises children for their achievements, which helps to build their self-esteem and confidence. n Children develop an understanding of diversity beyond their immediate family. For example, the childminder shares cultural celebrations and provides images,

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need to do better?

books and role-play resources for the children to explore. She plans activities related to festivals throughout the year to help children understand the faiths of others. For example, children visit the local Mandir for Diwali. n Parent partnership is strong. The childminder sends out termly newsletters to keep parents up to date on any special days or events and shares what the children are working on. She helps parents support learning at home by sharing what the children are doing in the setting and giving parents ideas on how they can continue learning at home. n The childminder and co-childminder reflect daily on each other's practice and identify areas where they could improve. The childminder keeps up to date with all mandatory training. She regularly enhances her knowledge by completing online training and joining webinars.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her safeguarding training updated so that she remains aware of local safeguarding issues. She understands the signs that indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder also recognises the signs that may cause concern about a child becoming exposed to extreme views or behaviours. She knows where to seek advice and how to report a child protection concern. She also understands the process to follow should an allegation be made against her. The childminder completes thorough risk assessments of her home and garden and when taking children on outings.

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should:

n use more effective assessments to identify specific gaps in learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY385169 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10300945 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 12 Number of children on roll 39 Date of previous inspection 17 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. She works alongside a co-childminder. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and for family holidays. She 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 it is safe and suitable. 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 childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. 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 childminder with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on

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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 October 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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