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

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The provision is good

Children are very settled, and they show they feel confident in the childminder's care. For example, older children show their understanding of the routine of the day, such as when it is time to wash their hands and eat lunch, which is embedded by the childminder. Younger children laugh when they play peek-a-boo games with the childminder's assistant and visitors.

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The provision is good

Children are supported to be emotionally ready for their move on to school. For example, the childminder and her assistant ask children to follow some routines that children will face at school. This includes asking older children to sit in a gorilla pose to encourage them to cross their legs in preparation for a story. Children show excitement for the childminder's assistant to read them stories, sitting, listening well and helping them to develop a love of books. The stories read remind children how they can be kind to their friends. When the assistant asks children how they could be kind if their friends are crying, children reply that they will 'wipe their tears away'. Children are supported to develop their speaking skills. For instance, when the childminder and her assistant sing nursery rhymes, they leave the end of sentences for the children to finish. Children are asked a good range of questions

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses information from parents about children's abilities to plan for their development when they first start. Thereafter, she uses observations and assessments of children's learning to identify how she can help children progress and close any gaps in their development. n The childminder uses older children's interests to support their progress. For example, she takes older children to farm parks to learn about animals and nature when they show an interest in tractors. However, when younger children show an interest in climbing, the childminder does not provide enough opportunities for children to do this. This limits the experiences they have to develop their balance and coordination. n The childminder supports her assistant to extend her knowledge of childcare through, for example, completing childcare qualifications. This helps her assistant to identify how to support children who may be anxious. For example,

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need to do better?

she gives parents ideas about how to use strategies with children at home to be calm. The childminder and her assistant give children small balls to squeeze to help manage anxious times during their day. However, the childminder does not support her assistant in developing her interactions with younger children to encourage them to take part in planned activities. n Parents comment positively about the childminder and her assistant. They say that the home is safe, warm, comfortable and a fun environment for their

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need to do better?

22 November 2023 children. n The childminder shares information with parents about their children's development and how she intends to support their progress. She invites parents for open days at her home, enabling them to play with their children and meet the other children their children spend time with. This helps parents to recognise friends their children talk about at home. n The childminder and her assistant help children to learn to keep themselves safe. For example, they ask children why they need to use knives safely when they butter toast. Children reply, 'It might cut our fingers.' The childminder and her assistant talk to children about road safety when they walk with them in the street. n Children are keen to join in planned activities with the childminder and her assistant. They learn about similarities and differences when asked them to look in mirrors and talk about the features on their face.

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need to do better?

n Children are supported to understand how to share and take turns when they play with their peers. For example, the childminder uses younger children's names to let them know when it is their turn to play with a toy. The childminder's assistant gives older children gentle reminders to use good manners when they receive food. This encourages children to be polite.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder carries out safety checks in her home to help reduce potential hazards for children. All doors and gates are securely locked, and the childminder has a camera doorbell, so she can see visitors who arrive at her home before letting them in. The childminder has a separate area for younger children to access. This area provides them with toys and resources that are suited to their age and abilities, promoting their safety. The childminder and her assistant know how to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse. They know where to report any concerns they have regarding children's safety and welfare.

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should:

n support younger children to follow their interests in climbing to help develop their balance and coordination n provide more coaching for the assistant to develop her interactions during planned activities to involve the younger children, so they can get the most from the learning available.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY494669 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10300933 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 16 Date of previous inspection 9 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Northampton. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8am to 1.30pm on Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate level 6 qualification and works with an assistant.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has 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 and the inspector completed a learning walk and discussed how the curriculum supports children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and her assistant. She reviewed a sample of documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n Written feedback from parents was reviewed by the inspector, who took account of their views.

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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

22 November 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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