Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision requires improvement

Children access a selection of resources and equipment within the designated play spaces in the childminder's home. The childminder provides some adult-led activities where, for instance, children create with craft materials and learn mathematical concepts, such as counting and picture matching. However, activities do not always provide enough interest or challenge to keep children consistently engaged and focused. This is because the childminder does not implement a challenging curriculum that takes account of children's individual needs.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder regularly works alongside an assistant and, at times, more than one. This means that the adult-to-child ratios are met. However, these individuals lack the skills and knowledge they need. Their interactions with children are less than good and, at times, they adopt a solely supervisory role. This means that children do not receive consistent levels of support in their learning to help them gain the knowledge and skills they need.

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The provision requires improvement

Overall, children play happily together and are beginning to build friendships. They learn to take turns and share resources. With the childminder, they work together to complete jigsaw puzzles, helping each other to find and fit the missing pieces. Children are familiar with the routines and expectations. When asked, they help to tidy away toys and equipment and wash their hands in preparation for lunch. Children sit at the table, waiting patiently for their lunch to be served.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has taken steps to ensure that all those who work with her have a suitable knowledge and understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. Risk assessments enable her to identify and minimise potential hazards in the environment. Children are supervised appropriately, including when they are eating. Sleeping arrangements are suitable, and children can rest safely and in comfort. n The childminder works regularly with assistants. However, her arrangements to support and coach these individuals to improve their practice are not yet effective. Assistants are not always confident in knowing how to extend children's learning. This results in inconsistencies in the quality of interactions and support offered to children during play and activities. n Children enjoy engaging in imaginative play. They show their excitement as they dress up as builders and use pretend phones and laptops. Older children recount

p.2

need to do better?

their real-life experiences from home. They pretend to fix pieces of equipment using play tools. Additionally, they make phone calls and talk about how they are working in the office. n The childminder invites parents to share what their children can do when they

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need to do better?

18 January 2024 start at the setting. She completes regular assessments to help her gain an understanding of what children need to learn next. However, she does not use this information well enough to plan a curriculum that fully considers children's individual learning and next steps. This means that, on occasion, activities are not matched to individual children's needs. As a result, their learning is not sufficiently focused or sustained. n The childminder regularly initiates group time activities. She reads stories to children, adding props and additional resources to help bring the stories to life. Children join in with singing games, taking it in turns to pick a card that represents their favourite song. The childminder invites children to come and join in and, overall, they respond positively. However, there are occasions when children who are quieter and less confident are overlooked. These children are

p.2

need to do better?

not as well supported to take part and do not benefit from the experiences offered. n The childminder gathers useful information from parents when children first start to enable her to meet their individual needs, including what children like to eat, their routines, and what they enjoy playing with. She takes account of this information when helping children to settle into the setting. The childminder maintains a two-way exchange of information with parents to ensure they are informed and involved in their child's time in her care. n Children are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines to promote their good health. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder takes children on daily outings to community groups and local places of interest. These provide opportunities for them to socialise with others and gain an awareness of those around them.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Due date

implement effective supervision, coaching and support for all individuals working with children to help them improve their knowledge, understanding and skills 29/02/2024

p.3

Due date

18 January 2024 improve the planning of the curriculum to consider all children's individual needs, interests and development. 29/02/2024

p.3

should:

n strengthen support for less confident children to access and be involved in the activities provided.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY539784 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10326618 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 12 Number of children on roll 17 Date of previous inspection 20 March 2019

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Northampton. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is a qualified primary school teacher. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The childminder works alongside assistants.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued 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 around the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact this has on children's learning. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector talked to the assistants at appropriate times during the inspection and observed their interactions with children. 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

18 January 2024 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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