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 happy and enjoy their time in the experienced childminder's care. The childminder is a positive role model. She is kind and nurturing and children establish warm relationships with her. Children that are new to the setting are sensitively supported to settle and to feel safe and secure in her home. Babies quickly grow in confidence as they begin to explore the environment independently. They crawl away from the childminder to investigate objects that interest them, before returning to her for a reassuring cuddle when needed. All children show a strong sense of belonging in the childminder's care. They are inquisitive learners and are confident to explore the resources and activities that are provided.

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The provision is good

The childminder supports children in managing their own behaviour from the start. She praises children for taking turns and sharing and encourages them to use good manners. Children learn how to interact with others and behave well. Children understand the routines of the day and the childminder's expectations. They respond positively to the childminder's request to get ready to play outside. Children work together to help tidy away toys and resources. They understand that they need to wear their coats and quickly find their own. From a young age, children show good levels of independence as they proudly demonstrate how they have learned to put these and their shoes on by themselves.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides a curriculum that is built around the children's individual needs and interests. She makes regular assessments of children's learning and knows what they can do and what they need to do next. The childminder provides a range of experiences both in and outside of the home. However, on occasion, the childminder is less focused on learning intentions. As a result, some children benefit less from activities and interactions as their learning is not always fully considered. n Children are provided with regular opportunities to be active and develop their physical skills. Outside, children skilfully propel, and manoeuvre sit-on cars and trikes. The childminder teaches children to be aware of their surroundings and how to play safely. For example, children show how they know to slow down when they are going to fast. Indoors, children develop their small-muscle skills to explore different media. The childminder shows babies and young children

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need to do better?

how they can use their hands and teaches older children to hold wooden pencils correctly to make patterns and marks in flour. n Children develop good communication and language skills. The childminder and older children engage in lively conversation throughout the day. She gives them time to talk and ask questions, and ensures she listens carefully to what they have to say. The childminder speaks clearly, modelling the correct use of words

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need to do better?

20 March 2024 and introducing new vocabulary to support younger children's developing language skills. Younger children listen and repeat the words that they have heard. n The childminder introduces mathematical concepts into children's play and daily routines. For example, she supports children to count the pieces of fruit at snack time. As children engage in role play, they spontaneously count how many pretend lollipops they have and compare the different sizes, colours, and shapes. These opportunities help to support children's mathematical development. n The childminder positively promotes children's good health and well-being. For example, children enjoy a wide range of healthy snacks and meals provided by the childminder. Children follow good hygiene routines, washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder ensures that she is aware of children's individual routines, and that they are able to rest when

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need to do better?

needed, safely and comfortably. n The childminder has a good relationship with parents. She ensures that parents are made aware of what children spend their time doing when they are with her. For example, she completes daily updates about children's care and learning on an online application. Additionally, the childminder speaks directly with parents as they drop off and collect their children. This helps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about what their children have been doing and how they can extend their learning at home. n The childminder regularly reviews her practice. She has established good links with other local childminders and shares ideas and information. The childminder attends regular training to improve her professional skills. For example, developing her understanding of changes to the early years framework and ensuring her knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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should:

n focus more precisely on the learning intentions to maximise learning outcomes for all children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY330831 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10311749 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 6 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection 9 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Daventry, Northamptonshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder 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 they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

20 March 2024 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

20 March 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

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