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

p.1

The provision is good

Children enjoy their time with the childminder and her co-childminder. The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment where children thrive. Children settle quickly into play, choosing from the wide variety of age-appropriate resources on offer. They learn to follow instructions and develop a positive attitude to learning. For example, children join in with music and song time. They enthusiastically copy the childminder's actions to the songs by stretching their arms high and low as they sing aloud.

p.2

The provision is good

Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise, which helps them to keep fit and healthy. For example, the childminder takes children on walks to the local park. Children practise their physical skills as they play on the equipment. The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe as they cross roads and enjoy walks in the local area and wider community. She supports children in developing their social skills and understanding of the world as children visit woodlands, farms and the library. This helps them to meet new children and people different to themselves.

p.2

The provision is good

Children learn to behave well. The childminder models what she expects of children and uses praise to help them understand when they behave well. Children benefit from the childminder's regular praise for their achievements and efforts. For example, the childminder displays children's work on the walls. This helps to support their self-esteem.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has developed a well-thought-out curriculum. Through observation and assessment of children, she has a clear understanding of how children learn and what to teach them. She links activities to help children remember what they have learned. For example, children care for tadpoles in the garden. They create pictures of frogs and learn about their habitat and what they eat. The childminder encourages them to recall past learning to help them build on what they already know and can do. n The childminder supports children to follow their interests. She encourages them to make choices in their play by providing easily accessible resources. However, the childminder does not always consider how she utilises the learning environment to meet the physical needs of younger children. For example, younger children struggle to practise their crawling and walking skills due to there being too many resources on the floor.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a particular strength in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). She continually enhances her knowledge through training and independent learning. The childminder works

p.2

need to do better?

9 April 2024 with her local authority and other professionals. As a result, she ensures that children in her care receive prompt referrals for support. n Children develop a love of books and learn early literacy skills. The childminder ensures books are readily available so children can choose to look at them independently. Children bring books to the childminder to share. The childminder enthusiastically reads aloud using props to secure children's interest. Children learn to listen intently and repeat key phrases of the story from memory. n The childminder places a high focus on children's speech and language. She uses various methods that support children's communication skills. For instance, she teaches young children to use simple sign language. She also uses visual aids, such as a 'now and next board', to help children understand the daily routine. n Mathematics is integrated into the childminder's daily activities. The childminder

p.2

need to do better?

incorporates opportunities for children to learn about numbers, shapes and sizes as they play. n The childminder supports children to be independent. This helps them to develop their confidence and self-esteem. For example, Children learn to manage their care needs as they use the toilet and wash their hands afterwards. The childminder gently reminds children to say, 'Please' and 'Thank you' to help develop their manners. n Partnerships with parents are very good. The childminder communicates and shares information about children daily. Regular communication about children's learning and development ensures parents understand children's progress and next steps in learning. n The childminder engages in a range of ongoing professional development opportunities. She deepens her knowledge and skills through attending a variety of early years courses. This includes recently completing a qualification that supports the specific needs of children with SEND.

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

should:

n develop the planning and provision for babies to support their physical skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY279308 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10337794 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 28 Date of previous inspection 5 December 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and is located in Kettering. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except during bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. The childminder works with a co-childminder.

p.4

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 inspector observed the quality of education being provided, both indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views of the childminder with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

9 April 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.

p.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6