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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder and his co-childminder work harmoniously to ensure that children are active and busy in their welcoming home. The childminder knows the children's interests and next steps in learning and plans the environment around these. For example, children's favourite books and puppets are provided in a cosy area for them to enjoy on arrival.

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy learning outdoors. The childminder plans appropriate experiences to help children to develop their physical skills. For example, children develop their strength and coordination as they throw balls into hoops, safely climb steps and balance on beams. The childminder takes children on outings where they learn about nature and the changing seasons. Children visit parks, woodlands and playgroups where their social skills are enhanced as they meet new children and adults.

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The provision is good

Children learn to behave well and demonstrate their eagerness to learn and explore. The childminder supports children to share and take turns with resources. He uses gentle reminders to reinforce his expectations. The childminder has a strong focus on developing children's independence skills. For example, children remove outdoor shoes and put on their slippers when they arrive. The childminder praises children's efforts and achievements, supporting their confidence and helping them develop a positive attitude to learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder observes and assesses children's learning closely. He has a good knowledge of child development and identifies the next steps for each child. He plans learning opportunities to help children extend their knowledge and skills. However, during some adult-led activities, the childminder does not challenge older children to further their knowledge and skills. n The childminder places a strong focus on children's communication and language skills. He models language well as he talks to children during activities and pronounces words clearly so they hear the correct way to say them. In addition, he teaches children simple sign language and uses visual aids to help them communicate. This enables all children to make good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). n The childminder is particularly knowledgeable about supporting children with SEND. He works closely with parents and outside agencies, such as

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need to do better?

physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists, to ensure the best outcomes for children. n The childminder instils children's love of books. Children take their favourite book about animals to the childminder to read. He reads enthusiastically and

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need to do better?

9 April 2024 encourages the children to repeat words and key phrases. He extends the children's learning by adding puppets of the animals. This helps to engage the children and encourages them to make the animal sounds and name the animals. n The childminder teaches children mathematical language and weaves counting throughout children's play. Children demonstrate how they can count confidently to 10. The childminder has made wooden blocks specifically to help children understand length. He introduces new mathematical language, such as 'half', 'double' and 'quarter', to help children gain an understanding of size and measure. n The childminder helps children learn about other cultures and special times of the year. He uses short videos, craft activities and books to help children understand what each festival means. For example, children make lanterns for Eid and celebrate Holi day with colourful handprint pictures. This helps children

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need to do better?

develop an understanding of diversity beyond their own immediate family. n The childminder builds positive relationships with parents. Written comments indicate that parents are extremely happy with the provision and value the safe and happy environment the childminder creates for their children. The childminder provides parents with regular updates, including their child's development and next steps in learning. This promotes continuity in children's care and learning. n The childminder works well with his co-childminder. They regularly reflect on their practice. The childminder gathers parents' views and uses these to make changes to benefit the children. The childminder works closely with the local authority to share good practice and to get new ideas to enhance their provision.

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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 strengthen adult-led activities to enable older children to build on what they already know and can do.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2657825 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10260125 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 28 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Kettering, Northamptonshire. He works with his wife, who is also a registered childminder. He operates for 51 weeks of the year, from 8am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 6. He 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 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 Parents shared their views of the childminder with the inspector. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact that this has on children's learning. 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

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.

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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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