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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They confidently say good-bye to their parents and rush in to see their friends. Children include the childminder in their play. They confidently talk to her as they explain how they need to hold their arms out to help them balance as they walk on stepping stones. The childminder develops strong relationships with the children and gets to know them well. This allows her to plan a well sequenced curriculum that builds on what children know and can do. For example, planning activities that encourage children to strengthen the muscles in their hands. This prepares children to be able to cut with scissors and comfortably hold a pencil, in preparation for early writing.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. The childminder teaches children how to be kind and courteous to each other as she models manners at every opportunity. Children learn to share with each other. Young children ask their friends if they would like a turn as they scoop up rice in a bowl. They show respect for one another as they respond with 'yes please'. The childminder helps to support children's developing emotional wellbeing. She plays games to help children understand different emotions, encouraging them to talk about how they are feeling.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has clear intentions for her curriculum. She plans a range of structured adult-led experiences and activities based on children's developmental needs. However, there are limited opportunities for children to self-select activities and make independent choices in what they would like to do. This means children are not always able to follow their own interests and take the lead in their play. n The childminder encourages children to be independent with their self-care. She encourages young children to try and put one shoe on, as she models how to do it with their other shoe. Older children carry out many tasks for themselves. They put on their coats and shoes in readiness to go outdoors. They independently go to the toilet, wash their hands effectively and wipe their nose. n Overall, the childminder supports the development of communication and language well. Young children learn new words such as smooth and bumpy as

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need to do better?

they explore textures. Older children are taught words such as refraction as they learn about how rainbows are formed. However, at times, the childminder asks questions that only require a one-word answer, rather than questions to extend their thinking and language skills. n The childminder understands the importance of children developing their physical skills. Children have access to daily fresh air and to a range of resources to support their physical development. Babies are encouraged to move around and supported when they are ready to stand to help build the strength in their

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need to do better?

12 March 2025 legs, in preparation for walking. Children chase each other around the garden, crawling through tunnels and balancing on beams. n Children are taught the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Children receive healthy, nutritious food the childminder makes, which children eat with enthusiasm. She talks about the importance of drinking water to keep children hydrated. Children learn how to clean their teeth after eating. They talk about making sure all the food is out from their teeth to keep them strong and healthy. n The childminder provides a range of rich experiences for children. She organises visits to the museum, trips on double decker buses and attends local play groups. Children meet a range of people and develop confidence in new social situations. n The childminder has strong relationships with parents. Parents speak very highly of the care their children receive. They enjoy hearing about what their children

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need to do better?

have been doing through regular updates and daily discussions. Parents talk about how the childminder provides them with ideas to support their children's next steps at home. Parents value her support in tasks such as toilet training. n The childminder is reflective and strives to improve her provision. She undertakes training to support the children in her care. For example, the childminder recently attended a course on recording children's development. This allows the childminder to accurately assess children and plan for their next steps, to ensure children make good progress.

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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.

p.3

should:

n review the planning of activities to allow children to make independent choices about their play n improve questioning techniques to support children's thinking and language skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2705536 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10375811 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 10 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Towcester, Northamptonshire. She operates all year round from 7am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides overnight care. She works with an assistant. The childminder provides funded early education for children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder completed a joint observation. n The inspector considered their written feedback from parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

12 March 2025 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

12 March 2025 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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