Childminder in Darlington

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 7 April 2015 19 May 2009

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is outstanding

 The quality of teaching is outstanding and children make excellent progress in their learning and development. The childminder is highly qualified and experienced and uses this knowledge to provide an extensive range of activities to ensure children are exceptionally well prepared for school.  The learning environment both indoors and outdoors is organised and resourced with high-quality toys and equipment, including natural materials. Photographs of the outdoor provision are used by the local authority to show other providers an example of excellent facilities.  The childminder is extremely nurturing and skilled in supporting children to form secure emotional attachments. This provides a strong foundation to enable them to develop their independence and encourages and motivates them to learn because they feel safe and secure.  The childminder is very caring, calm and gentle with the children whilst being

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This provision is outstanding

consistent about rules and boundaries. She is a very positive role model for children and teaches them to be kind and considerate to each other. As a result, children's behaviour and social skills are exemplary.  The childminder forges strong links with parents. She shares a wealth of information with them relating to children's learning and development and care and well-being. Parents' contributions are valued and significantly contribute to the activity planning and assessment of their children's progress.  Children's safety and safeguarding are central to the childminder's practice. She is very knowledgeable about child protection procedures and updates her training on a frequent basis. Thorough risk assessments are carried out to ensure the premises are safe and the childminder remains highly vigilant at all times to keep children safe.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 explore even more ways to work in partnership with other early years settings that children attend to gain additional information and use this to inform the already excellent activity planning.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed the premises, toys and equipment.  The inspector observed activities in the home and carried out a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector spoke with the childminder and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records and planning documentation.  The inspector checked evidence of suitability and qualifications of the childminder and household members.  The inspector took account of the views of parents provided in written form.

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who attend. This is outstanding

The childminder has high aspirations for each child in her care. She is committed to helping them reach their full potential in their learning and development. Their progress is precisely monitored and tracked and great care is taken to ensure all areas of learning are fully covered. Excellent relationships with parents ensure they are fully engaged in their children's learning in the setting. The childminder provides lots of new learning experiences for children. For example, she places sand in accessible containers where young children can explore with their hands and feet to promote their sensory development. When children are reluctant to participate she gently supports and encourages them to build their confidence. The childminder interacts and engages extremely well with children, and shares their delight and pleasure as they roll balls down guttering exploring the different ways these move. She follows their ideas and extends

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who attend. This is outstanding

their play as children pretend the settee is a boat, discussing where to go, and making tickets for the journey. Consequently, children remain engaged and enthusiastic. The childminder uses her considerable experience to ensure children are well prepared for school. She helps them to become independent in their self-care and introduces numbers and letters sounds through activities and everyday events.

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outstanding

The childminder is extremely nurturing and gives children her full attention. She clearly loves her role, and is rightly very proud of the children and the progress they make. She teaches them how to keep themselves safe and they are developing an excellent understanding about how to manage risks and challenges, relative to their age and abilities. For example, they use tools in the garden, learn to negotiate different surfaces and steps in the outdoor area and know about road safety. Children's health is promoted extremely well. The childminder provides extensive opportunities for outdoor play, activities to teach them about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and maintains high standards of hygiene.

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provision is outstanding

The childminder demonstrates an exceptional drive for improvement and continued excellence. She completes detailed, reflective monitoring and evaluation to constantly develop her provision. Continuous professional development takes high priority to keep her knowledge up to date. She is highly respected by her childminding colleagues and other early years professionals. When working with an assistant, she ensures their work is closely monitored and supports them in attending training for their own professional development. Since the last inspection, the childminder has taken steps to strengthen the partnership working with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, she has not explored additional ways to maximise these joint working practices to complement children's already excellent learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY386268 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 858977 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 22

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2008 and lives in Darlington. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is a qualified teacher and occasionally works with an assistant. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted 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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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, 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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Telephone number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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