Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 9 April 2015 9 November 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 childminder has many years' experience and she is a very popular choice with parents. She is currently caring for second generations of children and some older children have attended since they were babies.  Children play cooperatively and their behaviour is excellent. This is because they are highly settled and the childminder values each child by providing positive, meaningful comments during their play, which raises their self-esteem.  Excellent partnerships with parents and nursery staff, mean that all adults work together extremely well, to promote very good consistency and continuity in children's learning.  Children are highly confident and self-motivated. They approach their activities eagerly and clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. Consequently, they learn through fun, stimulating experiences, which ensures that they make rapid progress.  Children have formed close bonds and have excellent relationships with the childminder

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This provision is outstanding

as she is caring and competent. This supports children's emotional well-being successfully.  The childminder is very clear about her safeguarding procedures and maintains a safe, secure home which is regularly risk assessed. This means that she knows what to do if she has any concerns and children are safe and well-protected.  Parents are very well informed and share what they know about their children's learning on a regular basis. Noticeboards in the entrance also ensure that they can easily see the activity plans, relevant safety information and sample menus on offer.  Observation and assessment is precise and sharply focused on what children need to achieve next. Consequently, they make strides in their learning.

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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

 enhance the learning opportunities outside for children even further by providing more natural and exploratory materials, and objects to use in their play, such as earth and magnifying glasses.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed and discussed the activities in the living room, kitchen and the outside area.  The inspector looked at the childminder's training certificates, children's assessment records and learning journals and the self-evaluation form.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of the childminder and household members.  The inspector took account of the views of parents and carers from information included in the childminder's own parent surveys.

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who attend. This is outstanding

The childminder plans an excellent range of adult-led activities and ensures that children have an abundance of choice. Consequently, they make their own decisions about what they would like to do and whether they want to play indoors or outside. The childminder helps to move children on in their learning, in readiness for school. For example, when children make towers out of bricks they compare height and explain that they are 'bigger.' She uses highly effective questioning, such as 'How many more do we need?' This enables children to think critically, and work out simple mathematical problems as they count out bricks to make their tower taller. Consequently, children make rapid progress. Children have very good opportunities to grow things in their pots, such as sunflowers. The childminder points out a birds' nest and butterflies, and children look for ladybirds, which stimulates conversations. However, she is aware that she could offer more opportunities

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who attend. This is outstanding

to enhance the way in which children explore and learn about the natural world further.

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outstanding

The childminder provides an exceptionally well-organised and stimulating environment, where children move around independently and safely. Their health needs are very well supported. They use their own wash bags, wipe their feet when they come inside, and enjoy fresh, home-cooked meals. The childminder ensures that children use sun cream and wear sun hats in hot weather, as they love to be outside in the fresh air. They eagerly dig in the sand and use their energy to bat balls and throw plastic discs with enthusiasm. Children also have excellent opportunities to write on the chalkboard, which supports their learning exceptionally well, particularly the pre-school boys who learn best outside. The childminder has very good systems to help children with the settling-in process. She uses All about me and transition documents with parents, so that she has a very clear picture of children's needs and what their routines are as they settle in. Children are highly

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outstanding

confident and very settled. They have excellent relationships with the childminder, other children and the childminder's husband, as they are treated very much as part of the family.

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provision is outstanding

The childminder is longstanding and highly dedicated to her role. She understands the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and keeps herself up to date by reviewing legislation on a regular basis. She identifies and attends training, that she knows will help to enhance her skills and knowledge further. Consequently, this has a positive impact on children's learning and development. The childminder sets clear targets for improvement and monitors her provision very well. For example, she plans to build on her relationships with school and nursery staff even further. Highly effective partnerships with parents ensure that they are fully involved. They regularly add their contributions to their children's learning journals, and the feedback on questionnaires is highly positive. This demonstrates that they work together exceptionally well to support children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 506953 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 869313 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 9 November 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1990. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3. The setting is situated in New Hartley, Tyne and Wear.

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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

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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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