Ellis, Valerie

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 2 April 2015 2 March 2010

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This inspection: Good 2

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

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The childminder has a very good understanding of safeguarding, and robust policies and procedures underpin her good safeguarding practice.  The childminder has developed strong links with parents, and children's school and nursery, ensuring there is a coordinated approach to children's learning and development.  The childminder is skilled in providing opportunities for children to extend their mathematical, communication and language skills, for example by introducing mathematical and scientific language during activities.  The childminder provides a range of stimulating and exciting activities for children. Consequently, children are making good progress in their learning.  The childminder knows the children very well and is skilful in extending their concentration, which maximises learning opportunities.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Children are not always provided with opportunities for spontaneously practising early writing skills, for example, during imaginative play.  Children's sense of belonging is not always fully maximised as there are no examples of children's art work or photographs available.

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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

 provide more opportunities for children to spontaneously practise early writing skills, for example, during imaginative play  promote children's sense of belonging further, for example, by having some of their art work and photographs available.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the rooms used and looked at the outdoor environment.  The inspector discussed an activity undertaken during the inspection, with the childminder.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at suitable times, throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at children's assessment files and at planning documentation.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and the qualifications of the childminder.  The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their views provided in letters.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder has a very good knowledge of the children in her care and is skilful in helping them to extend their concentration, maximising learning opportunities. The childminder supports inclusive practice and has a range of equipment, such as books, puzzles games and role-play toys which are reflective of a variety of cultures and abilities. There is a very wide range of activities which are suitable for children of various stages of development. Resources are readily available for children to use according to their interests and needs, although, there are sometimes missed opportunities for children to spontaneously practise their early writing skills. Parents comment that they are very happy with the progress their children make in their learning and development. They and the childminder regularly discuss children's achievements together and children's next steps for learning. Consequently, children make good progress in relation to their developmental

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good

The childminder recognises the importance of children feeling safe and secure, and has formed strong attachments with them. They are welcomed and are comfortable in her home, although, there are missed opportunities to extend children's sense of belonging as there are no examples of their art work or photographs readily available. The childminder talks to parents about their children ensuring care is tailored to individual children's needs. The childminder promotes children's good health by providing healthy snacks and opportunities for energetic play. The childminder has a very calm and consistent approach to behaviour management, setting realistic expectations. As a result, children are well behaved and respectful to others. Children learn about the importance of staying safe, for example, during cooking activities, they learn about handling equipment safely. Children are confident and sociable with other children, which helps them to emotionally prepare

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provision is good

The childminder has a very good knowledge of both the safeguarding and welfare requirements, and the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are kept safe as the environment is secure and regular risk assessments are carried out. The childminder monitors children's progress well. She has effective systems for planning and assessment, ensuring children have good learning opportunities across all seven areas of development. The childminder is committed to developing her professional knowledge. She periodically attends training and actively seeks information updates. This, along with ideas from parents and children, helps her to continually evaluate and improve her provision for children. She has achieved a qualification in childcare which has a positive impact on the care and education she provides for children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY345445 Local authority Durham Inspection number 857331 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 2 March 2010

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Seaham, Sunderland. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a level 3 qualification in childcare and is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

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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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