Childminder in Darlington

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15 May 2015 24 November 2008

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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 because the childminder consistently extends children's individual interests exceptionally well. As a result, all children make rapid progress in their learning and development.  The childminder regularly completes detailed observations, assessments and tracking documents. This means any gaps in children's learning are quickly identified and addressed. Consequently, children acquire a comprehensive range of skills needed for the next stage in their learning at school.  Children's communication and language skills are effectively well promoted. The childminder continually talks to children, models language, uses excellent questioning techniques and ensures children have enough time to respond. This successfully supports children's thinking and problem-solving skills.  The childminder provides children with an extremely friendly, welcoming and stimulating environment. This means children show high levels of confidence and

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This provision is outstanding

independence because they are challenged throughout their learning.  Children have developed exceptionally strong relationships with the childminder, which means they are very happy and settled in their surroundings. The childminder is caring and responsive to children's individual needs, which successfully promotes their emotional well-being.  The childminder makes excellent use of community activities, including toddler groups, to develop children's self-esteem. In addition, children learn how to socialise and mix with others, which effectively supports their personal, social and emotional development.  Children are safeguarded extremely well because the childminder understands the procedures to follow if she has any concerns. She also has a strong understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. This means children's welfare is fully protected.

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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

 consider the possible effect of background noise on individual children's listening and attention skills, with regard to the use of the radio.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed all areas accessed by the children.  The inspector observed play and learning opportunities for the children.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at and discussed a range of records, policies and procedures with the childminder, including evidence of qualifications and suitability of all adults in the household.  The inspector took account of the views of parents through written testimonials obtained by the childminder.

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who attend. This is outstanding

The childminder provides children with a rich variety of exciting and interesting learning experiences. Children have access to an excellent range of resources, which enables them to make their own choices and decisions. This means children are actively engaged and well motivated in their play. However, the childminder uses the radio within the playroom and is yet to consider how this might possibly affect listening and attention skills of individual children. The childminder ensures children have daily opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children thoroughly enjoy playing in the outdoor area, where they explore the mud kitchen and use a wide selection of tools in the sand. Children show high levels of concentration and are eager to participate in a baking activity. The childminder uses this activity to introduce children to numbers, weight, measure and quantities, which successfully supports their mathematical development. In addition, children develop their

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who attend. This is outstanding

technology skills as they learn how and why things work, when they use the electric mixer. Children's understanding of the world is further promoted because the childminder encourages children to recycle, which enables them to show care and concern for their environment. Partnerships with parents are strong and the childminder ensures they are well informed about their children's learning and development. This ensures a very consistent and cohesive approach. Parents make comments, such as, 'My children are cared for extremely well' and 'The childminder is supportive and accommodating'.

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outstanding

Children play cooperatively together because the childminder uses a calm and consistent approach to effectively manage their behaviour. This means children fully understand the boundaries and expectations. The childminder offers constant high-quality reassurance, support and guidance throughout children's activities and daily routines. Therefore, children have an excellent understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy. The childminder fully understands the importance of working in partnership with local primary schools, to ensure children are extremely well supported for their future moves. Strong links are in place with other early years providers and the childminder communicates effectively with staff, which enables her to complement children's learning.

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provision is outstanding

The childminder shows a strong commitment to her professional development. She attends a number of relevant training courses, which means she has a thorough understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder is extremely enthusiastic about her role and uses self-evaluation to reflect on her daily practice. The views of others are fully considered in this process, for example, parents and children complete questionnaires to offer their feedback, opinions and suggestions. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are exceptionally well supported. The childminder works closely with external agencies and other professionals to ensure children's individual requirements are fully met.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 301001 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 867282 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 2 - 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 12

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 24 November 2008

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1990 and lives in the Cockerton area of Darlington. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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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