Childminder in Darlington

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 August 2016 7 December 2012

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

p.1

This provision is good

 The well-qualified childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of how children learn. She has a wealth of experience and continues to update her skills and knowledge. This helps her to keep informed of changes in guidance and legislation.  The learning environment, particularly the outdoor area, is well planned and very inviting to children. Toys and resources are stimulating and match children's individual needs and interests.  Parents speak highly of the childminder. They greatly appreciate the consideration and concern that she shows for their children's well-being.  The childminder works effectively in partnership with other settings that children attend. For example, they share information about children's progress and work towards the same learning goals.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make the most of her good partnerships with parents to gain information about children's learning at home, in order to inform her own planning.  The childminder is not proactive enough in obtaining the views of parents as part of her self-evaluation to help her build further on her good practice and identify areas for further improvement.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 strengthen the level of information gathered from parents about children's learning at home  incorporate the views of parents in the self-evaluation process to develop practice to an even higher level.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed a range of activities and spoke to the children.  The inspector talked to the childminder about her practice at appropriate points throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the childminder.  The inspector took account of parents' views.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities to protect children from abuse and neglect. Robust policies and procedures underpin the childminder's good practice. This promotes children's well-being and safety, both in the home and when on outings. The environment is safe, secure and subject to regular risk assessment. The childminder is committed to her role and works with local authority advisers to develop her provision. She adapts the provision well to ensure all children are included and to help narrow any gaps in learning.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder carries out ongoing observations of children as they play. She uses this information well to accurately assess where children are in their learning and to identify what they need to learn next. She then plans challenging activities to help them make good progress. Children are eager to be involved in the activities on offer. For example, they become engrossed in play in the mud kitchen as they pretend to cook, using sand and water for ingredients. They excitedly hunt for buried treasure in the sand tray and then count their jewels with the help of the childminder. As they play, the childminder converses with them, asking questions to make them think, and talks clearly to develop their language. The childminder uses facilities in the local community. Attendance at groups helps to prepare children for being part of a larger group in nursery and school. Exciting outings to places such as parks, nature areas and the beach contribute to

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

children's understanding of the world around them.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form a strong bond with the childminder and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in her care. There is a happy, relaxed atmosphere. Children are kind and caring and build good relationships. During school holidays, they very much enjoy the company of the older children, who help and support them in their play. Behaviour is good. Children follow rules and boundaries set by the childminder to keep them safe and ensure they learn right from wrong. Children learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The childminder provides them with nutritious meals and snacks and talks to them about the importance of a good diet. Good opportunities are provided for outdoor activities, both in the childminder's garden and in the local community.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress in all areas of learning and develop the skills and attitudes to support their move to nursery and school. They listen carefully and are able to follow instructions. Children are becoming skilful communicators. They take turns in conversations and have an increasingly wide vocabulary. Children are confident, increasingly independent and able to initiate play themselves.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY249039 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 1059642 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 7 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 12

p.4

Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 7 December 2012

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2003 and lives in Darlington. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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 reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Telephone number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

p.5

Telephone number

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

p.5