Childminder in Darlington

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 14 September 2017 1 May 2014

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder knows the children well and is sensitive to their needs and interests. She carefully observes the skills that children are practising and offers a wide range of activities to help them make good progress.  Partnerships with parents are effective. The childminder communicates effectively with parents and keeps them well informed of their children's progress.  The childminder shows warmth and kindness towards the children. They form strong attachments with her. Children feel safe and emotionally secure and settle quickly.  The childminder frequently praises children's efforts and achievements. She skilfully promotes children's confidence and self-esteem. Children behave very well.  Children are happy and have fun. From the start, the childminder collects comprehensive information from parents about children's care needs, routines and strengths and uses this effectively to enable children to make good progress.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder has not established a highly focused programme of professional development to improve the quality of teaching still further.  The childminder has not yet fully implemented plans to maximise opportunities for outdoor learning, particularly for those children who prefer to learn outside.

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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

 focus more precisely on developing a programme of professional development that ensures the quality of teaching and learning continually improves  enrich opportunities for outdoor play, particularly to support those children who prefer to learn outside.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children during different activities.  The inspector completed an evaluation of an activity with the childminder.  The inspector checked documentation, including evidence of the suitability of adults living on the premises.  The inspector considered the views of several parents.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and children, at appropriate times, throughout the inspection.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe and understands the procedures to follow should she have any concerns. She uses risks assessments to identify and minimise any potential risks to children. The childminder regularly completes accurate observations and assessments of children's play. This helps ensure that any gaps in learning are swiftly identified and addressed. The childminder recognises the importance of effective links with other early years settings and schools, to share information and support continuity of learning. She considers the views of parents and children when reflecting on her practice. The childminder attends local groups and local authority briefings to share good practice and receive updates about changes to early years education.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides appropriate challenge during activities to extend children's learning. For example, she encourages children to build taller flowers of different sizes using plastic rods and shapes. This helps to support children's good levels of concentration and their physical coordination. The childminder carefully and clearly repeats what children say to help them improve their language skills. She introduces new vocabulary, such as 'wobbly', in response to their interest in construction. Children have fun as they learn key words, such as 'big', 'small', 'taller' and 'shorter'. They are encouraged to count model animals as they place them inside a toy truck. The childminder supports the development of early mathematical skills well.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children demonstrate positive relationships with the childminder and with each other. They play cooperatively and take turns. The childminder is a positive role model. She teaches young children to use good manners and to understand simple boundaries. The childminder provides a good range of nutritious snacks and homemade meals. Children benefit from a variety of outings in the community, including attending groups where they practise their social skills. Regular trips to parks and other local amenities enable them to enjoy fresh air and exercise, supporting their physical development.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are learning to be independent. For example, they freely choose from a wide range of stimulating resources. They are motivated and keen to learn and explore. Young children delight in making marks on paper, which helps them to develop their early writing abilities. Children are developing the necessary skills for their future learning and the eventual move on to nursery and school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY454628 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 1102450 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2012. She lives in Darlington, County Durham. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-olds.

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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 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 .

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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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