Childminder in Northumberland

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

The childminder creates an exciting and inviting environment for children, both within her home and outside. These areas provide children with space to freely access resources, explore and experiment. The childminder strives to ensure that children reach their full potential and are well prepared for school and future learning. The childminder knows children's individual needs and provides additional support for those who have returned after an extended summer break. She understands they are unsettled and need time and space to regain their confidence. They freely seek the support and reassurance of the childminder, who takes time to talk through changing situations and offers cuddles and verbal support.

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The provision is good

The childminder is vigilant to children's individual health needs and provides activities and resources that do not accentuate these conditions. In addition, she is proactive in having medication in her home and in gaining the medical knowledge and skills needed to treat and support children. The childminder understands the developing needs of children and how these impact on their behaviour. She supports children to express themselves as she uses language in play of being 'happy' and 'sad', and talks about when the dolls and animals 'cry'.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has developed very good relationships with parents. She knows the families well and regularly maintains a daily exchange of information regarding children's care and developmental needs. This helps to ensure a consistent approach. Parents comment that they have the utmost confidence in the childminder and state that children make good progress and are extremely happy in her care. However, this could be strengthened further by gathering information about children's progress when they first start. n The childminder lets children lead their own learning. She gets involved in their play and extends their learning well through introducing wider opportunities and activities linked to their individual interests. n The childminder is qualified, knowledgeable and experienced. She has a good understanding of how children learn, and provides a range of stimulating play experiences which interest children and motivate their play. The childminder

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need to do better?

provides activities to keep children engaged. For example, children enjoy pretending to make cups of tea and cakes, then investigate how to cut the cake with a knife. n The childminder encourages the youngest children to think about their behaviour. She offers lots of praise and reassurance, combined with simple rules, to help teach children that their actions have consequences. She gently reminds them of good behaviour and how they may make others feel. Children

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need to do better?

12 September 2019 respond positively to this approach and behave well. They follow simple rules and learn to tidy up after play. n Children have forged close attachments to the childminder. The childminder has a deep understanding of children's characters and individual needs, which significantly enhances children's well-being. She supports children's emotional well-being extremely well and places their needs at the very centre of her practice. n The childminder reflects on her practice and how she can improve activities and resources to support children's progress. Although she keeps up to date with mandatory training, she has not yet considered how to develop her practice further. n Children make good progress in their learning and are acquiring the skills they need in readiness for school. They demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning, are enthusiastic to try new things and are motivated. Children

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need to do better?

competently manage their self-care needs and follow good hygiene procedures as they wash their hands independently. n The childminder supports children's language and communication development successfully. She asks simple questions and encourages them to describe what they are doing as they play. The childminder supports children's mathematical understanding. For example, she develops their counting skills as they catch things in a fishing net.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of how to ensure that children are kept safe. She understands her role and responsibilities regarding the signs of abuse, and ensures that she keeps up to date with current local authority procedures. Her detailed policies and procedures are embedded in her practice and enable parents to have a clear understanding of the actions she would take. All safety issues are addressed within the home and records are in place.

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should:

n focus more precisely on developing a targeted programme of professional development that ensures the high-quality practice is consistently advanced n strengthen partnerships with parents even further through gathering accurate information about children's progress when they first start to attend the setting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 506986 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10065194 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 2 to 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 17 November 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1991 and lives in Blyth. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 4.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

12 September 2019 12 September 2019 regulates and inspects to 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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