Childminder in Darlington

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder has a good selection of toys and resources. She displays them in an exciting and stimulating way so that children actively engage in their play. Children have opportunities to explore simple technology. They press buttons on a caterpillar and watch in awe as it moves across the carpet. This helps children to develop their interest in making sense of how things work and why things happen. The childminder provides children with activities based on their current interests. For example, the childminder has provided children with a small-world farm. She carefully builds on children's existing knowledge and extends their learning even further. Young children develop their knowledge of animal noises and older children discuss the equipment a farmer uses. As a result, children enjoy their play and develop new skills quickly. The childminder is very caring, sensitive and nurturing. She quickly responds to children's needs. For instance, young children

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The provision is good

who are becoming tired are quickly provided with cuddles and reassurance. Children are confident, happy and settled in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the childminder's home. Good relationships are evident. This helps to support children's emotional well-being. The childminder encourages good behaviour. Children learn to share, take turns and play cooperatively together.

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need to do better?

n Children are developing their independence skills. Young children hang up their coats and take off their socks and shoes. Older children manage their personal needs well. Children choose their own activities and help to tidy the resources afterwards. n The childminder gathers vital information from parents about children's starting points when they first join the setting. She uses this information and builds on what children know and can do. She uses observations and assesses and monitors children's progress closely, to check that there are no gaps in their learning. Furthermore, the childminder fully engages all parents in their children's learning to help them to continue learning at home. n Overall, the childminder supports children's communication and language skills very well. She provides commentary for children's play, asks questions and introduces a wide range of new words to help build on their developing

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need to do better?

vocabulary. However, occasionally, the childminder does not pronounce words correctly. n The childminder understands the importance of self-evaluation to support her to make ongoing improvements to the quality of her practice. She continually develops her knowledge and skills and identifies precise areas for development to raise the quality of her provision. For example, the childminder has recently made changes to the way she shares children's learning with parents. Parents and children are effectively involved in the self-evaluation process.

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need to do better?

2 October 2019 n The childminder provides children with a good range of opportunities to be physically active, both inside and outdoors. For example, they visit local parks, play in the garden and visit playgroups. Furthermore, the childminder provides children with a range of healthy meals and snacks. However, she does not always use these opportunities to give consistent messages to children about making healthy choices around food and exercise. n The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. Children are beginning to manage their own feelings and behaviour. When younger children struggle with regulating their behaviour, the childminder provides gentle reminders of what is expected. This helps children to develop a sense of right and wrong. n Children are provided with regular opportunities to mix with other groups of children at local playgroups. This helps children to gain confidence and develop

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need to do better?

good social skills. Children's behaviour is good, and their self-esteem, confidence and emotional well-being are high. n The childminder has developed strong systems to work in partnership with professionals, for instance at the local nursery. She shares invaluable information, which helps to provide a highly consistent approach to children's care and learning. n The childminder provides a variety of experiences to support children's literacy skills. Children enjoy making marks with crayons and looking at books with the childminder and independently. The childminder weaves mathematics into reading as she skilfully asks children to identify and count the number of ducks in the story.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard children in her care. She has clear knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows who to report to should she have concerns about a child. The childminder regularly updates her safeguarding training. This means that she has an in-depth knowledge of recent safeguarding issues. For example, the childminder is aware of the procedures to follow if she has concerns that a child is being exposed to extreme views or behaviours. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to minimise risks and keep children safe.

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should:

n further develop younger children's language by modelling correct words and pronunciation n extend opportunities for children to learn about how healthy eating and exercise

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should:

2 October 2019 can contribute to their health and well-being.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549983 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10124455 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 1 to 4 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in School Aycliffe, Durham. She operates term time only, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and childminder carried out a joint observation. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder, children and parents at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder across the areas of her home used for childminding. The inspector and childminder discussed the learning environment and how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This included evidence of training and the suitability of persons living in the household.

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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

2 October 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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