Childminder in Durham

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this safe setting. The childminder places children's well-being at the heart of everything she does. She is highly skilled in helping all children form secure emotional attachments. This is demonstrated in children's high levels of confidence and self-esteem. Children are exceptionally happy and settled. The childminder ensures that she follows parents' wishes and children's routines from home, for example, by continuing baby-led weaning. She sensitively encourages children to value and respect each other. They talk freely about their families and experiences. Children have their own 'family book' which they can easily access. This contains photographs of their families and places they have visited, helping to provide comfort and a strong sense of belonging in the setting.

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The provision is outstanding

The environment inspires children's natural curiosity. The childminder provides inspirational activities that help children to learn new skills. Her plans for children's learning follow their interests and are precise and challenging. Children are provided with an exceptional range of experiences to explore using their senses. Babies delight in investigating different media, such as ice and spaghetti. Children freely explore in the outdoor environment and have many opportunities to investigate the natural world. Children's learning experiences are enhanced through an extensive range of visits in the local community, for example to stately homes, gardens and museums. Children become very curious and highly motivated learners.

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need to do better?

n Children display high levels of concentration as they investigate materials that can be used in a variety of ways. The childminder makes sure that children have the time they need to become deeply involved in exploratory play. Babies babble happily as they explore wooden hoops and rings, while older children use the natural objects they have collected outdoors to explore size and number. n The childminder provides very stimulating activities that help children develop their small physical skills needed for writing. Babies reach out to pop bubbles, make marks in foam and engage in painting while sitting on the floor with large pieces of paper. Older children write letters on stones and persevere to arrange them to spell out their names. The childminder is dedicated to ensuring that children have the skills they need for the next stage in their learning. n Children are encouraged to be as independent as possible in all aspects of their

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need to do better?

self-care. Babies start to feed themselves and begin to explore how they can use small, but real, cutlery. Children are taught about the importance of good dental hygiene. Older children very confidently remember to brush their teeth after meals. n The childminder is extremely skilful in supporting children's language

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need to do better?

20 November 2019 development. She uses exceptional questioning to support children to share their own ideas during their play. Older children engage in very meaningful conversations. The childminder quickly identifies children who need extra support with their speech. She seeks external support, working with other professionals to help children become extremely confident communicators. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are very respectful, kind and show genuine care for each other. Older children thoughtfully pass babies resources that are out of reach, without prompting. Children are given specific praise by the childminder for their efforts and achievements. The childminder very successfully encourages children to be aware of their own emotions, for example through stories and discussions. n The childminder strives to continually enhance her practice, taking into account the views of parents. For instance, she has reviewed the arrangements at pick-

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need to do better?

up times to allow more quality time to speak to parents about their children's day and development. n The childminder makes superb use of the information she obtains from training to greatly benefit children. For example, recent training has helped the childminder enhance children's interest in books. Books are very attractively displayed in baskets with props, resources and puppets to engage children in extending their early literacy skills. n The childminder works extremely closely with parents from the very start to meet children's needs. She takes time to get to know children and their families. An extensive range of information is collected to ensure that children settle quickly. The childminder makes sure that she speaks to parents every day and shows them what their children have been doing. Parents appreciate the photographs of their children engaged in activities that the childminder sends them through the day.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has attended a wide variety of child protection training. She has a detailed knowledge of what to do if she is worried about a child's welfare. The childminder makes sure that she keeps up to date with procedures to keep children safe. Children have a very strong understanding of how to keep themselves and each other safe. For example, older children spontaneously pick up toys in case toddlers trip on them. The childminder encourages children to recognise risks, such as when the floor may be slippery after they have played with bubbles. The childminder places an emphasis on older children learning about road safety.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY421579 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10117139 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 6 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 28 July 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Durham. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's development. The childminder and inspector reflected together on children's learning during their play. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation, including evidence of the suitability of those living on the premises and training certificates. n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans experiences for children. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. She took account of the views of parents from written statements available.

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Inspection activities

20 November 2019 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

20 November 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

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