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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and very settled in this warm, welcoming and safe setting. The childminder is very caring and is committed to providing children with the best possible experiences. She provides activities that follow children's interests. Children confidently take part in all that she offers and are willing to try new experiences. They behave very well. Children play together amicably and share resources happily. The childminder takes every opportunity to encourage children to take turns and listen to each other. Children engage well for long periods of time and are curious and motivated. For example, they are keen to find out what happens when they mix icing sugar and food colouring to make different colours.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for all children. She makes sure that they achieve and develop the skills that they need for the future. The childminder encourages children to develop their literacy skills as they play. Children freely choose stories to read and show an interest in books. The childminder is an effective storyteller. Children join in with repeated phrases and predict what happens next in the story. Older children explore magnetic letters. Younger children play with puppets from favourite books and remember what happens in the story. Children have many opportunities to play outdoors. They explore and investigate different materials, such as sand, water and mud.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop. She plans a range of activities to support children's learning, bringing children's interests into the experiences she provides. For example, she has made a role- play igloo and provided 'arctic' resources to link in with children's current favourite film. n Children are confident communicators. The childminder places an emphasis on developing children's speech and communication. She constantly talks to children as they play, extending their vocabulary. However, background music sometimes affects children's ability to concentrate and listen. n Children have many opportunities to develop their small-physical skills. They concentrate intently when they hang baubles onto their small Christmas tree. The childminder encourages children to stir, squeeze and mix when they decorate biscuits. Younger children carefully peel the backs off stickers and

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need to do better?

enjoy decorating pots. n The childminder provides children with healthy, home-cooked meals. Children enjoy taking part in regular baking sessions. However, the childminder does not consistently encourage children to develop an awareness of the importance of healthy eating. n Children have many opportunities to develop their awareness of the world

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need to do better?

6 December 2019 around them. They watch caterpillars turn into butterflies and regularly visit the childminder's allotment. The childminder takes children to visit older people in their local community to give them the vegetables that they have grown. n The childminder takes children to visit nearby parks and take part in local community events. They visit local museums, shops and beaches, and use a variety of public transport, such as the ferry, train and bus. n The childminder encourages children to develop their independence at every opportunity. Older children are encouraged to use the toilet independently and wash their hands. Younger children are encouraged to drink from open cups. All children demonstrate high levels of confidence and self-esteem. n The childminder uses play to develop children's mathematical language and understanding. For instance, as children scoop icing sugar, the childminder talks

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need to do better?

about their bowls being 'full' and 'empty'. She encourages children to count and recognise colours during activities. n Partnerships with parents are effective. The childminder provides parents with photographs and regular information about the activities their children have done. Parents state they leave their children with ease as they know that they are safe and well cared for. They comment that their children arrive at the setting 'with a smile on their face'. n The childminder is well qualified. She attends a variety of training opportunities to make sure that she continues to extend her knowledge. For example, recent training has enhanced the childminder's understanding of the developmental stages that young children progress through.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder makes sure that children are kept safe. She has a detailed knowledge of her safeguarding policy and procedures. The childminder and her assistant complete safeguarding training regularly to ensure that their knowledge remains up to date. The childminder has a good understanding of the potential signs and symptoms of abuse. She teaches children to manage their own risks and to keep themselves safe. For example, older children learn about road safety and younger children know not to climb on the back of the sofa in case they fall.

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should:

n enhance children's concentration and listening skills during their play, for example, by reviewing the current use of background music n develop opportunities that encourage children to develop an awareness of the importance of healthy eating.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549347 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10130877 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 0 to 11 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 22 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Blyth, Northumberland. She holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children and works with an assistant.

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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 learning. The childminder and inspector reflected together on children's learning during their play. 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. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation, including evidence of the suitability of those living and working 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.

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Inspection activities

6 December 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

6 December 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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