Childminder in Durham

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder offers activities that engage and motivate children well. Children are happy and safe in the childminder's care. She is very calm, caring and patient towards children. Children have close attachments with the childminder. They enjoy using their imaginations as they engage excitedly in small-world play with the wide selection of resources which follow their interests. The childminder has high expectations for children and plans activities to help them achieve well. Children enjoy using musical instruments and exploring the different sounds they can make. The childminder encourages children to choose their favourite song, using props and pictures. Children talk confidently about their lives. They enjoy looking at photographs with the childminder and recall past experiences.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy a wide variety of outings which help them learn about the world around them and their local community. They enjoy visiting local garden centres, pet shops and parks. The childminder helps children to become more confident around others. She takes them to many different groups to mix with other children. The childminder offers a wealth of praise and encouragement as children play. Children behave very well. The childminder encourages children to share and take turns. She helps children to understand what is expected of them. Children show respect for their environment and use excellent manners.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows children well and regularly assesses what they can do. She liaises with other professionals, such as health visitors, to help her to identify any gaps in children's development. Children have positive attitudes to their learning. They concentrate well and are keen to try new experiences. n The childminder encourages young children to develop their early literacy skills. Children enjoy cuddling up close to the childminder to look at books and listen to their favourite stories. The childminder provides opportunities for children to practise their skills, in preparation for writing. They excitedly make Christmas cards to take home. Children carefully decorate the cards with stickers and attempt to write their names. n Children seek the childminder out to join in with their play. They enthusiastically explore and investigate with torches in a pretend igloo. The childminder encourages children to discover light and dark when they make shadows.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children's speaking and communication skills are very well supported. The childminder constantly talks to children as they play, which extends their vocabulary. For example, she introduces new words, such as 'up', 'down', 'shiny' and 'sparkly'. Children listen carefully and quickly learn new phrases. n The childminder plays alongside children to extend their development. She shows them how to build towers when they play with blocks. The childminder

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need to do better?

12 December 2019 promotes children's mathematical skills at every opportunity. When children are playing, she encourages them to develop their understanding of counting, shape and colour. n Children follow good hygiene practices. They benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise. The childminder provides children with nutritious snacks and meals. Children are well supported to develop their independence and self-care skills. For example, they learn to use the toilet independently. n The childminder builds good relationships with parents. She shares regular information with them about their children's care and development. Feedback from parents is extremely positive. They comment that their children love attending and flourish in the care of this dedicated childminder. n The childminder makes sure that all her mandatory training is kept up to date. She attends training and meets with other childminders to gather new ideas.

p.2

need to do better?

However, the childminder has not fully explored ways to develop an expert knowledge of teaching and learning. n The childminder places an emphasis on preparing children for the next stage of their education. For example, she provides individual coat hooks and pictures for children to hang their coats up independently. The childminder has plans in place to share more precise information with other settings that children attend to ensure a consistent approach to support their learning.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a very good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. She knows who to contact should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder attends all mandatory training to ensure that she keeps her child protection knowledge and skills up to date. The childminder teaches children to manage their own risks and keep themselves safe. For example, she reminds children to pick up and tidy away toys when they have finished playing, in case they trip on them.

p.3

should:

n implement plans to share more-detailed information about children's development with other settings attended to ensure a consistent approach to learning n extend professional development opportunities to help raise skills and knowledge in the area of teaching and learning to an even higher level.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY550120 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10126917 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 2 to 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Newton Aycliffe. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers care at weekends on request. She holds a childcare qualification at level 2. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She occasionally works with two assistants.

p.4

Inspection activities

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 observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's development. The childminder and the 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 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

12 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

12 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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