Parkin, Melanie

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children are happy and content in the childminder's care. They have developed warm and trusting relationships with her and one another. Older children are particularly kind and caring towards those that are younger than them. They help them to follow the routines and involve them in their play. All children are well mannered and helpful. Children of all ages help the childminder to put the toys away before they get something new out. They respond well to the childminder's high expectations and clear boundaries. Children's behaviour is good.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy playing with activities they have chosen for themselves. For example, older children demonstrate high levels of concentration and perseverance as they thread beads onto laces. They are keen to share their achievements and respond very well to praise from the childminder. Younger children explore the range of toys with confidence and are keen to interact with the childminder. The childminder provides daily opportunities for children to take part in activities within the local community. They visit toddler groups and take frequent trips to a range of museums linked to children's interests. For instance, children talk enthusiastically about a recent trip to a dinosaur exhibition at a local museum.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows how to support children's learning and development. She understands their individual needs and knows what they need to learn next. She plans interesting activities that support children's good progress. For instance, children take an active role during story time. They use props and repeat words and phrases to retell the story. n The childminder consistently supports children's mathematical development. For example, she teaches children to count accurately as they build a balancing beam using blocks. She extends older children's interest in numbers as she talks to them about numerals they see while on a walk in their local area. n Children listen carefully and enjoy taking part in a range of activities. For example, younger children enjoy holding props and joining in with actions during song time. Older children enjoy exploring a basket of alphabet bean bags with the childminder. They demonstrate an excellent awareness of letters and the

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need to do better?

sounds they make. They confidently think of words beginning with the same sounds and recognise which letters represent those sounds. n The childminder values professional development opportunities. She is currently undertaking a further qualification in early years education and researches new information to update her knowledge and skills. She meets with other childminders to discuss changes to legislation and consider how to develop her practice further. n The childminder supports children to respect and learn about other people who

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need to do better?

22 January 2020 are different from themselves. Children confidently share their experiences of different celebrations and traditions they have experienced at home and during their time with the childminder. For instance, they talk in detail about traditional sweets they tasted during Diwali celebrations. n The childminder builds strong relationships with parents. She ensures they are fully informed about their children's learning and care routines. Parents are extremely positive about the childminder's service. They comment that their children make good progress and are well prepared for their move to school. n The childminder reflects upon her practice and identifies areas for improvement. For instance, she has recently made significant changes to the storage and organisation of toys and resources. This has a positive impact on children's independence and confidence as they play. However, the childminder has not

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need to do better?

considered how to use parental views to support her evaluations and improve the service she provides even further. n Overall, the childminder encourages children to enjoy being outdoors and to take part in physical exercise, such as climbing and walking. Children are eager to visit the local play area. They demonstrate a good awareness of the local area and know how to keep themselves safe when crossing roads. However, the childminder has not implemented plans to provide a broader range of experiences for children who prefer to learn outside.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder ensures that her safeguarding knowledge is up to date. She completes regular training and accesses information online. The childminder is aware of the possible signs that may cause concern about children's welfare. She understands her duty to prevent children being drawn into situations that put them at risk. She knows the local referral procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child. The childminder helps children to gain a good awareness of how to play safely. For instance, she reminds them to pick toys up off the floor and teaches them to consider their own safety when playing on climbing equipment in the local park.

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should:

n extend opportunities for parents to provide their views and use them to focus areas for improvement even further n implement plans to provide a broader range of learning opportunities for children who prefer to learn outdoors.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY559673 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10106931 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 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 7 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Chester-Le-Street, County Durham. She operates all year round from 7am to 8.30pm, Monday to Sunday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the childminder as she interacted with and cared for children. n Where appropriate, the inspector spoke with the childminder and children at different times throughout the inspection. n The inspector took account of written feedback from parents. n The areas within the childminder's home that are used by children were seen to be safe and suitable for childminding. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and checked evidence of 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

22 January 2020 22 January 2020 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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