Childminder in Darlington

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

The childminder plans an exciting curriculum which enables all children to make very rapid progress in their development. She carefully takes account of children's prior experiences, their interests and what they need to learn next when planning activities. For example, when children show an interest in baking, the childminder plans an activity which incorporates their next steps in learning exceptionally well. She encourages children to develop their mathematical skills when they count how many spoons of flour they need and recognise the numbers on the scales. The childminder encourages children to develop their literacy skills as they follow the recipe from pictures in a book. Children demonstrate advanced small-physical skills as they stir, pour and scoop the mixture.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are provided with an inspiring range of activities and experiences. These are planned to ignite their curiosity. For example, children delight in watching butterflies hatch from eggs, grow sunflowers and vegetables in the garden, and make bird feeders with cereal. The childminder uses every opportunity to help children learn and there is always something stimulating for them to do. Children have a wealth of opportunities to explore and investigate. For example, they very imaginatively use natural and everyday materials, and play in the sand, water and mud to make their own discoveries. The childminder has high expectations for children. Children are highly motivated and develop excellent skills for their future learning. They are extremely happy and safe in this outstanding setting. The childminder cares deeply for the children and they thrive in her care. Children behave well and become extremely confident learners.

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need to do better?

n Support for children's communication and language skills is extremely strong. The childminder asks questions to encourage children to respond in detail. This helps to extend children's vocabulary. The childminder encourages children to recall discussions about previous activities that they have enjoyed. Children hold meaningful conversations and use advanced language as they play. n Children have excellent opportunities to learn about the world around them. The childminder takes them on a wealth of visits to extend their understanding of the wider world, for example to forest school, museums, farms and the library. n Children develop a strong understanding of the similarities and differences between themselves and others. For example, they learn about cultural celebrations, such as Chinese New Year. Children learn to very much respect and value each other. For example, the childminder has a large map displayed

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need to do better?

on the wall and so children can identify where they have been on holidays. They excitedly share photographs and memories of the places they have visited. Children try food from other countries and explore art from different cultures.

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need to do better?

19 February 2020 n The childminder encourages children to develop their independence at every opportunity. Younger children enthusiastically help to prepare their lunch, competently spooning beans onto their plate. They spontaneously set the table and wipe down afterwards. Younger children ably pour their own water from small jugs and learn to meet all of their self-care needs. n The childminder is dedicated to maintaining her outstanding practice. She recognises the importance of constantly extending her skills and knowledge to enhance outcomes for children. For example, she has provided more everyday and natural resources to help children have further opportunities to explore and investigate. The childminder makes very clear plans for improvement, considering the views of children and parents. n Children practise their excellent early literacy skills using a range of motivating resources. They write for a purpose using whiteboards and pens as they play in

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need to do better?

a pretend post office. Younger children make marks in coloured rice and on large blackboards outdoors. The childminder provides different types of pens to help older children develop the correct grip needed for later writing at school. She has attended training to encourage those children who are reluctant to write, in particular boys, to successfully develop their skills in this area. n The childminder is very skilled in developing strong links with parents and other settings that children will attend. The meaningful two-way exchange of information provides superb continuity for children's care and learning. For example, the childminder completes transition booklets when children move on to nursery. She is highly successful at offering suggestions to parents about how to continue their children's learning at home. Parents feel fully included in their children's learning and describe the childminder as 'brilliant' and 'fantastic'. They

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need to do better?

state that they 'would be lost without the childminder'.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of how to keep children safe. She accesses regular training to keep her knowledge up to date. The childminder has a detailed knowledge of possible signs of abuse and how to report concerns. She places a great emphasis on children learning to keep themselves safe and manage appropriate risks. During outings, older children learn about safety, such as waiting until it is safe to cross the road. Younger children understand the dangers of the oven being hot during baking activities. The childminder teaches children about people who help them in the community. Children delight in a visit to the local police station.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 301001 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10116985 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 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 15 May 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1990 and lives in the Cockerton area of Darlington. She operates all year round from 7.45am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides early funded 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 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. 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

19 February 2020 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

19 February 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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