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

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The provision is good

Children love coming to the childminder's home. Parents comment that despite national restrictions causing closure of the setting, children still look forward to seeing the childminder. They say that their children have settled back in quickly and easily. Children demonstrate how happy they are as they lie next to the childminder and look at books or dance with her saying 'again, again'. The childminder has high expectations of children. Following the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, she has reorganised her learning environment to ensure children still have access to high-quality learning. For example, she has organised her garden to give children opportunities to climb, run and manage slight gradients. She has made space for children to learn about the world around them as they plant vegetables or listen to birds. Children love being outside and are making good progress. They concentrate as they send cars down the chutes and

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The provision is good

work out which ones fit. They listen and talk about stories that the childminder reads. Children begin to solve simple problems, such as how to move a ride-on car that is stuck in the bark.

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The provision is good

Children learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder wants children to understand and manage age-appropriate risks for themselves. For example, they learn how to control the cars they are riding on different surfaces or slopes outside.

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need to do better?

n The childminder evaluates her provision and has identified areas where she could improve further. She is keen to strengthen her knowledge further and evaluates her practice following training. For example, the childminder now uses mathematical vocabulary throughout the session following a recent training session. She has improved how she models counting and introduces words to describe position or shape. n The childminder has thought carefully about where children are in their learning and what she wants children to learn next. Her environment is carefully organised to develop learning further. For example, she has organised her room with a small number of well-thought-out play stations to increase two-year-old children's concentration. n Children enjoy what they are doing and progress well. The childminder skilfully uses children's interests to plan further learning. For example, she puts out bags

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need to do better?

for children who like to carry things around. She uses bags with zips and clasps. This helps to develop children's small muscle skills. n Children enjoy books. They listen intently, turning some of the pages and pointing out what they can see in the illustrations. The childminder places a high priority on books and selects a variety of different stories. She reads with good expression and gives children time to look at the pictures and to notice things in

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need to do better?

26 May 2021 the book. n The childminder has clear plans for developing children's communication. She talks to children constantly and comments on what they are doing. She introduces new vocabulary, such as 'thrive' and 'flourish'. However, the childminder does not always give children enough time to respond to questions or express their own thoughts and ideas. n Children behave well. The childminder uses a range of strategies to help children to remember her expectations. She is very patient and gives children time to manage their emotions. For instance, she helps them to recognise how they feel. n Children form good relationships with others. They enjoy playing together as they follow each other in the ride-on cars outside. They thoroughly enjoy dancing and looking at books together. n The childminder has a good relationship with parents. She has developed effective methods of sharing information. Parents comment that they enjoy the

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need to do better?

feedback they get. The childminder finds out about children's learning and development at home and updates parents about what they are doing with her. Parents know what their children are working on and how they can help them at home. n The childminder teaches children how they can keep themselves healthy. She encourages handwashing as a regular part of her routine. Children know that they must wash their hands after being outside or before eating. The childminder appreciates that children's eating habits have changed as a result of the pandemic. She knows that they have become more accustomed to regular snacks. With this in mind, she offers healthy, wholesome snacks, while still encouraging children to try some lunch.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of signs and symptoms that may indicate possible abuse to children. She knows the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child. Her policies are concise and underpin her practice well. She talks to visitors about policies, such as mobile phones, in order to keep children safe. The childminder ensures she keeps her knowledge and skills up to date. For example, she has recently updated her risk assessments to ensure her knowledge is current. She has a good understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty guidance. Her home is safe and well maintained.

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should:

n give children more time to express their own thoughts and ideas, to improve their language and communication.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY561072 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10190991 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Durham. She is a qualified teacher. She operates all year round from 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed children's play and learning inside and outside. n Children spoke to the childminder about what they enjoy doing. n The childminder evaluated an activity with the inspector. n The inspector looked at various documents, including evidence of suitability. n Parents shared their views with the inspector. n The inspector talked to the childminder at various points during the inspection. n The childminder showed the inspector around her setting and explained to the inspector how she plans for children's learning.

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Inspection activities

26 May 2021 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

26 May 2021 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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