Childminder in Darlington

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 show that they enjoy being with the childminder and each other. They are settled, content and happy. The childminder provides a nurturing and interesting environment both inside and outdoors. She considers children's needs, individual interests and developmental stages when planning activities and preparing their surroundings. The childminder has high expectations for all children and focuses her teaching to help them make good progress. Children build independence and confidence. Young children show that they feel safe and secure as they explore outdoors and show curiosity. Older children are very kind and patient with young children. They are well prepared for the next stages in their learning, such as school. Children's behaviour is very good. They show high levels of concentration in activities and stay interested for long periods of time.

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The provision is good

The childminder has focused on supporting children who have struggled emotionally when others returned to the setting. She has continued to work on her professional development and to reflect on the effectiveness of her setting. This has helped to drive improvements for children. For example, the childminder has altered the drop-off and collection procedure during the pandemic. This has been a positive change and parents are happy with the good levels of communication and partnership working.

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need to do better?

n Children of all ages develop high levels of independence and good social skills. The childminder uses regular praise and encourages children to put on their own shoes, find their own coats and wash their own hands. This helps older children prepare to start school and build confidence in their own ability. Young children take turns and share with minimal support. They show pride when they can help each other. n The childminder plans exciting activities that help children to make links in their knowledge of the world around them. Older children make particularly good progress in this area of their development. For example, children enjoy using dough and creating a sea creature picture. They focus intently and use their imagination to make mermaids and detailed lifelike jellyfish. Opportunities to embed children's mathematical knowledge are sometimes missed. For example, the childminder does not fully explore young children's interest in different sized

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need to do better?

strawberries, or show older children how to accurately measure flour. n Children benefit from a variety of fresh, healthy snacks and meals which the childminder provides. She encourages them to try different fruits at snack time and spend time outdoors in the fresh air. Children enjoy developing their physical skills as they run and jump, trying to pop the bubbles they blow. This helps to promote their good health.

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need to do better?

10 June 2021 n The childminder asks older children open questions which encourage them to share their ideas and knowledge. They have good language skills and a wide vocabulary. However, the childminder occasionally asks young children too many questions at once and they do not always have time to think and respond. n The childminder uses information from parents and her own observations to assess children's stages of development. In addition, she has taken into account the impact of the pandemic, particularly on children's personal, social and emotional development. This has helped her to focus her teaching and had a positive impact for children. She has continued to provide parents and carers with a progress check when their children are aged between two and three years. n The childminder has worked hard throughout the pandemic to continually drive forward improvements for children. For example, she has considered the needs

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need to do better?

and wishes of children and moved the playroom to the back of the setting. This means children who prefer to learn outdoors can access the garden when they wish. n Partnerships with parents are very positive. The childminder consistently obtains feedback from them in relation to children's experiences at home and uses this to contribute towards their learning. Parents are happy with how well their children have settled in and how the childminder keeps them involved in children's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of how to identify potential signs of abuse and how to report any concerns about children's welfare. She has accessed online training to help understand wider safeguarding issues, such as the impact of domestic violence and county lines. The childminder maintained her first-aid training to help her deal with any emergencies. She teaches children how to keep themselves safe and be aware of risks. For example, young children know they need sun cream on in the hot weather and can explain the reasons for this.

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should:

n extend children's understanding of how to use and apply their mathematical knowledge during their learning and everyday activities n consider the length of time young children need to respond during conversations, so they can share their ideas, knowledge and understanding of different concepts.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2501081 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10191444 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Darlington. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, and on Friday from 7.30am until 9am and 3pm until 6pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides wrap-around care for children who attend local schools. She has a relevant level 3 qualification.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the 2020-21 COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed by the childminder and the inspector during a planned activity indoors. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the childminder's suitability to work with children. She discussed children's learning and development with the childminder. n The childminder obtained written feedback from parents for the inspection. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

10 June 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

10 June 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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