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 form strong bonds with the childminder. They are safe, happy and emotionally secure in her care. The childminder joins in with the children's play. She sits close by and expands their learning through discussions. For instance, the childminder explains why some dinosaurs have long necks. Children follow the childminder's safety advice. They listen when she reminds them to be careful with the knives when they are chopping fruit. The childminder collects information from parents when children first start at the setting. She uses this information to plan to meet individual children's needs from the start.

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The provision is good

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the childminder has spent time at a communal allotment. Children have had opportunities to learn about the world around them. They enjoyed looking after chickens. They carefully collected their eggs and used them to bake with at the childminder's home. Children have a passion for learning and caring for other living things. This was shown when they learned to look after abandoned ducklings. The childminder promotes positive behaviour that helps to build children's self-esteem. In turn, children are kind to each other. For instance, they praise each other when they complete challenging tasks.

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need to do better?

n Children communicate well and work together. They enjoy helping with tasks, such as helping the childminder to lift the water tray to a different location. The childminder carefully explains to children that one of them is 'pushing' and the other one is 'pulling'. She explains to them that by working together they can move the water tray to where they want it to be. This helps to promote children's social skills. n The childminder supports children's communication and language skills well. She uses questioning as one strategy to encourage children to think deeply. The childminder gives children enough time to think about the questions and express their answers before she continues to talk. The childminder encourages younger children to name objects and vocalise their requests. n The childminder has developed positive partnerships with parents. She establishes an effective two-way flow of communication. This helps to provide a

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need to do better?

consistency of care and learning for children. Parents comment on how helpful the childminder is. For instance, she has supported them with healthy eating practices and sleep routines at home. n The childminder creates a stimulating learning environment for children indoors and outdoors. Children confidently direct their own play. They happily talk about their favourite resources. They say that they love reading stories and playing in the water outside.

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need to do better?

9 June 2021 n Overall, the childminder plans group activities well. For instance, children enthusiastically join in with song time. However, during transition periods, older children are left waiting too long before planned activities start. n Children have many opportunities to develop their mathematical skills. The childminder has numbers displayed around her home. She introduces children to mathematical language as they play. For instance, the childminder encourages children to count the number of spots on the ladybirds and talks about the size of the dinosaurs. n Parents are exceptionally happy with the service the childminder provides. They describe her as 'friendly, supportive, approachable and kind'. Parents comment on how their children are making good progress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder has continued to communicate with parents and offer support where needed. n The childminder is committed to enhancing her professional development and

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need to do better?

actively accesses training. She has recently completed training to gain a better understanding of boys and their behaviour. n Children manage their own personal hygiene routines effectively. Younger children are confident to seek help if required. Frequent handwashing, including when children come in from outside, further supports healthy practices. n The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and identifies areas for improvement. She seeks feedback from parents on how she can improve her service. n The childminder attends to children's care needs effectively. She is quick to recognise when children maybe tired and responds well to their individual requirements. n Although there are currently no children attending with special educational needs and/or disabilities, the childminder understands the importance of sharing any concerns about a child's development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her duty to keep children safe. She talks through the signs and symptoms that may cause her concern about the welfare of a child in her care. The childminder has put clear procedures in place to follow if she has a concern. She is clear of the signs that may indicate that a child is at risk of being exposed to extreme ideas or behaviours. The childminder carries out daily visual risk assessments in her home. She is vigilant at conducting risk assessments when she goes out in the community. The childminder has a clear evacuation procedure, which she practices regularly.

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should:

9 June 2021 n review transition periods and support older children to access activities more readily.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY562835 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10191124 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 County Durham. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This is the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID-19 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 childminder and the inspector completed an evaluation of an activity. n The inspector spoke with parents about the care and education being provided by the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder discussed with the inspector her learning intentions for children. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household.

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Inspection activities

9 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

9 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

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