Sorrie, Emma

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 establish strong bonds and attachments with the childminder. They are happy and settled in her warm and welcoming home as they arrive keen and eager to play. Children are encouraged to discuss how they feel each day. The childminder skilfully and compassionately supports children to understand their feelings and emotions. Children clearly enjoy spending time with the childminder, and excitedly involve her in their play. For example, they organise a picnic for the dolls and tell the childminder where she has to sit and which doll is for her. They have a positive attitude towards learning and persevere to develop new skills. Children skilfully draw rainbows, using a range of brushes, and collect leaves to print. The childminder encourages children to think about sizes and shapes.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for all children. She sets clear boundaries and gives children a wealth of praise and encouragement. This helps to build their confidence and self-esteem. Children behave extremely well as they play and are encouraged to share and take turns with resources. Children have plenty of fresh air and physical exercise. For example, they have free access to outdoor play in the childminder's garden and visit local parks.

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need to do better?

n Parents speak highly about the childminder. They make extremely positive comments about the good-quality care and education she provides. They state that they would not have been able to work throughout the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic without the childminder's service and that she has children at the heart of everything she does. The childminder keeps parents informed of their children's progress in a range of ways and provides them with ideas to extend children's learning at home. A good two-way flow of information between home and the setting provides consistency in children's development. n The childminder places great importance on supporting children's communication, language and speaking skills. Children develop strong communication skills. They enjoy singing many rhymes and songs. The youngest children listen intently and they join in with the actions enthusiastically. The childminder provides narration throughout activities and sensitively corrects any

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need to do better?

incorrect pronunciation by encouraging children to repeat the letter sounds. However, at times, the childminder does not give children enough time to think and respond to questions. n Children have good opportunities to make independent choices about their learning. For instance, they enjoy choosing which toys to play with and show very good levels of focus and concentration for their age. Children are motivated learners and display a positive attitude towards trying new things. All children, including those in receipt of funded early education, make good progress in their

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need to do better?

30 June 2021 learning. n The childminder has a very good understanding of her practice and how this operates. She ensures that children are making progress and understands how the early years foundation stage is implemented in her setting. She reflects on her practice and identifies areas for development, to further enhance learning opportunities. n Children are well prepared for school. They develop the skills they need for writing as they have a wide range of opportunities to experiment with making marks. They practise using their hand muscles to pick up smaller resources. The childminder encourages children to be independent from a young age. They are encouraged to develop self-care skills, such as independently accessing the toilet, putting their own coats and shoes on and wiping their own face and hands. n The childminder is caring and attentive. She recognises when children may be hungry, tired or in need of a cuddle, and responds quickly to their individual

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need to do better?

requirements. Children develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles at snack times and through physical exercise. This supports children's good health and helps them to feel emotionally secure. n From the outset, the childminder makes observations and gathers detailed information from parents to assess children's starting points. Overall, she uses this information effectively, along with her experience, to plan interesting activities which are linked to children's individual needs. However, opportunities for children to extend their investigation skills are not always used to best effect.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder refreshes her knowledge of safeguarding regularly. This helps her to keep up to date with any changes. For example, she completes online training regarding all aspects of safeguarding. The childminder is clear of her responsibility to keep children safe. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. She knows what to do if she has any concerns. The childminder makes good use of risk assessments to help keep children safe. For example, she teaches children how to stay safe as they talk about how to walk up and down the garden steps.

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should:

n provide children with enough time to connect their ideas and think about how to respond to a question n make better use of opportunities for children to develop their investigation skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY560593 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10190402 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

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

p.4

inspection

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

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Darlington. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was 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 inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder. They discussed the learning environment and how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed and evaluated an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of adults within the home and various records. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

30 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

30 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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