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 clearly enjoy their time with this friendly and caring childminder. They are very happy and settled. Parents of children who have recently started comment on how much their children enjoy being with the childminder. Children are very safe. The childminder has put a number of procedures in place during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, such as meeting parents and children at the door. This has helped to reduce the risk of infection. Children also learn how they can keep themselves safe. For example, when they go outside, they know that they must hold the childminder's hand.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations of what children can achieve. She wants children to be the best they can possibly be. Children who speak English as an additional language make good progress. The childminder works effectively with parents to find out what children know and can do in their home languages. Children listen and respond to the childminder's questions. They show good levels of concentration, even though the childminder sometimes directs their learning too much.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is keen for children to make the best possible progress. Sometimes, she intervenes too much in the activities that children have chosen, to recap on their previous learning. For example, children play a counting game using circular counters. The childminder talks about their shape, and then spends time looking at other shapes and introducing the properties of shapes. This reduces the time that children have to follow their own ideas and occasionally affects their enjoyment of activities. n The childminder knows what she wants children to learn. Her assessments are accurate and she has a good understanding of the sequence in which children learn new skills, overall. For example, the childminder plans activities for children who can hold their pencil correctly to strengthen the muscles in their hands. However, occasionally, the activities she plans are too challenging. For instance, children talk about numbers on doors. The childminder introduces counting in

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need to do better?

groups of 10 to recognise numbers to 100. Children lose confidence as a result of this. n The childminder notices what children are interested in and plans activities to extend their interests further. For example, children thoroughly enjoy watching the sunflowers in the village grow. They measure the sunflowers and compare the different heights. The childminder extends this well by introducing children to a painting of sunflowers by a famous artist. n There is a well-equipped outside area which motivates children to learn. Children are engaged as they make 'pancakes' in the pretend kitchen. Overall, the

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need to do better?

23 September 2021 childminder supports children well as she plays alongside them and extends their thinking through questions and comments. n Children learn how they can keep themselves healthy. They wash their hands before lunch and talk about healthy foods as they eat. The childminder uses recent visits to the dentist to reinforce messages about good dental hygiene. n Children have an excellent relationship with the childminder. They enjoy playing with her and going to her for cuddles. Children enjoy the praise they receive as they play a snakes and ladders game. n The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities effectively. She acts swiftly to get the appropriate support for children and their families. The childminder liaises with a range of health and education professionals. She works closely with the local school to ensure that children's needs are met when they move on to school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works with schools and other providers effectively. She knows what children are doing in schools and plans activities to develop this further. The childminder also attends events in school to support the children in her care. This gives her a more detailed understanding of what children are doing in school and how she can help them. n The childminder wants to be the best she can be. Her evaluations are accurate and she has precise plans for improvement. The childminder has made changes to the outside area recently which have had a positive impact on children's learning and concentration. The childminder is committed to her own professional development. For example, she is currently working towards a qualification in language and learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder makes sure that her home is clean and well maintained. Her home is safe and any potential risks are minimised. For example, the childminder supervises children well and all doors are locked. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate possible abuse to children. She knows the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child in her care. The childminder has a good understanding of broader aspects of safeguarding, such as the 'Prevent' duty. She updates her first-aid certificate in a timely manner to ensure that her knowledge is current.

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should:

n provide more time for children to lead their own learning and develop their own thoughts and ideas n ensure that all activities provide appropriate levels of challenge.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2499949 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10191357 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 3 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Merrybent, Darlington. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the 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 childminder showed the inspector around the parts of her home used for childminding and explained how she sets up her play environment. n Parents provided written feedback for the purpose of the inspection. n The childminder showed the inspector a range of documentation, including documents relating to her suitability. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed children's play and evaluated the impact on their learning.

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Inspection activities

23 September 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

23 September 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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