Childminder in Durham

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision requires improvement

Children are very happy in the care of the childminder and her assistant. Parents comment that they know their children are well cared for. They say their children look forward to the 'fun-packed day' that the childminder plans for them. Children settle quickly, even when they have experienced difficulties settling with other providers. Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the childminder has altered procedures for drop-off and collection times. Visits to the setting are carried out when there are no children present. This helps to reduce the spread of infection. Children are safe in the setting. They learn how to use resources safely. For example, children explore how to use knives safely when using play dough. The assistant reminds children to be careful as they open and close the door to the playhouse outside.

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The provision requires improvement

There are some weaknesses in teaching that the childminder has not yet identified. For instance, some activities do not consistently provide good levels of challenge for younger children. At times, children concentrate well on activities, particularly when the childminder makes her expectations clear. Young children focus intently as they transfer sand between containers or try to scrape sand off the ground. However, at other times, some children do not concentrate as well, particularly when the childminder and her assistant do not make it clear what they want children to do.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistant do not always make their expectations clear to children. For example, the childminder and her assistant ask children to get their shoes on or tidy up. However, they do not follow this up when some children do not do as they are asked. As a result, children can sometimes become distracted. n Not all activities provide an appropriate level of challenge for all children. The childminder and her assistant plan some activities that do not take account of children's prior knowledge. They do not consistently focus sufficiently on what skills children need to learn next or the order in which they develop new skills. This means that children do not always have the necessary skills to complete the activities planned, such as writing their own name. n Overall, the childminder evaluates how well children are learning and how she can improve her environment. For instance, she has reorganised the space she

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need to do better?

uses for childminding to give more focused support to babies. However, her evaluations and supervision of her assistant do not focus sufficiently on raising the quality of teaching to a higher level. As a result, there are weaknesses that she has not yet identified. For example, during the inspection, the assistant missed opportunities to extend younger children's mathematical development.

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need to do better?

29 September 2021 n The childminder notices what children are interested in and plans activities to develop their interests further. For example, children are very excited to find ladybirds in a bush. They thoroughly enjoy using magnifying glasses and tweezers to hunt for insects hidden in a tray. The childminder and her assistant support children's spoken language well. They repeat and extend what children are saying and introduce new vocabulary. n The childminder generally identifies training that will support her practice. For example, she has attended training on communication and language to help children who have not progressed as quickly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The childminder has implemented a range of strategies to provide more time for children to talk. She feels this is already improving children's communication skills. n The childminder helps children to understand how they can keep themselves

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need to do better?

healthy. She encourages children to wash their hands before eating and after playing outside. Children enjoy a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and water. The childminder provides a range of balanced and nutritious meals. She takes account of children's allergies and dietary requirements. For example, the childminder provides non-dairy equivalents for children where necessary. n The childminder shares information with parents about online safety. She talks with children about how they can keep themselves safe online. The childminder has strict procedures on what children can access online while they are in her care. In addition, she has a clear policy on mobile phones, which is followed consistently. n The childminder works well with other professionals, including health visitors. She shares information to support children's development. The childminder works effectively with them in relation to the 'Healthy child programme'.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a secure understanding of child protection. They understand their role in helping to keep children safe from harm. The childminder and her assistant attend regular safeguarding training to keep up to date with changes in legislation. They talk confidently about the different signs of abuse and what they would do if they had any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder ensures that they are aware of broader safeguarding issues, including those affecting their local area. The childminder's home is safe.

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Due date

29 September 2021 manage children's behaviour more effectively to ensure that children understand and consistently follow the rules and expectations in the setting 29/10/2021

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Due date

consider children's individual needs and stages of development to plan challenging and enjoyable learning experiences for all children. 29/10/2021

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should:

n focus evaluations and supervision sessions for the assistant more precisely on raising the quality of teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2498211 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10191448 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 12 Number of children on roll 21 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Murton. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers flexibility to these hours by prior arrangement. She works with two assistants. They hold appropriate qualifications at level 3 and above. 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 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in the evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed children's play and evaluated the impact on their learning. 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 childminder to share with the inspector. n The childminder showed the inspector a range of documentation, including documents relating to her suitability. n The inspector spoke to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

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

29 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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