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 are happy and confident. The childminder's home is welcoming and carefully thought out to provide children with a wide range of play and learning opportunities. The childminder understands how to support young children's learning and generally supports children's development very well. However, she acknowledges that, occasionally, some activities are slightly too challenging for children. The childminder is particularly skilled at supporting children's developing speech. She teaches them new words and explains their meaning during story times and activities. For example, while baking cookies, children practise new words, such as 'flatten' and 'spread'. Children are fluent talkers. Those children who speak English as an additional language make very good progress.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy their learning. They concentrate well and show pride in their achievements. The childminder is careful to let children try out their own ideas and think for themselves. For example, children independently work out how to make a pattern with colours and shapes when decorating biscuits. Children use lots of pictures and photos in the rooms to prompt them to talk together. The childminder encourages children to recall, share and celebrate their experiences. This helps children to make friendships and develop a sense of belonging. Children behave well and show that they feel safe and secure. Parents describe the childminder as 'amazing' and say that she provides 'first-rate care'. Children talk about how the childminder is kind and caring and keeps them safe.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate and enthusiastic. This has a positive impact on all aspects of her practice. There is a real 'family feel' to her provision. This is evident in the warm and trusting relationships that children develop with her. The childminder provides a very positive and joyful environment where children feel valued. n The childminder plans appealing and enjoyable activities that help children to learn a wide range of skills. For example, while children bake cookies, the childminder teaches them about numbers, shapes and measures. Children are keen to join in and concentrate well. Occasionally, the childminder does not make sure that children have the prior knowledge and understanding that they need to build successfully on their learning. However, many of the experiences she provides for children are well matched to children's stage of development and support their learning well. n Children help to plant fruit, vegetables and flowers and tend to them as they

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need to do better?

grow. This helps children to learn about the natural world and teaches them about responsibility. They talk excitedly and with pride about what they have grown in the childminder's garden.

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need to do better?

15 October 2021 n The qualified childminder is committed to professional development to help her to enhance her provision. She is reflective and reviews her practice regularly. For example, the childminder has introduced new resources after learning about different ways to support children's play. However, she has not explored more effective ways to include the views of parents and children in her plans for ongoing improvements. The childminder acknowledges the value of seeking more feedback from parents and children to help to enhance her practice further. n Children benefit from the childminder's clear expectations and familiar routines. They develop good independence skills and follow instructions. For example, children know when it is important to wash their hands and do so with minimal help. This also helps children to learn about how to keep themselves safe and healthy. n The childminder has formed effective partnerships with other settings that

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need to do better?

children attend. They share information that helps to provide a consistent approach to supporting children's progress. n The childminder makes good use of the local area to build on children's experiences. She takes children on visits to parks and play areas to help them to practise and perfect their physical skills, such as climbing and pedalling. Children learn to socialise with a wide range of people, including the elderly within community groups. n The childminder is sensitive to what makes each child unique. She considers their individual needs, experiences and backgrounds when planning for their learning. This helps to ensure that all children are prepared well for school and for later life.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure that children are kept safe. She attends relevant training and regular network meetings which help to keep her up to date with new information and changes to safeguarding policies. The childminder knows the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. She has a good understanding of a variety of factors that can affect children's safety and welfare. The childminder knows who to contact to share any concerns and to ensure that appropriate action is taken swiftly to protect children.

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should:

n refine planning to ensure that the good teaching is consistently and securely focused on what children need to learn next n extend the opportunities parents and children have to share their views and to

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should:

15 October 2021 contribute more effectively to ongoing improvements in care and education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549391 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10174517 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 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Durham. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Friday. She offers additional hours on request. The childminder holds a relevant early years 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 her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector around her home and talked about how she organises her provision and the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Young children chatted to the inspector during the inspection. Older children provided written comments about the childminder. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection and looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of adults at the address. n The inspector took account of written feedback provided by parents and spoke

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Inspection activities

to a number of parents on the telephone.

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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

15 October 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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