Childminder in Northumberland

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

The childminder is dedicated to her work with children and their families. She places children at the heart of everything she does. Children develop secure relationships with the childminder and are extremely settled in her care. They snuggle in comfortably with her to share their favourite games. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home. They demonstrate excellent levels of independence and manage their self-care needs very well. Children enthusiastically communicate with others. They are eager to explain what they like to do and what they have learned with the childminder. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder has communicated very well with parents. She has made regular telephone calls to maintain relationships with children and their families, and to check on their welfare.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans a good range of activities and outings that broaden children's experiences, interests and vocabularies. For example, children visit parks and the childminder's allotment where they grow and harvest food. The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour and their understanding. She gives clear yet sensitive instructions to children. This enables children to join in enthusiastically with activities, for example when they play complicated games with other children. Children take turns with minimal support from the childminder and show a great deal of respect for each other.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows children well. She observes children closely to find out what interests them and what they know and can do. The childminder uses this information to plan a curriculum which focuses on what children need to learn next. She offers them opportunities to develop their understanding of numbers and counting. However, at times, the childminder misses opportunities to develop older children's mathematical skills further through simple calculation. n The childminder teaches younger children how to recognise and name colours in everyday situations. The childminder encourages children to look at colours in the environment. Children look at flags of the world. They discuss the colours and patterns and make connections between these and the country. Children are engrossed as they find the country on the map of the world. n The childminder keeps parents informed about their children's progress. She

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need to do better?

communicates with them in a variety of ways. The childminder has developed effective systems to support children's learning at home. She has strong links with other local providers. This supports children's continuous learning. Parents comment that the childminder genuinely cares for the children. They state that they feel valued and welcomed, and that the childminder's practice has had a 'massive impact' on children's progress.

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need to do better?

27 October 2021 n The childminder has high expectations for all children. Children show good levels of concentration and demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning. They persevere during tasks and take pride in their achievements. The childminder uses questioning effectively to enable children to consider how they are feeling when they discuss their emotions. Children are kind and considerate towards each other. They take turns with the resources and politely ask when they would like to share a book with another child. Children's behaviour is good. n Children's health is supported well. The childminder follows good hygiene routines to keep children safe and to minimise the spread of infection. Children learn the importance of regular and thorough handwashing. The childminder has identified how she can support children's oral health. For example, she ensures that children's drinks between meals and snacks do not contribute to tooth

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need to do better?

decay. Children learn to manage their self-care routines well. n The childminder is inclusive in her practice. She uses a range of resources, including jigsaws, books and dolls, to talk with the children about the similarities and differences between themselves and others. The childminder promotes children's understanding of diversity in the community through discussions about different cultures and various festivals. n Currently, the childminder uses some good methods to develop her knowledge of the early years foundation stage. For instance, she liaises with another childminder in the locality. This helps her to gain good tips for her own practice. However, she recognises that she would like to seek out further training and support, to develop her skills to an even higher level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows what to do if she has concerns about a child and who to contact. The childminder attends safeguarding training to ensure that her knowledge is up to date. She has a written safeguarding policy in place that includes information about the use of mobile phones. The childminder provides a safe and secure environment for children. She identifies any potential hazards and removes them to make sure that the setting is safe for children to play. The childminder has a range of hygiene measures in place to ensure the health and safety of children attending.

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should:

n develop older children's understanding of simple calculation to extend their mathematical skills further n focus on how professional development opportunities can be used to raise the quality of the already good practice to a higher level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 506953 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10117041 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 13 Date of previous inspection 9 April 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1990 and lives in New Hartley, Whitley Bay. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She 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 childminder and the inspector had a learning walk. They discussed the learning environment and how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector observed and evaluated an activity. n Children talked with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation, including records and evidence of the suitability of household members. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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

27 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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