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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and content in the childminder's warm, friendly and welcoming home. They enjoy playing together with the wide range of toys and resources available for them. The childminder implements an effective curriculum that meets children's individual learning needs well, overall. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiastic interactions throughout the day. For example, the childminder places a high focus on children's literacy skills during snack time. Children listen when the childminder models the sound 'mmm' when they select pieces of melon to eat.

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The provision is good

Children behave very well while in the childminder's care. They are polite and say 'please' and 'thank you' consistently. Children listen and respond very well to the childminder's age-appropriate rules and boundaries. They show this when they move away from the kitchen when the childminder reminds them to remain within the play space.

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The provision is good

The childminder has followed strict protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. She changed some aspects of her practice and these remain in place, to avoid the spread of infection. Although parents now drop children off at the door, the childminder continues to share high-quality information about children's learning. This ensures a consistent approach in supporting children's development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder makes good use of her home environment and the local area to support children's learning. She uses areas such as local woodlands as exciting and stimulating places for children to learn in. For example, the childminder reads the popular story 'Stickman' to children as they explore and find sticks outdoors. This brings books to life for children and enables them to develop a keen interest in reading. n The childminder observes children as they play, to assess where they are in their learning. She uses the information she gathers well, overall, to plan activities that help children to make good progress in their learning. n Children demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning and have a great deal of fun with the childminder. They giggle when she asks them to bring her some milk from their role-play shop. Children develop good relationships with the childminder and other members of her family. They show that they feel safe and

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need to do better?

secure in the household and share the pictures they create with members of the childminder's family when they come in to see them. n The childminder accesses training to support and improve some aspects of her practice. However, she does not consistently use the information she gains to fully support the delivery of her curriculum. For instance, the childminder has

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need to do better?

11 November 2021 not used key messages about supporting children's language to best effect to support their individual learning needs. n The childminder provides a wide range of materials to enable children to explore different colours and textures. However, she has not fully considered how to provide opportunities for children to be creative and express their own ideas. For example, the childminder gave children printed images of poppies and directed them how to decorate them for Remembrance Day. The childminder demonstrated a keen attitude to explore this further following a discussion when this was brought to her attention. n Partnerships with external agencies and services are strong. The childminder demonstrates a highly positive attitude in working with other professionals who are also involved in children's care and learning. She incorporates strategies received from services such as speech and language therapy into her daily

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need to do better?

planning, to support children's individual needs. n Parents are delighted with the quality of education and care the childminder provides. Their written feedback highlights the progress their children make. Parents praise the childminder for the high standards she adopts in all aspects of her provision. n Children's good health, including their oral health, is supported very well. The childminder provides fresh, healthy meals and snacks during the day. She places a high priority on daily routines, such as regular handwashing and toothbrushing after meals. Children confidently perform these tasks and are beginning to develop a good understanding of how they support a healthy lifestyle.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding. She confidently describes signs or symptoms that may indicate possible abuse to children. She knows how to respond and who to contact should she have any concerns about a child in her care. A clear policy underpins her strong practice and includes key contact numbers for professionals, including her designated officer. The childminder risk assesses her home and garden area to ensure that they are safe for children to access. For instance, she added extra safety measures, such as additional handrails, to the new outdoor playhouse when this was installed.

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should:

n make better use of the information obtained from training, to support children's learning to a higher level n plan more effectively for children to develop their own ideas and decide how they wish to express them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2526102 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10202219 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 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Cramlington. She operates during term time from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for 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 took part in a learning walk. 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 inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the childminder and other household members. n Parents provided their views, which the inspector took account of.

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Inspection activities

11 November 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

11 November 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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