Childminder in Durham

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Children's welfare is compromised because the childminder does not have the knowledge to enable her to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect. That said, children are happy and content in the childminder's care. The childminder is warm and nurturing and provides a relaxed, homely childcare environment. Children approach her readily and with much affection and build in confidence. They independently choose from the varied range of resources available. They have a real love of books and spend a considerable amount of time looking at these and reading them with the childminder.

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The provision is inadequate

Children are very keen to do things for themselves and have a 'can-do' attitude. They concentrate when carrying out activities and take pride in their achievements when they complete a task. Children are learning how to share and take turns with their peers. The childminder supports them in this and gives them lots of praise and reassurance to help them manage their feelings. Children know and respond well to routines and expectations. For example, they know they must sit at the table when eating and must hold the childminder's hand when on outings to keep them safe.

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need to do better?

n The childminder does not have policies and procedures in place to enable her to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect. She is also unfamiliar with how to identify and protect children from extreme views and behaviours. The childminder lacks knowledge of the local safeguarding procedures in place to protect children. Consequently, she may not be able to respond in a timely and appropriate way to ensure children are kept safe. n Although the childminder is confident that parents would tell her of any concerns they have about the provision, she does not make details available to them about how to contact Ofsted if they believe she is not meeting the early years foundation stage requirements. n The childminder recognises that by reading books with children, she introduces lots of different words and this helps to develop their speech and language. She chooses books that spark children's interest and, as a result, they engage well

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need to do better?

and join in the storytelling enthusiastically. Children love listening to new stories and old favourites. n The childminder assesses where children are in their development and identifies what they need to do next in order to prepare them for their next stage of learning. She also reviews their progress between the ages of two and three years and provides parents with a written summary of this. Children make good progress and are becoming well prepared for school.

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need to do better?

7 December 2021 n The childminder introduces mathematics into a range of activities and children become competent in their counting skills. They are beginning to learn the correct words to use when talking about the number, shape and size of objects. During a craft activity, children correctly identify what is 'big' and 'small' as they choose decorations for their Christmas wreath. They use items such as glue sticks with control and precision as they design and create their Christmas decorations. This helps children to develop good fine motor skills in readiness for writing. n The childminder has positive relationships with parents and they speak highly of the care their children receive. For example, they comment on how caring the childminder is and how they would be 'lost without her'. Parents say their children learn many things, including shapes, numbers, songs and skills such as using knives and forks at mealtimes.

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need to do better?

n Children's health and hygiene are a high priority of the childminder. Good standards of hygiene are maintained throughout the childcare premises. The childminder follows COVID-19 guidance to help to keep children safe and takes additional steps to protect children during the ongoing pandemic, for example increased handwashing and cleaning toys.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder does not undertake child protection training to ensure she has up- to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues. This compromises the welfare of children in her care. The childminder does take good steps to keep children safe in her home and when on outings. Risk assessments are completed and appropriate safety measures are taken. The childminder supervises children carefully when playing in the outdoor areas to ensure they are not at risk.

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Due date

improve safeguarding knowledge, including recognising possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and aspects of child protection which relate to the 'Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales 2015', to be able to keep children safe 04/01/2022

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Due date

7 December 2021 gain knowledge and understanding of the procedures to follow should there be concerns about a child's welfare 04/01/2022

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Due date

make available to parents and/or carers details about how to contact Ofsted if they believe requirements of the early years foundation stage are not being met. 04/01/2022

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Setting details

Unique reference number 314000 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10210027 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 3 Date of previous inspection 12 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Chester le Street, County Durham. She operates her provision from 7.30am to 6pm on Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 inspector observed the children at play and how they interacted with the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching activities and assessed the impact of these on children's learning. n The inspector observed activities and discussed these with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through telephone conversations. n This inspection was carried out as a result of a risk assessment, following information received about the provider.

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Inspection activities

7 December 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

7 December 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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