Childminder in Darlington

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children have strong bonds with the childminder and each other. They settle quickly and well. Children join in happily with a wide range of activities indoors and outside. All children show that they feel safe in the childminder's home. They are confident to approach the childminder for reassurance and cuddles, or for help if they need it. Children play cooperatively alongside each other. They pretend that a large cardboard box is a home for one of the 'three little pigs'. The childminder animatedly plays the part of the wolf and children join in with the refrain for the story. This is an example of how the childminder helps to develop children's language and early literacy skills through role play. Children have fun while they learn.

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The provision is good

Children behave very well. They follow clear boundaries and routines which are set by the childminder, her assistants and co-childminder. All adults are very good role models. Children understand the childminder's high expectations of them. The childminder helps children to sort out any small disputes. For example, she demonstrates that there is room for one more child in the den. Children collaborate in activities such as rolling balls down a tube. They take turns and share the resources. Children willingly help to collect the balls to have another go.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands children's needs and interests very well. She involves parents in their children's learning. Parents say that the childminder's communication is effective. The childminder and parents exchange information securely online or on the telephone. Children enter the setting confidently on their own, following the COVID-19 pandemic. The experienced childminder shares advice with parents about how to support young children, for instance when weaning. Parents comment that the childminder treats their child 'like one of her own'. n All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress. They are well prepared for their future learning and move on to school. Partnerships with schools and other agencies are strong. For example, the childminder is proactive in seeking additional support for children who need this, to narrow any gaps in their development. However, on occasion,

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need to do better?

the childminder does not challenge and extend children's learning and skills. For instance, older children do not consistently help to set up their play activities or cut up their own food. n The childminder places a high priority on supporting children's communication and language skills. She pronounces and repeats words correctly and clearly, adding new vocabulary. The childminder talks to children during activities, offering clear explanations and guidance. Children join in conversations

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need to do better?

29 April 2022 enthusiastically with their friends and adults. n Children show a great love of books and stories. They frequently choose their favourite picture books to look at, such as after snack time. Children concentrate on listening to the 'story of the week' and show a good understanding, for example of what will happen next. The childminder engages children well, using varied tones and by skilfully asking questions. n The childminder and her assistant weave mathematical language into activities. For instance, they talk about the size and shape of a variety of balls that children roll down a large tube. Adults provide sand timers to help children to wait their turn and to also help their understanding of early mathematics. n Children learn about the similarities and differences between themselves and others. For example, the childminder takes children on regular trips to the wider community where they chat with staff in shops, the post office and park

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need to do better?

keepers. She provides a range of resources that reflect different cultures and experiences, such as books and dolls. n The childminder and her assistants develop their skills, including in managing children's behaviour, and use their learning well. However, the childminder's reflections do not precisely identify further areas for improvement across the setting to raise standards to the very highest level. n The childminder takes account of children's food allergies and needs. She plans healthy menus for children, including a selection of fruit and vegetables. Children learn about how to look after their teeth. They make choices for themselves, such as picking their own resources. Children have excellent manners, saying 'please' and thank you'. They independently wash their hands and find their shoes and coats, putting these on with help from adults. This helps to promote their understanding of how to care for themselves.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how to identify concerns about a child's welfare. She knows the action to take should there be any issues. The childminder is aware of the need for all members of her household to be vetted and suitable and ensures that this happens. She has robust systems to keep children secure and minimise any hazards in the home, garden and on outings. The childminder is vigilant about e-safety and speaks with parents about how to keep their children safe online. Children learn how to keep themselves safe, for instance when climbing and balancing.

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should:

n identify further clear targets for improvements to enhance the already good

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should:

29 April 2022 quality of education n offer children even more challenging learning experiences, to help extend their abilities to the highest possible levels.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY537754 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10231674 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 18 Number of children on roll 20 Date of previous inspection 11 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Darlington. She operates all year round from 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 7.45am to 5.30pm on Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She works alongside a co-childminder and with one of two assistants each day. 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 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 discussed her intentions for children's learning and explained how she works with her assistants to keep children safe. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions between the childminder, her assistant and children and evaluated the impact on children's learning. The inspector jointly observed an activity with the childminder. n Some parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder showed the inspector key documentation, including paediatric first-aid certificates and public liability insurance. She discussed her self- evaluation.

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Inspection activities

29 April 2022 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 April 2022 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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