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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are extremely happy in the setting. They are very much 'at home' and their parents say that are keen to attend. The childminder is passionate about providing a nurturing environment to help children feel secure and valued. Strong bonds are evident between the children and the childminder and children approach her with much affection. The childminder instils positive values and teaches the children about the importance of being kind and caring. Children understand rules and routines. For example, they know they must walk sensibly when on outings and sit at the table at snack and lunchtime.

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The provision is good

Children relish the opportunities to discover the wider world on the many outings provided. They are active learners who approach everything with great enthusiasm and interest. They love being creative and have much fun as they join in activities, such as designing and building a 'dinosaur world'. They select different resources and place these carefully in the sand, showing good imagination and impressive fine motor skills.

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The provision is good

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder has made every effort to maintain contact with children when they have not attended her setting. For example, she has read stories to them over the internet. She reopened her setting to all children as soon as it was safe to do so that she could support families. The childminder has taken steps to keep everyone safe, such as making changes at drop-off and collection times. Parents and children have adapted well to this.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is a qualified, experienced practitioner. She thinks carefully about what skills children need to practise, what they need to learn next and what they are interested in. This helps her to plan a curriculum that is enjoyable, challenging and supports children to make good progress. n The childminder prepares children well for new experiences. For example, she reads stories about going to the dentist and plans role-play activities. This helps them to know what to expect and reduces any anxiety they may have. As the time approaches for children to start nursery and school, the childminder introduces them to teaching staff and the school environment. This helps to ensure a confident and smooth transition. n Children develop knowledge to help them avoid making unhealthy choices and developing bad habits. The childminder teaches them about the importance of eating nutritious foods and following good hygiene routines. She encourages

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need to do better?

children to take part in yoga and meditation sessions to further support their physical and mental health. n The childminder encourages children to grow in independence. She supports

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need to do better?

10 May 2022 them to do things for themselves, such as putting on coats and shoes. Children are happy to 'have a go' and quickly develop these skills. This prepares them well for nursery and school. n For the most part, children's speech is very successfully promoted and they become confident in speaking and listening. Children eagerly and enthusiastically join in conversations and express themselves well through words and gestures. The childminder asks children questions as they play. However, she does not always give them sufficient time to think and respond before she moves on to another question. Additionally, very occasionally, she does not use the correct words as she describes things. This results in children hearing and learning incorrect language. n Parents' and children's views and opinions are very important to the childminder. She very much values their input to help her to develop and improve her setting.

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need to do better?

Parents speak very highly of the childminder and the care she provides. They describe her as being 'fantastic' and 'caring' and say that she helps their children to make good progress in their learning and development. n The childminder accesses information on the internet and liaises with other childminders and local authority advisers. This raises her awareness of new childcare initiatives and changes to legislation. She completes training to bring about improvements to her practice. The childminder shares what she has learned with her assistant to enhance the quality of their teaching.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder places a high priority on children's safety. She carries out risk assessments inside her home, in the garden and before going on outings. Children are well supervised at all times. They are learning how to keep themselves safe. The childminder talks to them about road safety and how to use equipment such as scissors and knives correctly. Her understanding of child protection procedures is secure and she is clear about what to do should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder ensures that her child protection knowledge is up to date through reading and training.

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should:

n allow children more time to think and respond to questions and new ideas n teach children the correct words for things in order to enhance their speaking skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY447855 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10229615 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 12 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 23 November 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Lanchester. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She works with an assistant and provides funded early education for 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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

10 May 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

10 May 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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