Childminder in Durham

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children are safe and happy in this vibrant and exciting setting. They become deeply absorbed in play activities from the moment they arrive. For instance, children are incredibly motivated to find the most effective way to carry volumes of water to make an ocean. They help each other use the outdoor tap, and giggle uncontrollably when someone gets it wrong and water spurts out. Older children protect the younger children from the spray and delight in making their own puddles to jump and splash. Children play and communicate very harmoniously together as they invent spaghetti worms and pasta sharks. They use the flexible resources exceptionally well as they develop their creative and physical skills safely and independently. For instance, they carefully 'walk the plank' over the ocean, learn to take turns and help younger children to balance. New children quickly develop confidence in their abilities.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is impeccable, and they gain high levels of independence and self-esteem. For example, the inspector was warmly welcomed by children who asked her which language she wanted them to say 'hello' in. Would this be in French, German or Spanish? Children are articulate and show excellent critical- thinking skills. For example, they work out how to extend the pirate ship they have built.

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need to do better?

n This dedicated, highly experienced childminder has created an exceptionally nurturing and caring provision. She, her co-minder and assistant tune into children's individual needs. All children thrive, including those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The childminder ensures the curriculum is precisely planned and organised. Her assessments provide a complete overview of what children can do and what they need to learn next. They are accurate and include contributions from parents. Consequently, children are excited to learn and their progress is rapid. n The setting is extremely well-thought-out to maximise the children's learning potential. The outdoor space is exciting and stimulating, with lots to do and see. For example, children are involved in making props for their imaginative games. They move around the areas with glee, happily describing what they are learning. Children have enormous fun as they learn skills for their future move

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need to do better?

on to school. n The childminder's engagement and interactions with children are outstanding. She skilfully adapts her commentary and questions to the age and stage of the child she is speaking with. She evaluates if they need to be challenged or to recap on what they have learned. This helps children build on what they already know securely.

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need to do better?

19 May 2022 n Children behave extremely well. They show great care and consideration for each other because they learn the importance of sharing and being kind. Children follow the very high expectations set by the childminder. Older children take great pride in helping their younger friends with activities and routines. n Partnerships with parents are exceptionally strong. They describe their children's progress as 'incredible'. They comment on the excellent feedback they are given to help their children continue their learning at home. They give special mention to the thoughtfulness given during the pandemic with gifts, especially for their own well-being. One such example was a 'COVID Survival Pack'. n The childminder meticulously seeks feedback about her service from parents, children and other professionals. She uses this information extremely well to further develop her practice, so that all children achieve the best possible

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need to do better?

outcomes. n The childminder has excellent relationships with other professionals and agencies involved with children's care. For instance, they commend her on 'her integrated working, professionalism and commitment'. This ensures the safety and well-being of those children in her care. n This inspirational childminder never stops thinking about what she can do to make the setting even better. She works extremely hard to maintain her outstanding practice, using her vast knowledge to support others. For example, during the pandemic, she set up a social media page to support other childminders. She has continued to work with a local university to research the role of creativity in child development. In addition, she has continued to support students to be the best childcare practitioners they can be.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety and safeguarding are of paramount importance to this experienced childminder. Highly comprehensive safeguarding procedures are in place and understood by her, her co-minder and their assistant. They test each other's knowledge regularly through scenarios and questions. The co-minders ensure their assistant's suitability to work with children. Children are learning how to keep safe and healthy exceptionally well. For instance, they talk about 'stranger danger' and know what to do if they get lost. They say they will stand still. They then sang the song they have learned to shout out, to help reassure them until someone safe arrives.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY382928 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10225898 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 10 Date of previous inspection 28 September 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Crook, Durham. She works alongside her husband, who is also a registered childminder. She also works with an assistant. She operates all year round from 7am to 5pm, 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 provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the curriculum, and the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the childminder on her assistant during a mealtime. n The inspector spoke with the childminder, co-minder, the assistant and children during the inspection. She also held a telephone call with the assistant who recently went on maternity leave. n The inspector spoke to a parent, read several parents' feedback messages and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

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Inspection activities

suitability of adults working with the childminder.

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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

19 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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