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 Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children are very happy and settled with the childminder and her assistants. They enjoy the benefits of mixing with children of different ages. Children have access to carefully chosen resources that spark their imagination, and are suitable for the different age ranges of children who attend. This helps children to play calmly, purposefully and independently.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder and her assistants ensure children have a very broad range of learning experiences while in the setting. They are a part of the local community and have regular outings around the village, including to the local Roman fort, park, forest, river and stream. Children join in with community events, such as making a Christmas tree for the local church. They experience travel further afield, via the train or bus, and find out about different communities. Children visit museums and theatres to find out more about the world around them. They also have a range of visitors who come to share animals and creatures from around the world.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistants know the children very well, including their likes and dislikes. They gather information about children's development from parents when they first start, which supports their learning well. Overall, the childminder maintains a good overview of experiences planned for children. Through her monitoring, she is aware of some weaknesses in teaching. However, actions to address some minor inconsistencies in practice have not been effective in improving the overall quality of education provided, particularly for the younger children. n Children enjoy reading stories with the childminder and her assistants. They link the stories they have read to key events during the day. For example, at snack time, they recall hungry animals in stories they have read together, including 'The Tiger who Came to Tea' and 'The Gruffalo'. This leads on to discussions about foods that are healthy and unhealthy, and the importance of oral health.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are exposed to mathematical language. They are encouraged to count and compare the sizes of objects during the day. For example, when sharing out their snack, they have the choice of large, medium and small spoons. Children are encouraged to consider which would be the best size spoon and why. When they are outside, children have the opportunity to pour and mix potions in different-sized containers. They learn how to carefully carry the water from the bottom of the garden, up steps, to the mud kitchen. Children then experiment mixing different colours and talk about what they have created. n All parents share very positive feedback about the childminder. They talk about the 'home-from-home' environment children experience while with the

p.2

need to do better?

23 November 2022 childminder. Parents know about the progress their children have made since they started with the childminder. They feel involved in their children's learning, and talk positively about information shared with them by the childminder. Parents find it helpful to know how to support their children's learning at home. n The childminder is mostly clear on her strengths and areas for improvement. Assistants talk confidently about the training they have been on and the impact this has had on their practice. Future courses are planned focusing on the development of knowledge in key areas, to further improve outcomes for children. n Children are encouraged to be independent throughout the day. They demonstrate this when they put on their own shoes and coats, carry water in jugs, cut up fruit for snack and pour pasta in the pan to help with lunch. Even when they find something difficult, children have learned to persevere until they

p.2

need to do better?

achieve their goal. They love to be outdoors in the garden and are reluctant to come in at lunchtime.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff access regular safeguarding training, which ensures they are secure in their knowledge of how to keep children safe. They know the possible signs of abuse to look out for and are confident in their procedures if they have concerns about a child. The childminder knows how to report concerns to the relevant services, including any allegations against staff members. All staff know who to contact if an allegation is made against another member of staff. The childminder has robust recruitment and selection procedures in place for her assistants.

p.3

should:

n strengthen monitoring so that minor weaknesses in practice are swiftly addressed, to enable younger children to benefit fully from the curriculum.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY487679 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10229730 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 21 Date of previous inspection 28 February 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2015 and lives in Corbridge. She operates all year round, from 7.15am to 5:30pm, Monday to Thursday and 7:15 to 2:30 on a Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with two assistants.

p.4

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder/assistants and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 November 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 November 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6