Bolam, Angela

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 happy, confident and settled in the childminder's warm and welcoming home. Children form positive bonds with the childminder and show a strong sense of belonging in her care. They behave very well and have a positive attitude to their learning. Children concentrate well for their ages. The childminder knows children and their families very well. She makes the most of this information to follow children's interests as they take the lead during their play. In the well- organised playroom, children delight in joining in with actions and words from their favourite songs and familiar rhymes. This helps children to develop their language and communication and early literacy skills.

p.2

The provision is good

Children giggle excitedly as they choose freely from a wide range of stimulating resources. For example, children enjoy games, such as dinosaur lotto, that help them to practise taking turns and sharing. Young children mould and roll homemade dough, using shape cutters to make gingerbread people. This helps them to develop their manipulative skills. Children use all of their senses, such as when they sprinkle their creations with aromatic spices and taste the cranberry 'eyes'. They eat a gingerbread man for snack while watching a video of the story. Children use their imaginations as they pretend that the gingerbread figures can walk and talk.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is ambitious and committed. She reflects on her practice and strives to make improvements. The childminder continues to build her knowledge. For example, she exchanges ideas with other childminders and researches new activities. However, she does not consistently identify plans to develop her provision to the very highest level. n The childminder plans a wide range of outings and visits, such as to the local library, museums, beaches and parks. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise in the outdoor play area. They develop their physical skills, for instance at soft-play areas. Children socialise within the wider community at groups. They learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others. n The experienced childminder collects information from parents from the start. She knows about what children can do, their likes and dislikes and their routines. The childminder works closely with parents to support children's learning and

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need to do better?

development, such as when toilet training. n Parents value good communication from the childminder. They feel well informed about their children's experiences and achievements, and how to continue their learning at home. Parents are happy that their children are excited to go to the childminder's home to have fun. n Children are enthusiastic and active learners. They eagerly seek out their

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need to do better?

19 December 2022 favourite resources, such as building bricks and model animals to create a farm scene. They cooperate well with their friends during activities. The childminder is a very good role model and offers specific guidance and encouragement. Children learn to be polite, kind and respectful. They copy the childminder's support for their achievements when they praise her efforts as she plays alongside them. n The childminder provides adult-led group activities to follow particular topics and offer one-to-one support for individual children. Children show that they are keen to join in, for example, when comparing sizes and shapes of materials. However, on occasion, the childminder does not plan the activity as effectively. For instance, young children do not pay close attention to the story of the gingerbread man as she reads because they are still exploring tools and resources. n Children follow good hygiene practices. For instance, they wash their own hands

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need to do better?

after messy activities and before eating. They help themselves to drinking water. The childminder provides nutritious, homemade meals with a range of fruit and vegetables. Children help to grow vegetables in the garden and then enjoy eating these. This helps to promote their health and well-being. n The childminder is clear about what she wants children to learn in preparation for their future learning. She promotes children's independence and self-care skills during everyday routines. For example, children put on their own coats and shoes before playing outside. All children make good progress in their learning. They gain the basic skills that they will need when they move on to nursery and school. n The childminder prioritises the development of children's communication and language skills. Children copy and repeat new words during activities. The childminder gives children time to think and answer questions and share their

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a thorough understanding of how to safeguard children in her care. She and her assistant regularly update their safeguarding knowledge. The childminder confidently explains the possible signs of abuse. She knows how to report concerns about children's welfare. The childminder understands the need to report any allegations made against herself or her assistant. She ensures that her premises are safe and secure for children and that outings are carried out safely. Children learn about keeping themselves from harm. For example, they routinely join in with tidying up resources after activities, to minimise the risk of trips and falls.

p.3

should:

19 December 2022 n identify precise improvements to raise the quality of the setting to the highest level n strengthen planning further to maximise children's learning opportunities during adult-led activities so that they achieve even better outcomes.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY396029 Local authority Gateshead Inspection number 10265090 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

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 7 Date of previous inspection 24 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Felling, Gateshead. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3. She sometimes works with an assistant. The childminder provides funded early years education for three-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 provision. n The childminder completed a joint observation with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children, at appropriate times, throughout the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the childminder's provision with the inspector in written feedback. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation.

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Inspection activities

19 December 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

19 December 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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