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 Inadequate

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in the care of this nurturing and experienced childminder. They confidently explore the well-organised playroom, choosing interesting resources to play with. Skilful questioning as they play helps children to make progress. For example, they are encouraged to count and repeat the names of colours as they stack different beakers. Children demonstrate extremely high levels of concentration as they use craft resources to create Christmas cards and decorations. There are plenty of books for children to enjoy. They snuggle up with the childminder as she invites them to choose familiar stories and rhymes. This supports children to develop a love of reading.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are polite and helpful. They beam with pride when they are praised for helping to tidy up. Children are learning how to share and to take turns. When minor disagreements occur, the childminder is consistent in her approach. She speaks to children sensitively and helps them to know how to be kind to their friends.

p.2

The provision is good

There are many opportunities for children to visit places of interest. The childminder has a love of nature, and she passes this on to children when they explore the local countryside. They also attend playgroups and activities in the library. Here, they can socialise with larger groups of children. This helps children to prepare for their transition to school.

p.2

need to do better?

n Since the last inspection, the childminder has worked hard to improve her safeguarding knowledge. As a result, changes have been made to her policy and procedures. She puts the safety of children at the centre of all that she does. She is a reflective practitioner and regularly updates her knowledge through reading about good practice. n Children benefit from learning opportunities that focus on their individual needs. The childminder spends time getting to know about the children's interests and their home lives. She uses this knowledge to plan activities to motivate and engage individual children. For example, she explains how she set up a hair salon to encourage younger children to take turns and older children to develop early writing skills as they made appointments. When supporting children's learning, she follows their lead. When children show an interest in making models using cardboard tubes, the childminder makes sure they have the

p.2

need to do better?

resources they need. As a result, children become engrossed in their play. n The childminder recognises the importance of supporting children's speech and communication. She encourages children to use words rather than to point when they want something. She skilfully repeats words clearly so children can hear the

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need to do better?

13 December 2022 correct pronunciation. Through her assessments, she identifies when children may not be making as much progress as they should. The childminder makes sure that parents and other professionals become involved. However, she has not accessed any training to improve her knowledge and understanding of how to support children's speech development. n Children's health and well-being is promoted through regular opportunities to play and learn in the fresh air. They use a local playground for physical development opportunities like climbing, balancing, and jumping. Healthy meals are provided, and children are encouraged to try different fruits and vegetables. Children know when they need to wash their hands before eating. n There are many opportunities for children to make independent choices in their play and learning. The childminder has also identified that the children are sometimes reluctant to 'have a go' when developing their self-care skills, such as

p.2

need to do better?

putting on shoes and coats or feeding themselves. She explains how she supports parents to understand how they can help children to become more independent. However, at times, her own approach is not consistent. She washes or wipes the children's hands for them. She does not ask children to help with routine tasks, such as setting the table or pouring their own drinks. n Written feedback from parents praises the high level of care provided by the childminder. This includes meeting the needs of children with complex health conditions. Parents welcome the daily feedback they receive about their children's progress. Effective partnerships are in place with local schools. This helps children as they move on to their next stage of education.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder provides a safe and secure environment for children. She is highly aware of her responsibility to protect children in her care. She carries out appropriate risk assessments, and then puts measures in place to safeguard children. Her knowledge and understanding of how to report any allegations against herself or any household members is in line with local safeguarding partnership procedures. The childminder can confidently describe different indicators that a child may be at risk of harm. This includes knowledge of the 'Prevent' duty and of county lines. She knows who to contact to report any concerns.

p.3

should:

n focus continued professional development opportunities on improving teaching skills further, especially in relation to supporting children's speech and communication

p.3

should:

13 December 2022 n further support children's self-care skills by encouraging children to carry out more tasks independently.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY264209 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10265478 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 22 September 2022

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Bishop Auckland. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the childminder and has taken this into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector considered written feedback from parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

Inspection activities

13 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

13 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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