Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

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 have strong relationships with the caring childminder. They are emotionally secure in her company. The childminder offers a wide variety of resources to support children's learning. These are easily accessible, so that children can make choices and initiate their own play. The childminder follows children's interests and identifies activities which engage them. For example, the childminder provides a wide range of sensory play activities. Children thoroughly enjoy the textures of tinned spaghetti as they 'squelch' it in their hands. The childminder engages children in conversations and introduces new words to extend their vocabulary. Children make good progress in their learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder maintained regular contact with families during the COVID-19 pandemic. She sent videos and created individual activity packs for children to do at home. This helped children to continue to make progress at home and maintained their close relationships. The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour. Children are kind to one another and learn to share resources. They behave extremely well and are polite. Even the youngest of children use manners without being prompted. Children enjoy helping to tidy away the toys. They excitedly shout, 'I did it, I did it', when they are finished and are keen to show visitors their achievements.

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need to do better?

n The childminder spends time getting to know individual children. She fully understands how children learn. The childminder provides a broad curriculum that covers all areas of learning indoors and in the outdoor learning environment. n The childminder builds her curriculum around enhancing children's confidence, independence and language. Children play collaboratively and creatively together. For example, they build towers from construction pieces. Children develop their language skills as they talk about their creations. n The childminder supports children's communication and language well. She talks to children at appropriate times during their play and extends their vocabulary. The childminder provides opportunities to sing rhymes and songs. For example, babies dance in their high chairs as they listen to songs played on a smart speaker. This helps to support children to become confident communicators.

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need to do better?

n The childminder regularly introduces mathematical language. For example, children use mathematical words, such as 'taller' and 'shorter', as they read a familiar story about a zoo. This prepares them for later mathematical challenges as they move through their stages of education. n The childminder provides a healthy snack and lunch for children. She discusses the benefits of the food that children recognise and eat. However, on the day of

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need to do better?

9 January 2023 inspection, the childminder did not encourage children to wash their hands before mealtimes, even though they were using their fingers to feed themselves. This does not consistently help children to understand how germs can spread disease. n The childminder takes children to visit the local park, shops, playgroups and cafés. This helps to contribute to children's learning and understanding of the wider world and supports their communication and social skills. n The childminder supports children to develop an understanding of their personal safety. Children acknowledge that certain rules are in place for their well-being. For example, they understand that when crossing a road, they must hold on to the pushchair and not talk to strangers. n Parents say that they are happy with the care which the childminder provides. They comment regularly on the 'compliments' section of an electronic app.

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need to do better?

Parents report that their children develop lovely relationships with the childminder. They say that she is 'amazing', and feel they 'could not ask for anyone better'. n The childminder has formed professional relationships with staff at some other settings that children attend. However, these relationships are not yet consistently strong with all settings. This means that the childminder is not able to discuss all children's progress with other professionals, or build on the learning children receive at other settings they attend. n The childminder is committed to ongoing training and values her own continuous professional development. She holds discussions with other childminders to enhance her knowledge and skills further. The childminder is aware of the positive effect this has on the quality of service which she provides for children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding and child protection matters, including the risks associated with exposure to extremist views. She confidently explains the safeguarding policies and procedures to follow if she has any concerns about children's welfare. The childminder liaises well with relevant agencies. She knows how to respond if a child's welfare is at risk, including if an allegation is made against her. The childminder recognises when parents may need additional support. She knows how to correctly respond in a medical emergency. The childminder assesses risks effectively in her home and while on local outings. She keeps accurate records of children's attendance.

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should:

n promote children's understanding of the reasons for washing their hands

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should:

9 January 2023 n extend communication with other settings that children attend, to share information about all children's progress and build on their existing learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY460500 Local authority Stockton-on-Tees Inspection number 10264556 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 18 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 19 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Eaglescliffe, Stockton On Tees. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday and from 7.30am to 3pm on Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 6 and works with assistants. 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 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 childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided 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

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

9 January 2023 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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