Barker, Gail

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children feel very safe and secure in this welcoming, home-from-home environment. They develop a very close and secure relationship with the kind and caring childminder. Children look to her for cuddles and reassurance when there is an unfamiliar visitor present. They soon settle quickly and are eager to start their day. Children independently explore the activities and resources and show a can-do attitude. For example, older babies push different sized balls through a cardboard box and down tubes. Younger babies persevere until they successfully place wooden hoops onto a stacking ring. The childminder provides an abundance of praise and encouragement. This helps to develop children's self-confidence and raise their self-esteem. The childminder knows children and their families very well. She organises initial starting visits, where she gathers vital information from parents about their children's interests and abilities.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. Even the very youngest babies understand that they need to be kind and share. The childminder provides gentle reminders about children's behaviour, when needed. This helps children to begin to understand what is expected of them. Children develop a love of books. They independently select books and sit snuggled up on the childminder's knee, listening to their favourite stories.

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need to do better?

n The experienced childminder is clearly passionate about her role. She regularly reflects on her practice and is committed to developing her knowledge and understanding. The childminder works closely with the local authority and other childminders to ensure that her practice is continually developing. n The childminder supports children's growing independence very well. She encourages children to select their own activities and resources. Young babies learn to use a spoon at mealtimes and older babies feed themselves finger foods and wash their hands. This helps to develop children's independence and self- care skills. n The quality of education is good. The childminder observes children in their play and plans exciting activities based on their interests. For example, the childminder knows that children enjoy exploring open-ended resources. However, the childminder does not always specifically focus on children's next

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need to do better?

steps in learning during planned activities. This means that children do not always make the best possible progress. n Overall, children make good progress in their communication skills. The childminder constantly talks to children as they play, introduces new words and asks age-appropriate questions. However, sometimes, the childminder uses words such as 'doggy, horsey' and 'birdy'. This means that children do not

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need to do better?

10 January 2023 always hear the correct pronunciation of words. n Relationships with parents are very positive. The childminder works closely with parents from the very beginning. She shares ideas and suggestions with parents about how they can extend children's learning at home. Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They explain that the childminder is 'warm and approachable' and that their children have 'come on leaps and bounds' since attending the childminder's setting. n Children go on regular trips in the local community. They attend a number of playgroups, where they mix with other children. This helps to develop their social development. The childminder provides opportunities for children to learn about other cultures. For example, children find out about the Year of the Rabbit as they learn about Chinese New Year. This helps children to learn about the wider world around them. n The childminder works extremely hard to support children's personal, social and

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need to do better?

emotional development. She truly values children as individuals and takes time to settle each child. The childminder is calm, warm and approachable. As a result, children settle quickly and develop a sense of belonging. n The childminder is an excellent role model, who is kind and nurturing. She has clear rules and boundaries in place. As a result, children's behaviour is consistently good. n Children have daily opportunities to be physically active and enjoy fresh air. For example, they enjoy playing in the childminder's well-resourced garden. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that they provide healthy and nutritious packed lunches and snacks. She speaks to children about the importance of oral hygiene. This helps children to develop an understanding of the importance of healthy lifestyles.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her role in protecting children. She attends regular training to keep her knowledge and understanding up to date. The childminder recognises the signs that may indicate a child is at risk. She understands the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about children's welfare. The childminder knows how to report any allegations made against her or a family member. The childminder regularly risk assesses her indoor and outdoor environment. This helps to keep children safe.

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should:

n focus teaching more precisely on children's individual next steps in learning during activities, to help to extend their learning even further

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should:

10 January 2023 n ensure that children hear the correct pronunciation of words.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 305468 Local authority Sunderland Inspection number 10262854 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 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 5 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1999 and lives in Sunderland. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about how she organises the curriculum. n The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their views of the provision. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children. n The childminder carried out a joint observation of an activity with the inspector.

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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

10 January 2023 10 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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