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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children thrive in the home of this friendly, caring and patient childminder. They are cared for in a home-from-home environment. Children develop a good relationship with the childminder. This is evident as they sit on her knee to look at books. Parents comment on how her patience and reassurance helped children to settle after the pandemic. Parents say, 'children thrive in the warm, homely and supportive setting.' Children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, they learn how to use knives to cut fruit. They begin to understand how to hold them with the blade pointing down as they cut.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children's learning. She plans a range of activities to develop children's learning across the whole curriculum. For instance, she uses books to develop children's awareness of different textures. Children listen intently and enjoy exploring the different textures in the play scene she has created. They develop good attitudes to their learning. Two-year-old children demonstrate good concentration for their age as they play with dolls. They focus intently as they try to change a doll's nappy. They persevere as they work out how to fasten it.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows what children are interested in and plans a range of thought provoking and stimulating activities to develop children's interests. For example, when children are interested in the book 'Stick Man', she plans opportunities for children to visit the woods. Children thoroughly enjoy collecting sticks and experiencing some of the activities in the book, such as 'pooh sticks'. n The childminder is committed to improving her practice further. She evaluates how things work and identifies areas for improvement. She has recently changed the organisation of her playroom and children are much more engaged as a result of this. The childminder accesses a range of webinars to improve her practice further. She reflects on key messages from training and makes changes where necessary. n The childminder works effectively with the local nursery. Teachers share their planning with the childminder, and she builds on this in her own home. An

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need to do better?

example of this is when children explore porridge following the story of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'. They thoroughly enjoy making marks in it to develop their physical skills further. Teachers from the school comment on how the childminder shares her assessments with the school. This helps to ensure she has an up-to-date knowledge of where children are in their learning. n The childminder places a high priority on developing children's communication and language. She speaks clearly and is a good role model. She reads a range of books with very good expression. She talks about the illustrations with children.

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need to do better?

1 February 2023 The childminder listens to children and repeats and extends what children are saying. However, occasionally she allows more confident communicators to lead the conversations. This means that, occasionally, quieter children do not get the same opportunities to express their thoughts and ideas. n The childminder helps children to develop an understanding of how they can keep themselves healthy. For example, children know that they need to wash their hands before eating. They take themselves off to the sink when the childminder mentions snack. She provides children with a range of healthy foods. Children learn how to look after their teeth, for example they learn to brush their teeth after lunch. n Children learn to play alongside each other. For example, they thoroughly enjoy having a tea party following a story. They pick out the food and explore making sandwiches. However, the childminder sometimes misses opportunities to

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need to do better?

develop skills, such as sharing. When she reinforces 'one each' children play together well. However, sometimes she does not build on opportunities to reinforce how children can ask for toys and share with their friends. Children occasionally become frustrated as a result of this. n The childminder has an excellent relationship with parents. She keeps them well informed about what children are doing in her home. The childminder knows what children are interested in at home too. This means that she can plan activities to support children's interests. Parents appreciate the regular updates the childminder gives them about their children's learning.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder ensures children are safe. Her home is safe and secure. For example, the doors are locked to prevent unauthorised people entering. She takes effective action when she identifies potential hazards in the environment. For example, she uses a stairgate to prevent children using the stairs. She supervises children as they enter or leave the playroom. The childminder has a very good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows the procedures she would follow if she had concerns about a child's welfare.

p.3

should:

n ensure quieter children have the same high levels of support to enable them to express their thoughts and ideas n provide even more support to children to help them to share their toys with their friends.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2598984 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10265354 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

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 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020. She lives in Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay. The childminder provides childcare from Monday to Friday all year round from 7.30am until 5.30pm. She holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 6. The childminder is registered to provide funded places for children aged two, three and four years.

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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 showed the inspector around her home and explained how she organises her provision. n The inspector observed children playing and evaluated the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder evaluated an activity with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate points during the inspection. n Parents provided written feedback for the purpose of the inspection. n The childminder talked about how manages her setting. She showed the inspector a range of documents, including those relating to her suitability.

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Inspection activities

1 February 2023 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

1 February 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

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

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