Childminder in Durham

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children receive the very best start in life with this childminder. Her respectful and caring approach helps to develop children's character tremendously. Their achievements are beautifully celebrated as the childminder showers them with positive praise and encouragement. Children are very confident and thrive. They tell the inspector that the childminder makes them happy and how they love to play with their favourite cars.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely motivated to learn. The childminder is an expert when it comes to the children that she cares for. She meticulously plans purposeful learning experiences. Children show a very positive attitude towards their play and learning. They are keen and inquisitive, finding the environment and resources fascinating and stimulating. The childminder's skilful questioning encourages children to think deeply and problem-solve as they scoop and weigh small grains. Children make predictions about what might happen next and experiment as they balance weighing scales. This helps them to make excellent levels of progress.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is impeccable. They consistently demonstrate kindness and consideration for others. For example, they help each other take their shoes and coats off on arrival at the setting. Children have a firm understanding of the impact of their behaviour on others. This helps them to develop empathy and high levels of self-control, which makes the setting a harmonious place to be where children feel safe and respected.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an exceptional knowledge of the stage of development of all children in her care. She is incredibly clear about what she wants children to learn, and why. Her intent is seamlessly threaded through interactions and the activities that she plans for children. At every opportunity, she facilitates learning wonderfully. This means that all children, including those who require additional support, are very well prepared for their next stage of education. n Children's communication and language skills flourish. Children are exposed to an abundant range of new words as they play and chatter excitedly with the skilled childminder. For example, they talk about the crow's nest on their pirate ships and how vegetables 'defrost'. They sing a range of familiar rhymes as they take turns to collect prompts from the singing bag. Children are mesmerised while the animated childminder reads stories that they know very well.

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need to do better?

n Children learn about the world around them in ways which fascinate them. The childminder plans a variety of exciting opportunities which the children may not have experienced before. For example, children observe life cycles first hand during trips to the nature reserve and visits to the allotment. They ride on public

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need to do better?

1 February 2023 transport. Children socialise at playgroups. This helps to develop their social and cultural appreciation and gives children the skills they need for life. n The childminder teaches children about how to keep themselves safe. Children have opportunities to take and manage risks independently. They learn about road safety and stranger danger while on outings. The childminder places a great emphasis on healthy lifestyles. She works in partnership with parents to ensure that children's oral health is good. Children enjoy balanced and varied meals, eaten together at the table. This gives them a great foundation for a healthy life. n Parents are exceptionally happy with the service and support that they receive. They shower the childminder with positive praise, describing her as 'a lady who has influenced their lives and brought love, kindness and compassion'. They are provided with infinite ideas about how to support children's learning further at

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need to do better?

home. This helps children make great progress from their starting points. n Partnerships with wider professionals are of exceptional quality. Children who need extra help are very well supported. For instance, the childminder develops and implements targeted plans for them in partnership with health professionals. This timely action ensures that all children receive the support they need to thrive. Furthermore, she works collaboratively with other settings that children attend to share planning ideas. This helps to complement and extend children's learning. n The childminder's dedication to her role is exceptionally clear to see. She has an admirable desire to continuously improve her already outstanding setting. Training is sharply focused. It positively impacts on outcomes for children. For example, the childminder completes countless training courses to support children's individual and specific needs. This helps to deliver consistently high

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is dedicated to her role in keeping children safe. She is proactive in keeping her child protection knowledge up to date through regular training. She is incredibly alert to the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of abuse. Furthermore, she is clear about the processes to follow should she have concerns about children's welfare. The childminder closely monitors children's attendance as she understands how this could be a potential indicator for safeguarding issues. Thorough hygiene practices promote children's well-being. For example, all children sanitise their hands on entry to the house. This helps to stop the spread of infection.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY491165 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10236688 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 9 Date of previous inspection 14 March 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Willington, Crook. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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 and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the childminder. 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

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

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