Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children are welcomed into this warm and inviting home. The childminder is friendly and affectionate, and children are extremely relaxed in her company. Children chat easily with each other as they settle in, and the childminder responds with genuine interest. Children are highly motivated and engage with a wide range of interesting and stimulating resources. These are age-appropriate and open ended, allowing children's imagination to flourish. Children become deeply engaged in their play. They sustain concentration for considerable periods of time and the childminder engages wholeheartedly with them as they eagerly invite her to join in.

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The provision is outstanding

Outside, a tray contains sand which has been coloured blue. Children enthusiastically exclaim when they see it and immediately go to investigate. They spend a considerable amount of time covering their hands with the sand and delightedly show the childminder, remarking, 'Look my hands have gone blue.' Children then wash the sand off their hands in the water tray close by. They watch intently as the sand dissolves and drips off their hands into the water. They are inspired and delighted by the result of their actions and excitedly repeat the process several times.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder has high expectations. She models positive behaviour effectively throughout the day and routines are securely embedded. Children are extremely kind and caring towards each other. They are able to share and cooperate and have an exceptional attitude to their play and learning. Before children go outside, they are encouraged to tidy up and they do this quickly and independently and receive positive praise from the childminder. When one of the children hurts their finger, the childminder responds sensitively, carefully examining it before giving lots of hugs and reassurance.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an ambitious and meticulous commitment to ensuring that children are supported effectively to make rapid progress in their learning and development. She gets to know children extremely well from their first day and consistently builds on this by expertly following the children's interests and planning for what they need to know next. The childminder is adept at recognising when children are falling behind and need more support and implements this extremely well. n Before snack time, children independently follow effective self-care routines for handwashing. Children are confident and skilful when they cut up fruit and vegetables for their snack, developing their fine motor skills and an understanding of being healthy. Children chat naturally with the childminder during snack and mealtimes, developing unique bonds. This strengthens

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need to do better?

19 April 2023 children's emotional security. n Outside, children plant sunflower seeds in small plastic cups. The childminder explains what the children need to do. She gives clear and simple instructions while modelling filling the cup with compost, putting a small hole in the centre, dropping the seed in, covering up the hole and then watering the seed. The childminder then leaves the activity available for the children to interact with independently. She is close by to swiftly intervene if the children do need her support. Children take pride in their achievements as they display the plant pots on a shelf outside ready to take home. n The childminder's ability to develop children's character and uniqueness is exemplary and she actively encourages them to showcase their talents. When children start ballet, they are keen to show the childminder what they have learned. Children point their toes, twirl around and jump. The childminder

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need to do better?

responds with claps and delight. Children also like to sing, and perform 'Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' with actions by themselves. The positive and delighted response from the childminder supports children's emotional security, building confidence and resilience. n After lunch, children snuggle with the childminder to hear a favourite story. They are very comfortable and interact naturally, retelling parts of the story, and anticipate what is going to happen on the next page. The childminder asks questions while reading, allowing time for the children to answer. Children also ask questions and point out things in the pictures as she reads. As the childminder skilfully introduces new words, she explains what they mean, helping children to expand their vocabulary and communication skills. The childminder creatively immerses the children in rich language experiences. This sets the foundations for them to become proficient readers in the future. The

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need to do better?

childminder is playful and entertaining as she reads to them. Children giggle with delight when they hear a funny part of the story. n Parents are delighted with their childminder. One parent describes her home as being a 'loving and stimulating environment' and the 'best start' to their child's education. Another states that, 'It is lovely to find someone who we can trust to care for our child and help them to grow and flourish.'

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of safeguarding procedures and who to contact if she has any concerns. She attends annual safeguarding training to ensure she has the most up-to-date information. The childminder makes sure that the children have a safe environment, indoors and outdoors, and maintains toys and equipment and play areas effectively. Children are safe here.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY317006 Local authority Stockton-on-Tees Inspection number 10263275 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 26 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. She occasionally works with an assistant.

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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 childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n A range of documentation was reviewed, including qualification certificates. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning.

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Inspection activities

19 April 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

19 April 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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