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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the care of this dedicated childminder, who wants all children to make the best possible progress. The childminder has a detailed knowledge of children's interests, stages of development and what they need to learn next. This helps her to provide activities which interest and motivate children. All children are deeply engaged in their learning for long periods of time.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder adapts her teaching carefully to meet the needs of all children. For example, when children explore dried lentils cooperatively and with enthusiasm, she encourages younger children to investigate sounds. Toddlers listen intently to the noise of lentils dropping and the sounds of metal utensils banging together. The childminder encourages older children to develop their mathematical knowledge. Children talk about 'more' and 'less', and confidently count the scoopfuls of lentils. Younger children develop their hand-to-eye coordination as they persevere to scoop the lentils into bun cases.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is warm, caring and loving. She gives children choices at every opportunity and respects their views. This helps children to be very settled, secure and happy in the setting. The childminder uses the local community to enhance children's learning. Children develop an awe and wonder of the world around them. They visit the local farm and enjoy rides in the tractor and watching baby hedgehogs grow. The childminder extends children's experiences further, such as taking them to the theatre.

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need to do better?

n The childminder organises the curriculum and the environment exceptionally well around children's interests and learning. Children freely access a range of exciting and motivating resources in dedicated play spaces. They display constant enjoyment and enthusiasm when they play. n Children experience many activities that help them to gain a deep understanding about themselves and others. The childminder sequences her teaching to help children to have a successful understanding of diversity. For instance, older children make clay lamps at Diwali and younger children taste food at Chinese New Year. The childminder teaches older children key words to communicate with their friends who speak an additional language at home. n The childminder develops children's language and communication very well. As a consequence, children are very confident and effective communicators. The childminder provides a narrative on children's play, extends their sentences and

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need to do better?

introduces new vocabulary at every opportunity. The childminder's setting is full of singing and lovely and meaningful conversations. n The childminder offers an inclusive setting and welcomes all children. She

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need to do better?

13 September 2023 understands how to adapt her practice and work with other professionals to meet the needs of individual children. For instance, the childminder works closely to meet children's dietary needs and allergies. n The childminder shares a wealth of information about children's learning when they move on to school. She invites teachers to her setting prior to children starting school. This contributes to the smooth and successful transition, which parents comment their children make to school. The childminder offers children and their families stay-and-play sessions during the summer holidays, to help to provide continuity and to share information. n The childminder displays books in all areas to encourage children to develop a love of reading. She thinks carefully about the books she provides, so that they are appropriate for children's interests and stages of development. Children listen avidly when the childminder reads the story of 'Dear Zoo'. Younger

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need to do better?

children match animal props to the story and toddlers join in with familiar phrases. Older children proudly recognise simple words in the story. n The childminder is extremely committed to extending her knowledge and skills. She focuses her professional development to benefit all children. For example, she has recently completed a qualification in children's neuroscience, which has helped to enhance her knowledge of how children learn and remember. The childminder has also enrolled on a further qualification in early years leadership. n Children gain an excellent understanding of how to look after themselves. The childminder teaches them how to look after their teeth through activities, such as books and visits to the local dentist. Older children volunteer to set the table for their lunch. Toddlers very successfully use cutlery to feed themselves. n Comments from parents are extremely positive. They comment that the

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need to do better?

childminder goes above and beyond to ensure that their children make excellent progress. Parents say that their children grow and develop with fantastic speed, especially in their communication and social skills. They state that this progress is down to the childminder's hard work and dedication. n Children's behaviour is excellent. They happily play together and involve each other in their games. Children are kind and considerate. For example, they spontaneously bring the inspector her shoes when they are getting ready to go outdoors. The childminder constantly labels how children are feeling to help them to gain an understanding of their emotions.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder puts children's safety at the centre of her practice. She attends lots of training to make sure that she can recognise how to identify children who may be at risk of harm. The childminder understands the action to take if she has a concern about a child in her care. She teaches children of all ages about how to keep themselves safe and the importance of good hygiene. For example, children access a 'handwashing station' when playing outdoors and know to use individual towels after washing their hands.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY475862 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10301372 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 14 Date of previous inspection 25 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Lanchester, County Durham. She cares for children during term time, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides early funded 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 her evaluation of the setting. 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 during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The childminder evaluated children's learning with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. Parents shared their written views with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

13 September 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

13 September 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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