Childminder in Durham

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a welcoming and safe home for children. This helps children to feel relaxed and secure. Children form strong bonds with the childminder. They regularly involve her in their play and clearly enjoy her company. Children are motivated learners and enjoy exploring the resources available to them. The childminder supports children's learning well as she plays and interacts with them. She plans and provides a varied curriculum for children to help them to build on their skills for the future. For example, as children play a game with dominoes, the childminder talks to them about sharing and taking turns.

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The provision is good

The childminder models how to be polite and courteous. Consequently, children learn how to be kind and well mannered towards others. Children benefit from a good range of opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, they go out to parks, visit the shops and enjoy outings in the local community. This helps children to experience the wider world and develop social skills with people. The childminder supports children's independence skills well. For instance, she encourages children to dress and undress themselves when playing outside.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports young children's early speech development. She narrates their play and models language back to them through repetition. For example, as children pronounce words, she carefully repeats the word back to them correctly. This helps children to hear words spoken clearly. However, when asking questions, the childminder does not consistently give children enough time to think and absorb what is said, so they are able to respond. n The childminder engages with children calmly and easily as they play. She shows care and attention as children make choices from a wide range of exciting activities. As a result, children are motivated and interested to learn. n The childminder provides opportunities for children to develop the skills needed for early writing through creative activities. Children confidently use brushes and stamps as they make pictures and are eager to draw faces on pumpkins to make

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need to do better?

a lantern for Halloween. They investigate how the seeds feel and the changes as they make the lantern. Children giggle with delight as they see it change with eyes and a mouth. However, at times, the childminder does not extend children's mathematical knowledge during their play. n The childminder knows each child well and works closely with parents. She ensures that they are kept informed about their child's day and how they are progressing. The childminder supports parents to extend their children's learning at home. Parents are complimentary about the childminder. They comment that she provides a wide range of educational activities and that their children come on in leaps and bounds.

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need to do better?

26 October 2023 n From a young age, children learn how to wash their hands before they eat, after playing in the garden and after using the toilet. Children describe why this is important. This contributes to their knowledge about how good hygiene routines help to keep them safe and well. n The childminder takes advantage of local amenities and environments. Children enjoy regular trips to the library and shops. They play in the park, where they have the opportunities to develop their large motor skills as they climb. Children enjoy splashing in puddles as they investigate how to create puddles with the hose pipe. These memorable experiences help children to learn about the world around them. n The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children are provided with nutritious snacks and meals. She supervises children well when they are eating. The childminder encourages children to try different foods to extend their

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need to do better?

eating habits. For instance, children enjoy chopping fruit and vegetables for their snack. Children understand the need for a healthy diet and discuss why a melon, which has lots of juice, helps them to stay hydrated. n The childminder continually reflects on and evaluates her practice. She has identified areas for improvement and works towards completing these. The childminder attends mandatory training sessions to meet the statutory requirements, such as updating her knowledge of safeguarding and first aid.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has good knowledge of safeguarding. She has accessed a wealth of training on various aspects of safeguarding. The childminder can identify the signs that a child may be at risk of harm. She is confident to record and report any concerns she may have to the local authority. The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding issues, such as radicalisation and female genital mutilation. She understands her responsibilities when reporting concerns about another professional or member of her household. The childminder has clear records of contact details for the local authority designated officer for easy access if needed.

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should:

n allow children more time to respond to questions, to promote their communication, language and critical thinking skills to a higher level n extend children's understanding of how to use and apply their mathematical knowledge during their learning and everyday activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY311537 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10311985 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 3 Date of previous inspection 17 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Peterlee. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded early 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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. 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

26 October 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

26 October 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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