Parkin, Melanie

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder provides a warm, nurturing, home-from-home environment. Children are happy, settled and enjoy attending the setting. They have formed close relationships with the childminder. These help children to feel safe and secure in her care. Children confidently make decisions about their play. They are deeply involved and motivated to learn. The childminder delivers learning opportunities based on the children's interests, and when they express preferences, she responds quickly.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy tactile activities that are presented to them. For example, as they play with the dough, they name the various shapes and colours. They learn new words such as 'snip', 'track' and 'squeeze'. This supports younger children's communication and language development as well as their concentration and coordination. Children recall experiences they have enjoyed at home and with the childminder. They enthusiastically talk about a visit to a wildlife park and how they saw a parrot. The childminder praises children when they contribute to discussions. The childminder teaches the children to be independent, and routine activities are used to promote these skills. For example, young children are given the opportunity to feed themselves and to use the potty.

p.2

The provision is good

Children display good behaviours. They understand the rules and respond well to regular praise from the childminder. This contributes to their high levels of self- esteem.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has worked hard since the last inspection to address the weaknesses and raise the quality of the provision. She plans a curriculum based on children's individual age and stage of development. She knows children well and uses regular observations and assessments of children's learning to plan for what they need to learn next. However, very occasionally, she misses chances to encourage children to investigate and speculate during activities to help them solve problems for themselves. n The childminder is a positive role model with regard to children's communication and language development. She is aware of the importance of building children's vocabulary, and she skilfully responds to children in a way that supports their individual needs. Children's early literacy is well supported as the childminder is keen to share a range of appropriate and interesting books with them. For instance, the childminder shares a book filled with photos. Children instantly

p.2

need to do better?

begin to recall where they were and what they were doing. As a result of the childminder's patient modelling and effective teaching, children develop as extremely confident communicators.

p.2

need to do better?

13 November 2023 n The childminder introduces children to early mathematical concepts. Children benefit from many daily opportunities that support their development of counting and their recognition of shapes. For example, children sing songs, make representations of shapes and listen to the childminder's frequent counting. n Children are physically active and have plenty of opportunities to continually develop their small- and large-muscle movements. For example, children independently access the indoor slide and use their skills to climb and negotiate the steps and hand grips, so they can successfully slide down the ramp. n Children develop a strong awareness of healthy lifestyles from a young age. The childminder provides children with nutritious, home-cooked snacks and meals. She teaches children that food gives them energy and all foods can be eaten in moderation. Children access fresh drinking water throughout the day and benefit

p.2

need to do better?

from regular fresh air and exercise. n The childminder takes pride in learning about the unique traditions that children celebrate at home. For example, they learn about their friends' heritages and how they celebrate different cultural festivals. This helps children to develop knowledge of the world around them. n The childminder frequently seeks the thoughts and opinions of parents. Parents are delighted with the service on offer to their children. They comment on how welcoming the childminder is and how well children settle. Parents are enthusiastic about the range of experiences and activities that children get involved in and the positive impact this has on their progress. n The childminder leads her service well, and she is committed to further developing her skill and knowledge. She attends regular training sessions and uses knowledge gained to positively impact the service on offer to children.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is knowledgeable about child protection issues. She recognises the possible signs a child may be at risk of harm. She knows the local procedures she must follow to report any child protection concerns. In the event an allegation is made against herself, the childminder knows the procedures she must follow to report these concerns. The childminder carries out daily safety checks to promote children's safety in her home. For example, she is vigilant while children are sleeping and carries out regular checks to ensure that they are safe. She always supervises children during mealtimes to ensure that she can respond to their personal needs.

p.3

should:

13 November 2023 n provide more encouragement for children to speculate and experiment to help them solve problems for themselves.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY559673 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10305227 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 4 July 2023

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Chester-Le-Street, County Durham. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and during family holidays. The childminder is also available to work on Saturdays and later in the day if requested. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises and the garden. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has had on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector spoke with the children during the inspection and took account of the views of parents from the written feedback that was provided.

p.5

Inspection activities

13 November 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

13 November 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7