Childminder in Northumberland

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children are happy, safe and settled in this setting. They have good attachments to the childminder, who gives children lots of attention. The childminder collects information from parents about their children's likes, interests and routines at home. He uses this information to help children to settle quickly into his setting. The childminder recognises the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's development. He plans experiences, such as visiting playgroups each week, to help children catch up in their social development and play in larger groups of children.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder knows what he wants children to learn. He places an emphasis on teaching children these skills and takes account of their interests when planning the curriculum. The childminder has worked hard to meet the actions raised at the previous inspection. He has attended training to improve his knowledge of how to help children make the best possible progress. The childminder has good hygiene routines in place for changing children's nappies and encourages children to clean their hands regularly.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are engaged and concentrate well during activities. For example, they develop their coordination by making patterns with small beads and drawing pictures with chunky crayons. Children behave well. They listen to instructions, use lovely manners and happily help to tidy up at the end of activities. The childminder gives children lots of praise, which helps them to develop high levels of self- esteem. Children smile and spontaneously clap at their achievements.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder monitors children's development and shares this information with parents. He knows the children he cares for well. The childminder evaluates activities and the progress that children make. This helps him plan a curriculum that is tailored to children's individual needs. n Children demonstrate confidence and interest in activities. They pretend to make meals for the childminder in the role-play kitchen and play creatively with dinosaurs. They show good imaginations, such as when they use shells, stones and natural materials to make a habitat for the dinosaurs. n The childminder supports children's language well. He engages children in constant conversations and models new vocabulary. Children read books, listen to stories and sing lots of rhymes. This helps children to be confident and articulate communicators. n The childminder supports children's mathematical development as they play.

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need to do better?

Children competently count the beads they use, recognise different colours and begin to make patterns. The childminder uses lots of mathematical language as children play.

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need to do better?

27 February 2024 n Children tuck into healthy and home-cooked foods, learn to use the toilet independently and feed themselves competently. However, the childminder does not consistently think about how he can help children to develop their independence skills further in preparation for nursery or school. For example, he gives children cups with lids on, and they still sit in highchairs when they eat. Additionally, the childminder wipes children's noses and hands without encouraging them to have a go themselves. n Parents are positive about the service the childminder provides. The childminder provides parents with verbal feedback at the end of each day. He shares progress reports and photos of their children engaged in activities. Parents comment that their children enjoy coming to the setting, and they appreciate the opportunities their children have to play and learn outdoors. n The childminder places a focus on children learning outdoors. Children enjoy

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need to do better?

many visits in the local community that help them learn about the world around them. They visit local beaches, lighthouses, countryside and parks. Children observe tadpoles and ducks, grow herbs and tomatoes and pick blackberries. They gain a good understanding of living things and nature. n The childminder encourages children to make decisions and have a voice in the setting. He values children's choices and listens to what they say with interest. The childminder provides activities when older children request them, such as making bird and bug houses in the garden. n The childminder has attended training to improve his knowledge of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. He works closely with other professionals to put strategies in place to support individual children. Parents particularly appreciate the support the childminder offers to include all children in his setting.

p.3

need to do better?

n The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe and healthy. Children spontaneously talk about carrots and apples being good for them. The childminder teaches children about the importance of road safety and keeping themselves safe online.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n promote children's independence skills more consistently to help to prepare them for nursery or school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2603055 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10284129 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 9 March 2023

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021. He lives in Blyth, Northumberland. The childminder operates all year round, from 7am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. He holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. The childminder works alongside his wife, who is registered as a childminder on the Childcare Register to provide care for older children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of his home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises his setting and plans the curriculum for children. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact on children's development. n The childminder and the inspector reflected together on children's learning during their play. n The childminder shared a sample of his documentation with the inspector. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written statements available. n The inspector interacted with and spoke to children during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

27 February 2024 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

27 February 2024 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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