Ellis, Valerie

This provision meets requirements

Since her last inspection, the childminder is only caring for older children who attend school. The childminder ensures a safe, secure and suitable indoor and outdoor play environment for children. She takes appropriate steps to eliminate risks, including possible risks when on outings and school runs.

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This provision meets requirements

The childminder provides an inclusive and very welcoming provision. She finds out about children's routines, likes and dislikes when they start at the setting. The childminder takes these into account when planning activities. For example, she provides lots of art and craft activities as children enjoy them.

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This provision meets requirements

The childminder demonstrates a very calm and nurturing manner. As a result, the environment is very calm and welcoming. The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. Children are happy and settled, and are very well behaved. They have a good relationship with the childminder and with the friends they make at the setting.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children in her care very well. She also knows children's routines. For example, when children attend sports sessions later in the day, the childminder ensures they are changed into their sports equipment ready for when their parents arrive. n The childminder interacts very well with children and supports them to design and make their own Easter cards and spring pictures. Children are encouraged to think through their designs and talk about what they are making. Children have a very positive attitude towards activities and engage in creative activities for a long time. They talk about what they are doing and making. Children show a sense of pride in their artwork. n The childminder ensures that she provides activities which complement what children are learning at school. She listens to children reading their schools books and provides appropriate support and guidance where needed.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides healthy snacks and drinks for children after school. She takes account of children's preferences and gives them choices about what they would like to eat. The childminder also teaches children about healthy eating and oral health. n The childminder works well in partnership with parents. Parents report that children are very happy at the setting and thoroughly enjoy the activities and outings available. n The childminder also has a good relationship with the school that children attend. She shares relevant information between parents and school and vice

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need to do better?

19 March 2024 versa. n The childminder makes sure that she maintains required training, such as paediatric first-aid training. She demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children. The childminder understands the local safeguarding partnership procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. n The childminder also helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe. She talks with children about internet safety and what they have learned at school. The childminder also involves children in fire drills at the setting.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY345445 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10317024 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 0 Date of previous inspection 9 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Seaham, Sunderland. She operates during term time, from 7.30am until 9am and from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, except for family holidays. The childminder occasionally provides care during the school holidays if requested by parents. She holds a level 3 qualification in childcare.

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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 childminder showed the inspector around the premises and the garden, and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about how she creates and plans the play environment, including how she takes account of children's views. n The inspector spoke to the childminder about her own professional development. n The inspector spoke to some parents of older children during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

19 March 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

19 March 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

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