Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder provides children with a nurturing and caring environment. She gathers information from parents to help her get to know children when they first start. This helps her to plan challenging activities that help children to make good progress. Children show they feel safe and secure with the childminder. They explore the resources with interest and show enjoyment in role-play activities and mark making around the playroom. The childminder focuses on helping children build secure foundations for their future. This helps them to prepare for the next stages in their learning, such as starting school.

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The provision is good

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder has focused on developing children's independence and social skills. She is passionate about developing children's awareness of the world around them and regularly takes children on trips into the community. Children learn how to put their own coats on and take an active part in their own self-care. The childminder is a good role model for children. She provides clear boundaries and has high expectations for them. Children's behaviour is very positive. They are well mannered and kind to each other.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides an exciting curriculum that is clearly focused on meeting children's individual needs. She knows children very well and uses her knowledge of child development to identify any areas of development to focus on and close potential gaps in learning. Throughout the session, the childminder skilfully adjusts her teaching to support children in different ways. n The childminder makes the most of opportunities to promote children's communication and language development. She models very clear language to children and sensitively helps them to correctly pronounce words. Children with advanced language are appropriately challenged to think about using sentences and descriptive words as they play. They discuss their ideas as they work creatively, and the childminder explains the meaning of new words. n Children are well prepared to start school. For instance, the childminder provides

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need to do better?

activities from an early age that help children develop fine motor skills. Children use the pipe cleaners and cereal hoops to practise threading as they make bird feeders. The childminder encourages them to develop their mathematical skills and count the hoops they thread. The childminder provides teachers with information about children's preferences and development to help promote continuity. n The childminder teaches children about how to stay safe and consider risks in their environment. For example, children show an understanding of water safety near the pond and know they must hold hands as they walk to the park. The childminder gathers information from families to celebrate different cultural

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need to do better?

7 June 2024 backgrounds. She has established contacts with other childminders and children around the world, such as Australia. They share photos and pictures of their cultural creative activities. n The childminder promotes children's good health and ensures that they have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Although children regularly spend time out of the setting, the childminder does not consistently focus her teaching to maximise children's progress. Children benefit from healthy snacks and understand the importance of good hygiene. They wash their hands before they eat, and the childminder teaches them about germs. n The childminder shows dedication and commitment to providing high standards of care and learning for children. She regularly reflects on her practice and evaluates the effectiveness of her setting. The childminder accesses training and professional development to continually refresh her skills to work with children.

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need to do better?

For instance, she has recently sought advice to help her support children's speech and language skills. n Partnerships with parents are effective. The childminder sends resources and activities home for parents to engage in with their children. She keeps them informed about their children's day and their development. Parents leave very positive feedback about the childminder. They say the childminder has an 'extremely accommodating nature, mothering advice, early years expertise, love, care and attention'.

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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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should:

n focus her teaching on trips out of the setting, to consistently help children make good progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2757369 Local authority Stockton-on-Tees Inspection number 10352702 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 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Billingham. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is registered to work with an assistant. 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 setting 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 inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed by the childminder and the inspector during a planned trip out of the setting. n The inspector held a discussion with childminder in relation to the leadership and management of the setting. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the childminder's, and her assistant's, suitability to work with children. n The childminder gathered feedback from parents for the inspection.

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Inspection activities

7 June 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

7 June 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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