Childminder in Northumberland

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Children are happy and at ease in the childminder's care. They select toys from the range available and enjoy their play. The childminder aims to help children to be ready for school. Her curriculum focuses on helping children to learn through play. Her assessments help her to identify what children need to learn next. She plays alongside children, modelling new skills and language. She successfully supports babies to develop their physical skills and they quickly become more mobile. She talks to older children, encouraging them to observe the colours and shapes of bricks while they line them up.

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder's warm and caring approach contributes to the close bonds that children form with her. Babies smile, happy to see her when they arrive. Older children take her by the hand to let her know what they would like to do. The childminder gives children gentle and consistent guidance for positive behaviour. This helps to teach them right from wrong.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder takes steps to keep children safe in her home. She completes risk assessments and is aware of some hazards from items temporarily stored in her garden. Although she supervises children closely when in this area to ensure their safety, children's play is restricted and they become unsettled.

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need to do better?

n At the time of the inspection, some discarded items in a trailer and bags of rubbish being stored temporarily in the garden, pose a potential risk to children's safety. The childminder is aware of the dangers of these items and, because they have not yet been removed, she supervises children closely during their time outdoors. Although this helps to assure children's safety, their play is restricted. As a result, children who want to play in the area where the discarded items are located become unsettled when the childminder repeatedly leads them away. n The childminder provides activities that, generally, help children to make good progress. Older children explore bricks, lining them up and making patterns. Babies pull themselves up and stretch for toys just out of their reach. The childminder shares stories and songs with children. This helps to expose children to new words and supports their communication and language skills well.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder gathers plenty of information from parents around children's routines and preferences. She is tuned into children's behaviour and quickly notices cues that indicate that children are tired or hungry. This helps her to meet their needs quickly. Consistent routines and good levels of care help to support children's well-being and sense of security. n Children benefit from outings in the local community. They enjoy visiting parks

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need to do better?

18 July 2024 and playgrounds, where they have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and physical exercise. The childminder is very mindful of children's dietary needs and allergies. She carefully plans meals and snacks to ensure children's needs are met precisely. This helps to support children's good health. n Parents compliment the childminder. They are particularly pleased with the social skills their children develop and the friendships that they form with other children. They say they know their children are 'safe, loved and well cared for' and that their well-being is prioritised. They welcome advice and guidance from the childminder about how to support their children's development at home. n Overall, the childminder has good understanding of early years development. However, she has not considered ways to support children who learn in different ways. For example, children who enjoy exploring through the use of their senses

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need to do better?

do not have enough opportunities to do so. Children have limited access to creative activities that help them to develop their exploratory skills. n The childminder is aware of some weaker aspects of her teaching. For example, she would like to develop her confidence and understanding of how to help children who need more support to reach typical levels of development. However, she has not yet taken steps to improve and build on her knowledge and skills in this area.

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 remove identified hazards from the garden more swiftly so that children who prefer to play outdoors can do so more safely and without restriction n improve knowledge and skills in weaker aspects of teaching, particularly in supporting children who are slower to achieve age-related expectations n provide more opportunities for children to be creative and explore during play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY330209 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10351226 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 12 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 17 October 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Bedlington. She works occasionally with an assistant. The childminder operates from 7.15am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has received since the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation. n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of her home used for childcare. She discussed her early years curriculum and how she organises her provision. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took account of parent's views from written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

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

18 July 2024 18 July 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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