Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this exceptionally well-organised and inspiring learning environment. Settling-in sessions are tailored to meet children's needs and family circumstances. This helps children to feel happy and highly confident in the childminder's care. She provides an abundance of play opportunities designed to stimulate children's interests. As a result, children are eager to participate and have a deep desire to learn.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder consistently encourages children to be determined and resilient when facing setbacks. She helps children to approach challenges with confidence and perseverance. Children test their own ideas and discover how things work. For example, outside, they work out that to fill the container with water, they need to find one that does not have holes in. This develops their critical thinking.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is dedicated to providing children with a wealth of experiences to help them connect to the world around them. For example, exciting bus trips, visits to the pet shop and woodland walks help broaden their experiences. Children recall a recent visit to woods and confidently name the items they found, such as leaves, fir cones and conkers. Children recall that acorns are from trees and that squirrels like to eat them. They are full of curiosity and are excited to see what is inside the conker when the spiky shells are peeled off.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate about children having the best possible start at her setting. She provides a curriculum that is tailored to children's individual needs, interests and what they need to learn next. This helps children to make excellent progress in their learning and development. n The childminder skilfully supports children's communication skills through high- quality interactions. She uses effective questioning and introduces new words to help build on children's speaking skills. Children thoroughly enjoy stories. They excitedly recall what happens next in the story and repeat refrains from the book. The childminder carefully selects books that are related to children's interests or events that they are adjusting to. For example, she chooses stories on potty training, or a new baby in the home. She introduces new vocabulary such as 'illustrator' and provides a simple explanation to help children

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need to do better?

understand the meaning. This approach helps build children's confidence in using new words and become excellent communicators. n The childminder provides exceptional opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. They access her garden and enjoy a wide range of outings that are planned to support their understanding of the wider world. For example, they regularly visit the park and observe the swans and ducks. Here, they learn

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need to do better?

5 September 2024 to recognise and manage risks, such as climbing and being around water. n The childminder seamlessly weaves mathematical learning into children's play. Children use mathematical language to describe how the play dough is flat and identify which conkers are the biggest and smallest. Mathematical problem- solving opportunities such as these help them relate their mathematical learning to real life. n The childminder sensitively teaches children to understand how their behaviour may affect others. As a result, children self-regulate and learn to manage their feelings. Children show familiarity with routines. They know to tidy up when it is snack time and are familiar with routines such as lunch and sleep time. This helps children to feel safe and secure. Children enjoy the challenge of peeling a satsuma and can confidently pour their drinks. Additionally, children understand the importance of personal hygiene, and they wash their hands before meals.

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need to do better?

n The childminder fosters outstanding partnerships with parents. Parents say, 'It is a safe space filled with love and care,' and 'a hidden gem'. The childminder ensures that parents are fully involved in their children's learning. They learn how to support and continue teaching children at home. They share information when children's interests change, or when they learn a new skill. Children make excellent progress because learning is a continuous process for them. n The childminder has an absolute passion for early years childcare and education. Her commitment to professional growth is pursued through focused training to meet the needs of children. For example, recent training has provided her with a better understanding of children's mental health. Daily reflection and parent feedback contribute to the ongoing commitment to high-quality practice and continuous improvement.

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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 EY446438 Local authority Stockton-on-Tees Inspection number 10355466 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 10 Date of previous inspection 29 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Stockton-on-Tees. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a BA Honours degree in Early Years Education. 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 childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector carried out a discussion with the childminder on how the curriculum is delivered. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. She spoke with the children during the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation with the childminder. n The inspector took account of the parents' views through their written feedback.

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Inspection activities

5 September 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

5 September 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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