Crow, Andrea

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children enjoy and benefit from a warm and welcoming home-from-home environment. They have a very close bond with this experienced childminder. Children develop a love of books, excitedly sharing stories on the childminder's knee. The childminder skilfully supports their communication and language. She models language and introduces new words, such as 'fir cone' and 'acorn', as they talk about their walk in the woods. This helps to deepen the children's knowledge and widens their vocabulary.

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The provision is good

Children become thoroughly engaged in their play and are confident in their surroundings. They listen intently to the childminder, helping to tidy away the toys and resources after they have finished playing. Children respond well to the childminder's gentle reminders to guide their behaviour, such as sharing and taking turns.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides children with clear boundaries and guidance to support positive behaviour. As a result, children behave well. Children demonstrate kindness towards each other. For example, a child gives his friend a cushion so he can sit at the table. The childminder provides many opportunities for children to learn about their wider community. For example, they enjoy woodland walks, attend toddler groups and regularly spend time with other childminders' children. This gives children rich learning experiences and chances to mix with a variety of people.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is enthusiastic and genuinely loves her role. She plans the curriculum around the children's individual needs and interests. She focuses on what children already know and builds on this to help them achieve their next steps in learning. The childminder ensures that children's learning is sequenced and planned around their age and stage of learning. Children demonstrate a very positive attitude to learning, and they are making good progress in all areas. n The childminder is clear about how her activities support children in taking their next steps in learning. For example, young children develop control of their hand muscles as they pick up and stack containers to build a tower. They take turns to sit inside baskets and pretend they are boats. This helps children to share and to use their imagination. n The childminder recognises the importance of books and stories in supporting children's literacy development. She reads stories in an engaging manner,

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need to do better?

encouraging children to participate by asking questions and encouraging them to join in the reading process. This approach encourages children's listening and attention skills and prepares them for future stages in their education.

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need to do better?

16 September 2024 n Children develop an understanding of early mathematical concepts naturally through play. The childminder supports children to identify colours and count as they sort toys. Children use size and begin to understand positional language as they play. n The childminder promotes independence and a 'can-do' attitude. When children find putting their socks on tricky, the childminder encourages them to keep trying. This means children are building resilience and determination when learning. n The good health of children is given high priority. They enjoy a variety of nutritious food to eat and have access to fresh drinking water. Mealtimes are real social occasions. The childminder supervises children well at mealtimes and has secure knowledge of allergy management. This helps to keep children safe and well. n Although the childminder reflects on her practice, she does not use this to identify more specific areas for professional development or review the impact of

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need to do better?

this on her knowledge and skills. n Partnership working with parents is strong. The childminder knows the children and their families very well. She works closely with parents to share information about children's progress. The childminder works together with parents to close any gaps in children's knowledge. As a result, children benefit from combined learning at home and in the setting, helping them to make good progress from their starting points. Written feedback from parents expresses the high regard they have for the childminder.

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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.

p.3

should:

n use reflection more effectively to identify specific areas for professional development and review the impact of this on knowledge and skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY462017 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10357610 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 13 December 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Darlington. The childminder cares for children all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

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 carried out a joint evaluation with the childminder. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from their written feedback.

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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

16 September 2024 16 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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