Childminder in Northumberland

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 very much enjoy their time in this rural setting. Much of their time is spent outdoors, where they visit and tend to farm animals and learn about the world around them. The childminder plans activities that support children's progress across all areas of learning. Children learn about numbers, shapes and sizes, for example, while counting and comparing bails of hay and tractor wheels. The childminder varies her teaching to ensure that all children are supported appropriately and effectively to build on what they know and can do. She has high expectations about what children are capable of. This helps to ensure that all children achieve well.

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The provision is good

The childminder is attentive and has a gentle, caring approach. Children form secure attachments with her, which helps them to quickly develop a sense of belonging. They are happy and settled in her care and are confident learners. The childminder takes account of children's interests, which helps to maintain their motivation to learn during play. Children learn to listen, follow instructions and develop an increasing attention span. The childminder values the importance of familiar routines for children, which helps to meet children's care needs effectively. It helps them to know what is expected of them and what comes next in their day, adding to their sense of security in the childminder's care.

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need to do better?

n The experienced childminder has developed a secure understanding of typical child development over the years of her practice. Her ongoing observations and accurate assessments of children's learning help her to identify what they need to learn next. She is able to quickly identify and support children who may need additional help to develop their skills and knowledge so that no children fall behind in their learning. n Children are independent and curious learners who become absorbed in their play and are eager to learn. The childminder gives them plenty of opportunities to explore and investigate during uninterrupted play. This helps children to develop thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, toddlers work out that they must turn a toy upside down to release the rings. They learn how to move, press and turn parts of a tractor toy to activate the lights and sounds. n The childminder interacts with children during play. This generally supports their

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need to do better?

communication and language development well. Children show very good levels of understanding. For example, toddlers know to move through to the kitchen when the childminder asks if they would like a snack. However, the childminder sometimes overlooks ways to help children to learn new words. Younger children, for example, would benefit from further opportunities to hear simple words clearly and plenty of time to copy them.

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need to do better?

11 December 2024 n Activities and experiences are exciting for children. For instance, they giggle with glee while watching ducks and chickens run in the yard. The childminder focuses on real experiences of life on the farm to teach children about the world. For example, they learn about where food comes from and about the care and life cycle of animals. However, children have fewer opportunities to learn about people and communities different to their own. n Partnerships with parents are important to the childminder. There is a comprehensive two-way flow of information about children's care and learning, for example, through a shared diary with parents. The childminder involves parents in assessments of their children's learning. She works with them to support children's development consistently in her setting and at home. For instance, agreed strategies for toilet training help children to master these skills

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need to do better?

quickly. n The childminder seeks out support and guidance from other professionals and is keen to build on her knowledge and skills. This has a positive impact on her practice and helps to strengthen outcomes for children. For example, following training, the childminder now gathers more detailed information from parents about children when they first start to attend. She is able to support new children's learning more quickly and meet their care needs more effectively.

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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 strengthen interactions with children to support their developing speaking skills even more effectively n teach children more about different people, lifestyles and communities different to their own.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 403031 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10368024 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 6 Date of previous inspection 6 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1994 and lives in Chathill, Northumberland. She operates all year round, except for one month in April and family holidays. Opening hours are 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n The inspector talked to the childminder about leadership and management at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

11 December 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

11 December 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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