Childminder in Darlington

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

This very experienced childminder creates a nurturing and caring environment for children. She helps children to feel completely secure with her and her family, and is a wonderful role model for children. The childminder considers each child's individual needs and interests to help extend their learning. Children blossom at a very good rate, including those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) or receive additional funding.

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The provision is good

The childminder places a focus on supporting children's well-being, confidence and communication and language skills, along with many experiences outdoors. This ensures that all children make good progress in their language, physical and social skills. For example, children regularly attend a creative play centre, where the activities and programmes are inclusive and build on children's physical and imaginative skills. Recently, the childminder has helped children to sort through her toys to give to local families who may not have many. This helps children to learn about being kind and to care for others in the community. The childminder takes children regularly to visit a charity venue that makes life more affordable for people on a low income. Here, children learn about food waste and experience cultural differences and celebrations.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is very good. They gain good levels of independence, resilience and self-esteem. For example, younger children play and communicate very harmoniously together with older children in the family. They learn to take turns and to be considerate to others at all times.

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need to do better?

n The childminder ensures that her ambitious curriculum is precisely planned and organised. Her focus on children's social and communication and language skills is clear in the regular assessments she chooses to use. The childminder provides a complete overview of what children can do and what they need to learn next. She shares this information regularly with parents and other professionals working with children. Consequently, children are excited to learn and can view their own successes from the photos the childminder takes and shares with their families. n The childminder's interactions with children have many references for early literacy and mathematical development. She skilfully adapts her commentary and questions to the age and stage of children she is speaking with and uses songs, rhymes and stories well to motivate children to join in. n The childminder evaluates if she needs to extend children's learning or recap on

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need to do better?

what they have learned. For example, she encourages children who choose to play with building blocks to 'use their muscles to snap them apart' so they can

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need to do better?

23 December 2024 'build a taller tower'. The childminder seamlessly introduces counting, comparing heights, patterns and widths into her commentary. Children stay engaged for long periods. This helps children to build on what they already know very successfully, especially for children who have any gaps in their learning. n The setting, to which the childminder has recently moved, is well resourced to maximise all children's learning potential. The childminder has plans to improve the indoor and outdoor spaces still further to make them even more exciting for children. For example, she plans to involve children in planting and growing fruit and vegetables that they can then cook and enjoy. However, the childminder recognises that some of the learning areas are a little cluttered and not laid out simply enough for children to inspire or independently choose without some adult support. n Partnerships with parents are excellent. They describe their children's progress

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need to do better?

as 'amazing'. Parents particularly comment on the detailed support and feedback they receive from the childminder to help their children continue their learning at home. n Children learn how to keep safe and healthy very well. For instance, the childminder talks to them about road safety, oral health and healthy lifestyles. Children learn to follow simple instructions for good handwashing and independent toileting. They develop a wide range of skills that help prepare them well for their future move on to school. For instance, the childminder has a recycling bin and children learn what waste goes in what box. n The childminder completes the mandatory training required, and uses her vast knowledge to extend children's learning. However, she does not consistently reflect on her practice to establish a highly targeted programme of professional development to enhance her skills and knowledge further. That said, the

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need to do better?

childminder has reflected hard on every aspect of her service when making the move to her new setting.

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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 enable children to explore, investigate and use their imaginations and creativity further, such as by making best use of the learning environments n establish a targeted plan for continual professional development to enhance teaching and learning further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY539214 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10367784 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 3 Date of previous inspection 25 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and works in Darlington. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers government funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector viewed parents' written feedback and took account of their views.

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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

23 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

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