Childminder in Durham

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children are very happy in the childminder's care. They demonstrate this as they play with the childminder and are keen to suggest songs they can sing. The childminder quickly identifies when children appear slightly unsettled. She provides cuddles and reassurance to help children to calm down and settle. Parents comment that the childminder treats children like members of her own family. They say their children love seeing the childminder and put their arms out to greet her in the morning. The childminder gives parents information about how they can keep their children safe online. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, the childminder teaches children how to use knives to cut fruit.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder's curriculum is generally ambitious. She helps children to develop the skills they need for school or nursery. For example, children sit and listen to stories and enjoy song time. Children behave well. The childminder has clear rules and expectations, which she consistently reinforces. This is evident as she reminds children to sit on the sofa or to help to tidy up. Children follow the childminder's instructions.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows what children are interested in. She plans her environment to support children's interests. Children thoroughly enjoy playing in the toy kitchen. They pretend to prepare food and make bottles for the baby dolls. Children concentrate well. n The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves healthy. She teaches children the importance of washing their hands before eating or after blowing their noses. Children enjoy a range of healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables. They enjoy fresh air and exercise, such as when they visit the park nearby. n The childminder knows where children are in their learning and identifies what they need to learn next. She makes good use of opportunities to reinforce further learning. For example, as children sing number rhymes, such as 'Three Little Speckled Frogs,' she encourages children to count how many are left using their fingers.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder's curriculum is generally well sequenced, particularly for younger children. However, the childminder lacks a thorough understanding of how to support older children's literacy and mathematical skills. As a result, sometimes, the childminder teaches children skills, such as recognising numbers, before they have an understanding of numbers and quantities. n The childminder supports children's communication effectively. She plays with children and engages in back-and-forth conversations with them. She comments on what children are doing and expands their vocabulary where appropriate. The

p.2

need to do better?

31 January 2025 childminder uses songs and books to develop children's language further. For example, as they look at books, they talk about what the animals are doing and have a conversation about washing clothes. n The childminder attends a range of training. She has recently identified training to develop her knowledge and skills further. However, the childminder's programme of professional development is not sufficiently focused on how she can support children's learning even further. n Children enjoy looking at books. The childminder has a variety of books for children to choose. Children are engaged as she reads books to them and encourages them to talk about the illustrations. Children learn how to handle books and understand the difference between print and illustrations. n The childminder has a good relationship with parents overall. She works extremely well with parents as they support children through different phases in

p.2

need to do better?

their development, such as toilet training or eating. The childminder talks to parents about what children are doing and how they can help them at home. She also finds out what children are doing at home and builds on this. However, the childminder does not consistently share further information about the early years curriculum so that parents understand how they can support their children's stage of development even more effectively.

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 strengthen understanding of the order in which older children develop their literacy and mathematics skills n focus professional development more sharply on raising children's achievement even further n provide more information about the early years curriculum to help parents to understand how they can support their children's stage of development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2698230 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10372165 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Peterlee, County Durham. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She offers government funded childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around her home and explained how she organises her curriculum. n The inspector observed children playing and learning. n The childminder and inspector evaluated an activity. n Parents provided written feedback for the purpose of the inspection. n The inspector spoke to children and the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder showed the inspector a range of documents, including those relating to her suitability, as well as members of her household. n The inspector explored how the childminder keeps children safe and manages her provision.

p.4

Inspection activities

31 January 2025 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

31 January 2025 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6