Childminder in Northumberland

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They develop positive interactions with her. Children approach her for cuddles and reassurance. This means they feel safe and happy in her care. Children are settled in their routines and know what to expect next. For example, at nappy changing time, children readily lay down on the mat without prompts.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children enjoy the activities available to them. They concentrate for short periods at their chosen task. They respond positively to the praise they receive, and as a result, they develop confidence to have a go and try to do things for themselves. For example, they use the crayons to make marks on the paper. While making cookies, they enthusiastically stir the mixture and roll the dough. This helps to strengthen their small hand muscles needed for future writing. However, as the range of activities available to children is limited and the childminder does not always extend their learning, they do not consistently make the best possible progress in their development.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children behave well. They listen and respond to the childminder's instructions and expectations. She regularly praises their positive behaviours. This helps to raise children's self-esteem.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder's understanding of the requirements of the 'Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage' is not strong enough. As a result, she has failed to notify Ofsted of a significant event that may have had an impact upon her childminding provision. This is a breach of a registration requirement. n The childminder has some understanding of the different things she wants children to learn. However, she does not use this knowledge to plan and implement a curriculum that is broad and interesting. Overall, the curriculum lacks depth and does not build on children's existing skills and knowledge. n Overall, the childminder supports children's communication and language development effectively. She introduces some new words to help enhance children's vocabulary. That said, the childminder has the television on when children are present. This tends to distract children, and meaningful interactions

p.2

need to do better?

do not always take place. This means that children are not making as much progress as possible. n Children have some opportunities to listen to stories and look at books. However, they do not have consistent access to books as most of them are stored on a high shelf. This limits the opportunities they have to learn how to handle and respect books and develop a love of reading.

p.2

need to do better?

12 March 2025 n The childminder promotes independence. She supports children to wash their hands before meals and teaches children to keep safe when using the knife to chop the fruit. The childminder is aware of children's individual care routines. She knows when children are feeling hungry, tired or in need of a nappy change. The childminder quickly responds, which helps children to feel comfortable. n Children benefit from regular trips out into the local community. They visit the parks and museums and walk in the woods. This helps children to develop their language, physical and social skills. The childminder thoroughly considers any risks they might encounter when on outings. n The childminder keeps her mandatory training up to date, including her paediatric first aid. She is keen to improve her practice and develop her professional knowledge. For example, she is currently completing a level 3 childcare qualification.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder shares information with parents about what their children have been doing at the setting. She also finds out from parents about what children have been doing at home. However, the childminder has not considered ways to gather views from parents to help identify what she does well or areas for improvement.

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 interest first.

p.3

Due date

develop a curriculum that is broad, interesting and builds on what children already know and can do. 29/03/2025

p.3

should:

n provide more opportunities for children to access books to help them learn how to handle and respect books and to develop a love of reading n minimise distractions during play to support children to maintain attention and get the most from learning opportunities n consider ways to gather views from parents to help identify what is done well and areas for improvement.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2680821 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10393042 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 10 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Glanton, Northumberland. The childminder provides funded education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.4

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 completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder and looked at relevant documentation.

p.4

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.

p.4

Inspection activities

12 March 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.4

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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