Smith, Amanda Jane

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They show high levels of confidence as they welcome visitors into the setting, helping to check the visitor's identification before resuming their play. The childminder knows children very well. She automatically recognises when younger children are tired. The childminder picks children up and cuddles them closely to her, talking to children in a quiet and comforting voice. This enables children to feel safe and secure in the childminder's environment. Overall, children are very well behaved. On the rare occasions the childminder has to remind children about their behaviour, she does so in a calm and gentle way.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder regularly assesses children's development. She knows the skills and abilities children have and what they need to know and do next. The childminder plans her curriculum to enable children across all ages to join in with the same activities. For example, as children negotiate different levels and surfaces across the childminder's garden, they practise balancing, climbing and turning. Younger children watch older children and try to copy their movements. This further develops children's physical skills and confidence as they learn to control their movements.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is a good communicator. She knows when she talks to children to speak slowly and clearly. The childminder gives children time to understand what has been said and to respond. She pronounces words correctly and knows to introduce new words into children's vocabulary. For example, the childminder talks about grapes being 'tricky' to cut with a knife. n The childminder is an engaging storyteller. As she reads to children, she uses different tones of voice. The childminder gives children time to look at the pictures and talk about the story. This gives children the confidence to join in discussions with other children and helps to foster their love of books. n The childminder is very skilled at following children's lead. For example, as younger children spontaneously sing songs, the childminder joins in. This helps to build children's confidence as they learn how to engage others in their play.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are very independent and show a determination to manage their own self-care needs. They automatically wash their hands before eating and after being outdoors. Children enthusiastically talk about keeping themselves healthy as they 'wash the germs off their hands'. n Parents and carers are very appreciative of the childminder and the wide variety of activities their children have access to. They comment on the very healthy meals and snacks the childminder provides and the way she meets children's dietary requirements.

p.2

need to do better?

16 April 2025 n The childminder regularly takes children out and about in the local area. They go to local parks and wildlife centres. Children learn to socialise with a wide variety of different people as the childminder meets with other childminders. This encourages children to build relationships with adults and children outside of their immediate family and friends. n The childminder ensures that all mandatory training and qualifications are up to date. She accesses a wide a variety of other training to improve her practice and enhance outcomes for children. For example, following recent professional development, the childminder now plans for numbers and counting to flow through all the activities and routines she engages in with children. n Children independently explore the childminder's environment and choose their own activities. However, the childminder does not consistently encourage children to remain engaged in activities to further develop their concentration

p.2

need to do better?

and motivation to learn. n The childminder teaches children the skills and abilities they need to help them to move on to the next stage of their education. For example, she gives younger children time and encouragement as they endeavour to remove their own shoes. However, at times, the childminder directs children and tells them what they need to do, rather than helping children to develop their own thinking skills.

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 encourage children to remain engaged in activities to further develop their skills of concentration and motivation n support children to extend their thinking skills further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY333102 Local authority Hartlepool Borough Inspection number 10380854 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 12 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 26 June 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Hartlepool. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She offers government funded childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder discussed with the inspector how she delivers the educational programmes for children. n Interactions between the childminder and children were observed and the inspector evaluated the quality of education being provided. n Evidence of the childminder's and all people living on the premises suitability was checked by the inspector. n The inspector looked at the childminder's policies and documents. n Written views of parents were taken into account by the inspector.

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

16 April 2025 16 April 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.

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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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