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 Good

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The provision is good

The childminder's curriculum is ambitious and well thought out. She wants children to be confident, independent and able to listen and play with others. She discusses how these skills underpin all future learning. Parents comment that children have made very good progress in terms of their social skills, independence and confidence. The childminder has a very good relationship with children. She spends time looking at books, talking to children and singing songs and rhymes. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with her. They laugh as they play games together and come for cuddles when needed.

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The provision is good

The childminder has thought about how she can keep children safe. She ensures that her doors are locked to prevent unauthorised people entering. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. They learn how to use knives to butter or cut their bread. They understand that they must put toys away when they finish. Children behave well. The childminder has clear expectations, which children consistently follow. For example, when the childminder asks children to tidy up, they respond quickly and clear the floor of toys.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports children as they move to school. For example, she talks to children about schools they are going to. She invites teachers to visit children in her home and shares information with them to support children as they make the move to school. n The childminder provides a range of enjoyable activities to support children's learning. Children thoroughly enjoy singing and dancing along to songs. They listen carefully and follow the actions and instructions, altering their movements accordingly. For example, they crawl, wriggle and freeze when they hear the instruction. n On occasion, the childminder does not help younger children to develop their communication skills. When the childminder reminds older children that she is looking at books with younger children and that they should play something else, she supports younger children's language well. However, sometimes the childminder allows older children to dominate the play and, when this happens,

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need to do better?

younger children are quieter. n Children learn how to keep themselves healthy. They enjoy a range of healthy meals and snacks. Children know that they must wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet. They enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise. Parents appreciate the range of healthy meals that children have the opportunity to try. n The childminder provides a range of opportunities to help children develop their physical skills. However, the childminder does not consistently think about the stages children go through as they develop their muscles to support their early

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need to do better?

14 May 2025 writing skills. Sometimes, the activities she provides do not support all children's ages and stages of development. n The childminder provides a range of opportunities for children to develop their independence. For example, she gives children time to put on their own shoes or manage their clothing after going to the toilet. She teaches children strategies for how they can manage their clothing themselves. The childminder talks to parents about how they can develop this at home too. n The childminder helps children to develop their imaginative play. Three-year-old children play together as they play with the doll's house or turn a toy garage into a hospital. They work together extremely well as they begin to develop simple storylines into their play. n The childminder is committed to developing her knowledge and skills. She works with other childminders and the local authority, as well as attending further

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need to do better?

training. As a result of training, she has reflected on how she can make lunchtimes even safer, in line with new guidance, and how she can support children's mental health. n The childminder has a good relationship with parents. She talks to parents about what children are learning and how they can support them further. She ensures that there is a shared approach to supporting children's learning and development, such as explaining to parents how they can develop children's independence at home. n The childminder provides a broad curriculum that includes a wealth of experiences that children may not get at home. This includes opportunities to socialise with other children or attend group activities and outings.

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 provide even more opportunities to support younger children's communication and language development n develop understanding of the order in which children develop their muscle skills in preparation for writing.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY473283 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10392928 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 10 Date of previous inspection 22 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Seaham. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides government-funded childcare places.

p.4

Inspection activities

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

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Inspection activities

14 May 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.

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Inspection activities

14 May 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

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

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