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

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The provision is good

Children have very good relationships with the childminder. They demonstrate this as they sit on the childminder's knee and talk about what they can see and sing number rhymes together. Parents and carers comment that their children love going to the childminder's house. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. They learn how to use the stairs safely and with control. The childminder supervises children well and reminds them of her rules, such as to stop on the half landing. The childminder teaches the basic commands 'stop' and 'go' so that she knows they are safe outside.

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The provision is good

The childminder's curriculum is focused on helping children to develop the knowledge and skills that they need. When children first start, she gathers detailed information so that she can plan to support children's learning. For example, she provides opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. Children behave well. They respond well when the childminder reminds them of her expectations. For example, when she says 'stop', children stop and listen to the instructions. They come and sit at the table as soon as they have washed their hands for lunch.

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need to do better?

n Children in receipt of funding make very good progress. The childminder uses her assessments and works closely with parents to identify what children need to learn next. She purchases resources, such as equipment for the garden, to develop their skills further. This has a positive impact on children's learning and concentration. n The childminder's professional development is focused on developing her knowledge and skills further. For example, she has identified that she needs further training on communication and language. n The childminder provides effective support overall to ensure any assistants she employs develop their knowledge and skills further. However, this is still in its infancy, which means that there are some inconsistencies in practice that have not yet been addressed. n Children concentrate well. They persevere to complete a task. The childminder supports children well, giving them time to try things for themselves. She

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need to do better?

provides support and reassurance, when necessary, to help children to complete the task. n The childminder does not consistently teach children how they can keep their environment tidy. For example, children sometimes leave toys out that they have been playing with. This means that, sometimes, the toys left out distract other children. n The childminder extends children's learning effectively. She works alongside children, making good use of opportunities to extend counting. When children

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need to do better?

23 May 2025 are playing with pop-up toys, she models counting as they close the flaps. This repeated counting helps younger children to count with numbers in order. As the activity progresses, children count to four confidently. n The childminder supports children's communication well. She uses a range of strategies to support children's communication. For instance, the childminder repeats and extends what children are saying. When younger children look out of a window, the childminder labels what children can see. This has a positive impact on children's communication as they repeat and then use words, such as 'slide' and 'horse', freely. n The childminder provides a wealth of opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. For example, they run, jump and climb. The childminder plans opportunities for children to develop their shoulder and elbow muscles as they paint on walls and chalk on the floor.

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need to do better?

n The childminder helps children to develop an awareness of healthy lifestyles. Children thoroughly enjoy their walks up the local farm tracks. They enjoy a range of healthy meals and snacks with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Children learn the importance of washing their hands, particularly after blowing their noses, using the toilet or before eating. n The childminder has a good relationship with parents. She uses a range of methods to communicate with parents, including face-to-face and electronic communication. The childminder works hard to establish a shared approach to supporting children's care and learning. For example, she shares strategies to develop children's communication and listening skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture towards safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n continue to provide training and support to any assistants to address inconsistencies in practice and to ensure that their knowledge and teaching skills continue to improve n help children to understand how to look after their environment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2791108 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10403129 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 15 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2024 and lives in Burnopfield. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She works with an assistant. The childminder provides government funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around her home and explained how she organises her provision. n The inspector observed children playing and learning. n Parents provided written feedback for the purpose of the inspection. n The childminder observed and evaluated an activity with the inspector. n The inspector talked to the children, the childminder and her assistants 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 children safe and manages her childcare provision.

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Inspection activities

23 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

23 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

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