Childminder in Darlington

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children are eager and independent learners. They move happily around the childminder's home and choose where they would like to play. The childminder has a fun and attentive approach that puts children at ease. They show a strong sense of belonging, which demonstrates how safe and secure they feel in her care. The childminder encourages good manners and consideration for others. Children behave well and are kind to their friends. For example, they find a doll for their friend to play with. The childminder prioritises children's social and emotional development. Children develop confidence and resilience ready for later life and learning.

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The provision is outstanding

The curriculum is tailored precisely to children's individual needs. The childminder has clear and appropriate aims for each child's learning. During shared activities, she varies her teaching to support each child to build progressively on their skills and knowledge. For example, during a craft activity, younger children learn about shapes and early counting, while older children learn to solve simple mathematical problems. This personalised approach, along with the childminder's high expectations, contributes to the very good progress that children make. They are all high achievers who have a love of learning.

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need to do better?

n Activities are filled with learning opportunities. The childminder's focus on helping children to achieve more is consistent and highly effective. For example, at snack time, children learn about 'halves', 'quarters' and counting while cutting apples. They talk about what the seeds in fruit need to grow into trees. This contributes to children's excellent achievements across all aspects of their learning. They build rapidly on their skills and knowledge. n The atmosphere is calm and relaxed. Children benefit from unhurried play and plenty of opportunities to develop their own ideas and practise new skills. The childminder helps them to remember new learning, for example, by making links between activities and recapping previous experiences. Children recall past activities and talk about what they have learned. This helps to reinforce their understanding and strengthen new skills and knowledge. n Children become very excited to join in activities that the childminder knows that

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need to do better?

they enjoy. For example, they jump and clap when they learn that they will use 'sparkles' during a craft activity. The childminder's consideration for children's interests and preferences supports their motivation during play and learning. They become absorbed in activities and show remarkable concentration skills for their age. n The childminder gives children clear and consistent messages about the importance of healthy lifestyles. Children develop a deep understanding of ways

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need to do better?

5 June 2025 to keep themselves safe and healthy. The childminder recognises the importance of good nutrition, fresh air and exercise on children's physical and mental health. Children tell the inspector that 'it makes you sad when you don't feel the fresh air on your skin'. They explain that 'sweeties are a treat for after you have had good food'. n Routines flow with the needs of children. The childminder works closely with parents from the outset and has a deep understanding of each child's needs, preferences and sensitivities. Children feel valued and secure when their needs are met precisely. The childminder values children's voice. She encourages them to make decisions and express themselves. This helps children to feel respected and empowered, and helps to enhance their confidence, communication and decision-making skills. n Professional development has significant impact on children's outcomes. For

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need to do better?

example, the childminder has deepened her understanding of language development. Children build a rich vocabulary and speak with confidence. Furthermore, she engages in research and shares ideas across professional networks. This helps her to provide innovative, purposeful activities that encourage a love of learning, boost children's engagement, and accelerate their progress. n Parents' feedback and children's views contribute to plans for ongoing development. Parents report that children thrive in the childminder's care. Children describe her as kind, and say 'I love her to the back of my heart'. Parents help with planning and assessment of children's learning, and the childminder offers ideas for home learning. Strong links with other professionals involved in children's education contribute to a shared approach that further strengthens children's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549983 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10392764 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 4 Date of previous inspection 2 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Newton Aycliffe, Durham. She operates term time only, from 7.15am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides government- funded sessions for children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the areas of the childminder's home that are used for childcare. The childminder discussed how she ensures the premises are safe and secure. n The childminder explained how she organises her provision and talked about the aims of her early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder shared relevant documents to support discussions about leadership and management. n The inspector spoke to one parent and took account of the views of others from written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

5 June 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

5 June 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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