Childminder in Darlington

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

The childminder is kind and attentive, which puts children at ease. They are happy and confident in her care. Children eagerly involve the childminder in their play, showing trust in her and a sense of belonging in her home. The childminder teaches children to be kind and to show respect. She has clear expectations for children's behaviour. For example, children learn to be gentle around the family cats and help to take care of the toys by tidying them away. Children learn social skills and develop friendships, for example when they attend group activities at the library and meet up with other childminders and children.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have unhurried opportunities to make choices and lead their own play. The childminder plays alongside them and weaves learning into activities. For example, when children become absorbed in cutting up fruit for their snack, she introduces counting and language related to size to support their mathematical development. The curriculum focuses on preparing children for the next stage in their learning. Learning plans are personal to each child and the childminder helps them to build on what they already know and can do. This contributes to the good progress that all children make.

p.2

need to do better?

n The curriculum is delivered through a balance of home-based activities and outings in the local area. Children learn about the world around them, for example when they dig up vegetables and then help to cook them for lunch. Indoors, they access a wide range of activities, such as pretend play and creative activities. This helps to ensure that children receive broad experiences that support all aspects of their development. n Strategies to help children to remember their new learning are effective. For example, the childminder links stories to activities to help children to deepen their understanding. She keeps mementos from visits to help children to recall past activities. Children remember collecting pine cones and the childminder recaps what they learned about the trees and plants in the woods. n The childminder chats to children during their play and models new words and sounds. Overall, this helps to build on their language skills. However, the

p.2

need to do better?

childminder often asks questions that require a 'yes' or 'no' answer. This does not prompt children to think and talk. The childminder overlooks ways to extend children's language use, for example by encouraging them to speak, rather than point, to indicate their needs. n Children are active learners who are curious about their surroundings. They notice aeroplanes in the sky and watch as postal workers deliver letters in the street. Children eagerly explore items the childminder has collected in a basket. The childminder supports children's investigation and encourages problem-

p.2

need to do better?

9 June 2025 solving skills. Children enjoy working out which items can be connected or will fit inside one another. n The childminder uses professional development to refresh her knowledge and bring new ideas into her setting. For example, she accesses some training courses and shares ideas with other childminders. At times, however, her development is not focused precisely. The childminder acknowledges that she does not consistently use professional development to gain a greater understanding of strategies to support some aspects of children's learning more precisely. n Feedback from parents and carers is very positive. They describe the childminder as 'kind and caring' and appreciate the nurturing environment that she provides. The childminder shares plenty of information with parents about their children's learning. They work together towards shared goals. This provides a consistent approach and supports children's learning and development further.

p.2

need to do better?

n Teaching children to be safe and healthy is a priority for the childminder. She provides nutritious meals and encourages good hygiene routines, such as washing hands. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise during daily outdoor activities. They learn to keep themselves safe, for example when learning to cross roads safely. n The childminder helps children to manage their emotions and develop resilience. She plans competitive team games, such as 'sports day' activities, to help children to understand boundaries and to follow rules. Children learn to tolerate disappointment and celebrate others' success. They develop positive attitudes that prepare them well for later life and learning.

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's developing language skills further, for example, by creating more opportunities for them to use words n focus professional development more closely on more precise ways to support children's particular learning needs.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY543401 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10392765 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 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 9 October 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Darlington. She operates during term time, from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder offers government funded childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the areas of the childminder's home used for childcare and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder talked about how she organises her provision and explained the aims of her early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder shared a sample of relevant documents to support discussions about the leadership and management of her provision. n The inspector took account of written feedback from parents.

p.4

Inspection activities

9 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

9 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6