Shepherd, Jade Tracy

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children show they feel secure in the childminder's care and the bond between the childminder and children is evident. Children show interest and curiosity in visitors to the childminder's home. Children sit comfortably as they ask about the purpose of the visit and why the visitor is using a laptop. This shows how confident children feel in the childminder's environment.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder works with parents to gather information about their children. She uses information about children's development and interests to get to know children before they start with her. This helps the childminder to plan for children's learning from the very beginning. The childminder knows children very well and automatically responds to their needs. For example, she recognises when younger children are tired. She uses comforting words and gently strokes their hair and faces until they fall asleep. This helps to develop children's confidence and emotional well-being.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave very well. Older children willingly let younger children into their play. They happily share resources and make space for other children to join in. Children understand the childminders rules, for example, removing their shoes when they come indoors. Children are very polite and show good manners as they readily say please and thank you.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children's communication and language skills are effectively supported by the childminder. She knows to talk slowly and clearly to children, to give children time to understand what has been said and to respond. The childminder knows to link words to movements and to objects. For example, as younger children knock plastic eggs together, the childminder encourages them to listen to the 'tap, tap, tap' noises they are making. n The childminder further extends children's vocabulary as they read stories together. She helps to develop children's independence skills as the childminder encourages children to choose their own books. The childminder engages children in stories as she uses different tones of voice. She gives children time to look at the books and talk about the pictures. n The childminder gives children many opportunities to go outdoors and enjoy fresh air and exercise. They visit the local parks and woodland areas, where

p.2

need to do better?

children can develop their physical skills in large, open spaces. n The childminder works with parents to ensure all children have a healthy diet and are given appropriate food choices. She ensures all allergies and intolerances are recorded and that children do not eat food that may cause them harm. The childminder makes sure that children have regular drinks throughout

p.2

need to do better?

24 June 2025 the day. n The childminder ensures all mandatory training, such as safeguarding and first aid, is up to date. She further extends her own professional development through independently sourcing additional training. For example, following recent outdoor training, the childminder and children visited a local pond where they searched for frogs. The childminder extended this to teach children about the life-cycle of the frog. n Parents value the childminder's role and the service she provides. Parents say the childminder's 'home-from-home' environment makes their transition back to work more comfortable. They appreciate the childminder's professional attitude and the advice she gives on supporting children's development at home. n The childminder meets regularly with other childminders. This gives the childminder the opportunity to share ideas and develop her practice. This also enables children to build relationships with adults and children outside of their

p.2

need to do better?

own family and friends. n Overall, children are motivated to learn with activities that engage them. However, when children move away from their play, or rapidly move between different activities, the childminder is not consistent in encouraging them to return to the play. This does not help to enhance children's concentration skills. n The childminder occasionally brings numbers and counting into children's play. For example, children count how many books they have chosen. However, this is not consistent practice throughout everyday routines and activities.

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 support children to extend their levels of concentration and maintain interest in activities n enhance practice to ensure numbers and counting are a consistent feature of everyday routines and activities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2740147 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10405826 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 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Blackhill, Consett She operates all year round from 8.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 1pm to 6.30pm on a Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers government-funded places.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder discussed with the inspector how she delivers the educational programmes for children. n Evidence of the childminder's public liability insurance, training certificates, the childminder's suitability and the suitability of all people living on the premises was checked by the inspector. n Policies and documents the childminder uses when caring for children were looked at by the inspector. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children throughout the inspection. n The written views of parents were taken into account by the inspector.

p.4

Inspection activities

24 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

24 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

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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