Childminder in Northumberland

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

The childminder has not ensured all requirements continue to be met to a good standard. Weaknesses are in the process of being rectified to help ensure children's welfare is maintained. The childminder's curriculum for mathematics and literacy is not sufficiently well sequenced to ensure all children make the progress of which they are capable. It does not fully support the development of children's confidence or positive attitudes to learning. Despite this, children are very happy in the childminder's care. They demonstrate this as they play games with the childminder. Babies watch as the childminder moves around the room, and follow her as she moves to the door, demonstrating their attachment to her. Children greet their friends happily when they return from school or nursery.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder has thought carefully about how she can keep children safe. For example, following storm damage in the garden, the childminder has implemented extra measures to keep children safe. This includes fencing off an area in the garden, where fencing is loose. Children learn to keep themselves safe when they are outside, for example, as they walk to and from school. Children behave well. They understand the childminder's expectations and put things away when they finish using them. They listen carefully and follow instructions. For example, they walk when reminded or collect their shoes when asked.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder's curriculum for literacy and mathematics is not broad enough. She does not ensure that children consistently develop the skills they need over time, to develop confidence in their learning. The childminder uses assessment criteria to plan her curriculum. Sometimes, she focuses on teaching skills that are not always appropriate for children's age or stage of development. Consequently, there are gaps in children's knowledge. This affects children's ability to develop curiosity and concentration in their learning. n The childminder has not kept her paediatric first-aid certificate up to date. She has also allowed the certificates of her assistants to expire. However, when she has realised the error, she has demonstrated a reasonable attitude and has booked onto further training. She has started the online section of the qualification. In addition, the childminder demonstrates a reasonable

p.2

need to do better?

understanding of how she would deal with an accident or injury. n The childminder has failed to notify Ofsted of a significant event that affected her operation. She had to close her setting for two weeks while remedial work took place to flood damage in her home. n The childminder plans and sets up her environment to support children's interests. For example, children thoroughly enjoy doing jigsaws about animals and their favourite television characters. This helps children to maintain

p.2

need to do better?

8 July 2025 concentration in an activity. n Children thoroughly enjoy listening to stories. The childminder reads books with good expression. She takes time to talk about the illustrations with children. Children enjoy talking about what they can see in the pictures. This helps to support their language and communication. n The childminder plans activities to help children to share and take turns. They play a board game with each other. The childminder supports them well throughout, reinforcing whose turn it is. With this support, children take turns and concentrate well, asking to play the game again. n The childminder helps children to understand how they can look after their own personal hygiene. Older children remember to flush the chain and wash their hands with the support of the childminder. n The childminder provides opportunities for children to develop their independence. She encourages them to choose their own toys. She gives

p.2

need to do better?

children time to try and do things for themselves. For instance, three-year-old children manage to put their shoes on themselves before going outside. n The childminder has a good relationship with the local school. They work together to develop a shared approach to supporting children's care and learning. For example, they discuss strategies to help children manage their feelings and emotions. n The childminder shares information with parents about where children are in their learning and development. She shares strategies with parents about ways in which they can manage various developmental stages. Parents share information about what children are doing at home and pass on valuable information about their sleeping or eating. n The childminder gives clear messages to parents about how they can keep children safe online. For example, she talks to children about not talking to strangers online. She shares information with parents about parental locks and

p.3

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

Due date

ensure a current paediatric first-aid certificate is maintained at all times 08/08/2025

p.3

Due date

8 July 2025 ensure planning supports children's interests and stages of development and that children develop the skills that they need in a sequential way. 15/08/2025

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY549347 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10399593 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 20 Date of previous inspection 6 December 2019

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Blyth, Northumberland. She holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday and 7am to 5pm on Fridays, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She provides government funded childcare and works with an assistant.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around her home. n The inspector observed children playing and learning. n The childminder evaluated an activity with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to children, the childminder and 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 persons living or working on the premises.

p.5

Inspection activities

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.5

Inspection activities

8 July 2025 8 July 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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7