Childminder 403108

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 thrive at this extremely caring and nurturing setting. The childminder provides them with undivided attention as they happily share stories and play skittles together. Children enjoy a comforting home-from-home environment and a calm pace to activities. They are fully engaged as they shake bells and explore musical instruments. Children persevere as they carefully and skilfully open and close drawstring bags to fill with toys. They show a 'can do' attitude and a willingness to try. Children are curious and highly motivated to learn.

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The provision is outstanding

Relationships between the childminder and children are superb. The childminder is an excellent role model. She models manners and is respectful, patient and kind. The childminder is very positive and provides clear praise. This means children are clear about their achievements and what they have done well. Children learn how to take turns as they roll balls and explore card games. Behaviour is excellent. The childminder gently uses her voice to great effect, helping her to hold children's attention.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are growing rapidly in independence. The childminder encourages them to make decisions about which healthy snack to have and what they want to play with next. Children practise teeth cleaning and learn about toileting routines through stories and role play with dolls. They are confident and happy to ask for help when needed. Children are extremely happy, settled and secure.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's learning extremely well. She follows their lead fully in play and knows when best to intervene to support and extend their learning effectively. She asks carefully worded questions that encourage children's thinking and ideas. Children rapidly become exceptionally confident communicators. n The childminder has an excellent understanding of where children are in their development. She gathers detailed information from parents about what children know and can do when they start. The childminder uses this information to help settle children and plan highly effective support. n There is excellent support for children's developing language skills, for example though singing and stories. The childminder repeats back children's words and provides a running commentary for their play. She introduces new words such as 'kaleidoscope' and helps children to recognise words that rhyme.

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need to do better?

n Children develop balance and strength through activities such as skittles and football. They learn to use their hands in different ways through baking activities, tracing and mark making. They practise with scissors, place stickers and help to make dough.

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need to do better?

8 September 2025 n Support for children's mathematical development is outstanding. Children estimate how many toy cars will fill a bag. They consider what size car will fit into different sized cups. Children sort and compare the size of toy ducks before counting how many there are. Children learn 'left' and 'right' as they put on their shoes and the concepts of 'full' and 'empty'. They play matching games and learn about colours, patterns, numbers and shapes. n Children benefit from daily fresh air and exercise. They enjoy trips to the local library, cafe and shops. Children learn about nature through woodland walks and trips to see animals at a local farm. They learn how to behave around and care for pets. This has a significant impact on broadening children's horizons and their knowledge of the natural world. n Very flexible settling-in procedures mean parents are able to build up their time away from children gradually. The childminder plans her curriculum so children

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need to do better?

spend the majority of their time at the setting in their first few weeks, before gradually taking part in trips and outings outside the setting. This thoughtful approach helps children to build relationships, feel secure and become familiar with the setting and routines. n Partnerships with parents are very strong. Parents speak very highly of the childminder. The childminder shares support, guidance and advice on child development for parents to use at home. The childminder provides excellent support to parents who breastfeed to help them to continue. n The childminder has extensive experience of caring for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She understands very well the importance of working closely with other professionals in education and health involved with children in her care. This helps to create a consistent approach to supporting children's development and their move to school or the next stage in their

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need to do better?

learning. n The childminder reflects constantly on her practice. She shares her ideas with other childminders and keeps her knowledge up to date. For example, since her last inspection, she has completed training on early identification and supporting children with autism. This has helped her to strengthen her excellent knowledge still further.

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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 403108 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10392852 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 7 Date of previous inspection 19 September 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Morpeth, Northumberland. She operates term time only. Opening hours are 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She offers government- funded places for childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector discussed with the childminder how she helps to keep children safe. This included evidence about first-aid training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The childminder and inspector reflected on an activity together. The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector took the views of parents into account.

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Inspection activities

8 September 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

8 September 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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