Childminder EY552645

This provision meets requirements

The childminder cares for children in a home-from-home environment. They develop very good relationships with the childminder. They greet her with enthusiasm when they come out of school. The childminder helps children to understand how they can keep themselves safe. She consistently teaches children how to walk home from school safely. This is evident as younger children come out of school and immediately hold her hand. At every lane, the childminder asks children what they need to do to cross safely. From a young age, children demonstrate their knowledge of road safety.

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This provision meets requirements

Although the children are in school all day, the childminder has high expectations for what children can achieve when they are with her. She makes good use of opportunities to extend children's vocabulary. Children create an 'autumn tree' using leaves they have collected. She uses words such as 'decaying' as they talk about the soft, wet leaves on the ground. This supports children's language and communication. The childminder has clear rules, which children consistently follow. She patiently reminds children of what she expects. For instance, she asks children what they need to do when they finish snack. Children respond quickly and clear their plates away.

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need to do better?

n The childminder places a high priority on developing children's independence. She provides a range of low-level hooks and pegs for children to store their belongings after school. She gives children time to try to do things for themselves. For example, when children come in from school they take off their shoes and put on their slippers as well as hanging up their coats. n The childminder's risk assessments are robust and well thought out. For example, she has thought carefully about the organisation of her garden to make maximum use of the space available, while ensuring children negotiate the gradients safely and with control. The childminder has organised her garden into different sections. This, along with fences and gates at carefully thought out points help children to stay safe outside. n The childminder teaches children about healthy lifestyles as they walk to and from school. They enjoy running off energy in the maze as they walk home. The

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need to do better?

childminder teaches children the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children enjoy a range of nutritional snacks, including sandwiches and fruit. They learn how to look after their teeth and the childminder teaches children the importance of brushing them. She talks to them about the acid in fruit and establishes consistent routines. Children know they need to brush their teeth for two minutes and set the timer.

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need to do better?

10 September 2025 n Children have a good relationship with each other. Younger children greet older ones with enthusiasm when they come out of school. They thoroughly enjoy doing exercises, such as star jumps, together when they get in from school, helping to form strong friendships. n The childminder supports children's communication and language. When children walk home from school with her, she encourages them to talk about what they have been doing in school. She listens to children and helps to clarify misconceptions, such as the reasons why vegetarians do not eat meat. n The childminder has a good attitude to professional development and keeps her knowledge and skills up to date. She talks about changes she has made following training on communication and language, including listening to children more and asking fewer questions. She works closely with the local authority to strengthen her understanding of how to extend children's mathematical skills.

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need to do better?

This means her knowledge continually improves and supports children's learning in relation to communication and language and mathematics. n The childminder has a good relationship with parents. She talks to parents about what children have been doing. She finds out about what children are interested in at home. Parents value the way the childminder works with them to establish consistent care practices, particularly in relation to behaviour. The childminder passes on any messages from school. This helps to support children's care and learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY552645 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10408082 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 24 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Lanchester. She operates before school from 8am to 9am and after school from 3.15pm to 5.30pm. She is open Monday to Thursday during school term time only.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around her home and explained how she organises her provision. n The inspector observed children playing and learning. n The childminder showed the inspector a range of documents, including those relating to the suitability of all household members. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents provided written feedback for the purpose of the inspection. n The childminder explained how she keeps children safe inside and outside.

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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.

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Inspection activities

10 September 2025 10 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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