Childminder 301121

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is strongly committed to providing care and learning experiences that meet the needs of the children in her care. She is highly reflective and responsive, taking account of how children respond during activities and care routines. She adapts her approach during activities, which helps to ensure that children are consistently supported as well as possible in all aspects of their care and learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Children settle very quickly in the childminder's home when they first begin to attend. She does all she can to make the transition into her care as smooth and worry-free as possible, for both children and parents. For example, she arranges plenty of time for children to visit as the only child attending so that she can embed those important secure relationships with them. Children quickly learn to trust the childminder and show that they feel safe in her care. Her depth of knowledge about individual children develops very quickly, and this helps her to meet their care and learning needs precisely.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder thinks very carefully about the experiences she provides for children. Her ultimate aim is for all children to become confident and independent learners through play and real-life experiences. She takes full account of their abilities, preferences and interests in her planning, which helps to ensure that the curriculum supports every child who attends. Children become absorbed in activities. For example, babies concentrate hard to post shapes into a box. They watch in wonder when they make marks with chalk.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a secure understanding of how young children learn. She observes them closely during play to identify what they already know and can do. She then plans the next steps for children's learning precisely. Her curriculum is carefully sequenced and progressive. This contributes to the strong and rapid progress that children make across all areas of learning. It helps to ensure that all children are exceptionally well prepared for school and future learning. n Books, songs and rhymes feature frequently in children's days. The childminder reads with enthusiasm, adapting her words, pace and rhythm to encourage their full participation. This captures children's attention, builds their curiosity and supports early literacy development. Babies turn the pages of books and babble along while the childminder reads. Their consistent exposure to language helps to build strong foundations for their communication skills.

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need to do better?

n Children's experiences are carefully matched to their needs, interests and learning styles. For example, the childminder provides new resources, such as ball pits and interest baskets, to encourage babies to explore with curiosity and

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need to do better?

17 September 2025 determination. She adapts her teaching thoughtfully, ensuring learning continues when children's interests shift. This responsive and flexible approach means children are consistently engaged and motivated and develop a love of learning. n The childminder is highly reflective and committed to ongoing improvements. She evaluates her practice daily and draws on training, research and professional networks to strengthen her knowledge further. Recently, for example, she undertook her own study into best practice for working with babies. Although already very experienced, she wanted to refresh her skills ahead of caring for very young children again. This reflects her strong commitment to continually building her expertise. n Partnerships with parents are highly effective and have a direct impact on outcomes for children. For example, the childminder and parents work closely to embed daily routines, which has led to children's improved sleep at home.

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need to do better?

Parents describe the childminder as 'part of the family' and say she 'holds a special place in our hearts'. She involves families fully in their children's learning, which further supports their progress. n The childminder places great importance on promoting children's sense of belonging and their independence. Each child has their own special place for their belongings, which helps them to feel valued and secure. She actively encourages even the youngest children to do things for themselves. This helps children to develop confidence, resilience and self-help skills. Consistent praise helps children to be proud of who they are and what they can do. n Healthy lifestyles are embedded exceptionally well into routines and activities. The childminder ensures that children get plenty of fresh air and exercise, for example through regular woodland walks that support their physical development and well-being. She encourages good nutrition and daily habits,

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need to do better?

such as handwashing and toothbrushing. Her skilful teaching helps children to understand why these routines matter and helps them to build strong foundations for a healthy, active life.

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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 301121 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10408089 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 1 Date of previous inspection 24 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in School Aycliffe, Newton Aycliffe. Opening hours are from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time only. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She offers government- funded childcare places.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder evaluated some of the morning's activities with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder provided a sample of relevant documents to support discussions around leadership and management, including those in relation to her ongoing suitability. n Parents provided written feedback and the inspector took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

17 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

17 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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