A HODDLESDEN childminder has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors.

Karen Mallord, of Glencarron Close, was given the second best possible score after being visited by Donna Birch.

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In her report, Ms Birch said: “Educational programmes have breadth and depth across the seven areas of learning. Therefore, children are motivated to learn and make good progress.

“The childminder has a very good knowledge of safeguarding children; rigorous checks of her home and a clear understanding of the possible indicators of abuse ensure that children are very well protected.

“Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder works very closely with parents to ensure their children’s needs are met.

“The childminder demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement. Therefore, she prioritises improvements that benefit children the most.”

Ms Birch added that she could not give an ‘outstanding’ rating because ‘opportunities for children to routinely practise their emerging skills in mathematics are not always fully exploited’.

She added: “Opportunities for children to develop their independence and self-help skills to the utmost are not fully implemented, such as at meal times.”