Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Children's welfare needs are not met because the childminder is in breach of several safeguarding and welfare requirements. Although children enjoy being in the homely and relaxing environment and develop a secure bond with the childminder, she has not kept up to date with the requirements of her registration and practice has deteriorated.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children are confident individuals who interact with visitors. They ask them to stand so that they can see their own and the visitor's reflection in the television screen. The childminder uses this opportunity to extend children's mathematical skills. For instance, she asks children to compare who is the tallest. Children behave well and carry out age-appropriate responsibilities. They know and understand simple rules and boundaries. Children put toys back where they belong when they have finished playing with them. Older children are positive role models for younger children and welcome them to join in their play.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leadership is inadequate. The childminder does not have a secure understanding of the requirements of the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. She has failed to ensure that her assistant has completed training to enable them to identify possible signs of abuse and the appropriate action to take to report concerns. This compromises children's safety in the case of a child protection concern. n The childminder's assistant does not hold a valid paediatric first-aid qualification. The childminder leaves this person in sole care of children for short periods of time. This does not promote children's safety. n The childminder has failed to inform Ofsted of changes that may affect her suitability, and the suitability of an assistant, to work with children. Additionally, she does not evaluate her service well enough to help identify breaches in requirements and areas for improvement. n Despite weaknesses in her leadership, the childminder has a good oversight of

p.2

need to do better?

the curriculum, and the high-quality education she offers children helps them to make good progress. The childminder's use of effective questioning and praise motivates children to persevere and solve problems for themselves. For example, children work out how to position a toy egg to stop it rolling off a plate. n Children use their imaginations from a young age. The childminder helps them to dress up as a chef and they pretend to cook her eggs and toast in the play kitchen. Children smile with delight as they enjoy her sensitive interaction in their play. n Children develop good physical skills and learn to assess risk for themselves.

p.2

need to do better?

21 October 2019 They build their strength and stamina using large apparatus during regular visits to local parks. n The childminder has forged strong links with other providers in her area who help to support her in her work. For example, they help transport the childminder and children to local playgroups and farms. Children learn about the wider world and respect for animals. They brush ponies and bottle feed lambs during the spring. n The childminder builds effectively on children's vocabulary. For example, she describes what children are doing and introduces them to new words in relation to their play. n The childminder has good relationships with parents. She keeps them informed of children's progress. Parents comment positively about the childminder. However, she does not share enough information with them about how they can extend children's love of reading at home to further enhance their literacy skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder responds to children who speak English as an additional language through their use of gestures and body language. She also helps them to express their needs through some visual prompts. However, she does not fully support them to use their home language during their play and routine activities to enhance their speaking skills. n The childminder has addressed a weakness identified at her last inspection. For example, she now maintains an accurate record of children's attendance.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder does not provide her assistant with robust induction or suitable supervision to ensure they have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and how to safeguard children. This compromises children's safety and welfare as the assistant does not know the steps to follow to identify and refer concerns about children. The childminder demonstrates an appropriate knowledge of how to identify the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows what to do if she has a concern about children in her care and she understands the procedure to follow if a referral is required.

p.3

Due date

ensure that the assistant completes a relevant first-aid qualification 01/12/2019

p.3

Due date

21 October 2019 ensure that the assistant receives training and has knowledge of identifying possible signs of abuse and the appropriate action to take 04/11/2019

p.3

Due date

ensure that the assistant is provided with a robust induction and effective supervision to enable them to have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and safeguarding arrangements. 04/11/2019

p.4

should:

n strengthen opportunities for children to develop and use their home language n enhance the support offered to parents to help them extend children's love of reading at home.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY232890 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10085439 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 to 7 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 9 November 2018

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2002 and lives in Stevenage. She operates from 7am until 7pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant on a part-time basis.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder held a discussion to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector interacted with and spoke to children during the inspection. She met with the childminder's assistant and another registered childminder. n The inspector discussed the needs of individual children with the childminder and talked with her about the progress they are making. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the assistant. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided and discussed with the childminder how she reflects on the service she provides.

p.5

Inspection activities

21 October 2019 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

21 October 2019 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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