Cole, Marion

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

The caring and sensitive childminder provides children with a secure environment in which to play and learn. However, she has not fully reviewed the requirements of her registration for several years. She does not use an effective system to rigorously reflect on her practice or help to identify current weaknesses. For example, she does not keep the necessary records when she administers medication to children. She does not consider how the new space she plans to use for childminding will continue to meet the needs of the children in her care. Therefore, she does not meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage. Nevertheless, the childminder knows the children well and recognises that they start in her care with different experiences and needs.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder plans an ambitious curriculum that challenges all children to make good levels of progress. Children have access to a wide range of resources in line with their interests, and they spend time engaged in imaginative play with their friends. They pretend to go on shopping trips and carefully fill each other's baskets with 'pounds' before they leave. The childminder provides children with ideas to build on their curiosity and enjoyment. Children develop an affectionate bond with the childminder and regularly cuddle into her to share their favourite stories. They are beginning to gain a sense of themselves as individuals and are learning how to behave towards others.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not obtain written permission from parents or carers before she administers medication to children. She is not able to demonstrate that she records the date and circumstances of each occasion. However, this does not compromise children's safety. This is because the childminder has, at some point, made a verbal agreement with each family and any medication that she gives is at least four hours after the time that the children arrive in her care. This is always a medicine children have previously been given at home and have no known reaction to. n The childminder has very recently changed the premises she uses for childcare from the house to a purpose-built log cabin at the end of the garden. This enables children to access the resources more readily. However, she has not considered the minimum indoor space requirements for children and, in particular, how she will manage this on the days that she cares for a higher

p.2

need to do better?

number of children. On the day of inspection, there were only two children present and this dedicated space was sufficient to meet their care and learning needs. n The childminder values the training opportunities made available to her through a local network of childminders. For example, following a course on two-year-old

p.2

need to do better?

14 November 2019 children, she feels she has a deeper understanding of why children may display particular behaviours and ways she can support them. n The childminder regularly observes and assesses the children in her care. She shares information with parents and the other settings children attend to help promote consistency in their learning and development. n The childminder uses the additional funding she receives for children effectively. Her current focus on supporting the development of children's language has already seen a noticeable improvement in their speech. Young children show they are keen to engage in conversation. They learn new words rapidly, use clear pronunciation and experiment with sentences to link their thoughts. n The childminder encourages children to share their views and opinions with others. Through sensitive explanations, she helps them to understand the importance of how to treat all people with equal respect. For example, she

p.2

need to do better?

confirms to children that both boys and girls are just as capable of playing football. n Children have plenty of opportunities to develop a range of physical skills. For example, they benefit from regular trips to the local parks where they practise how to climb apparatus. During a planned activity, the childminder shows children how to hold a pair of scissors and open and close them to cut out their pictures. n Parents highly recommend the childminder and feel she has empathy and a natural talent with children. They say that their children have access to many learning experiences and are always excited to attend. n On occasion, children experience minor disruptions to their learning, when engaged in their chosen activities, as the childminder prepares for the daily routine.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder completes regular training to refresh and update her knowledge of child protection issues. She has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child who is at risk of harm. The childminder knows the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child and how to support parents in meeting children's daily needs. For instance, she offers them guidance about appropriate clothing the children may need for the changes in weather. The childminder works closely with other professionals to monitor and ensure the welfare of the children in her care.

p.3

Due date

14 November 2019 ensure written permission is obtained from a child's parent or carer before administering prescribed or non- prescribed medication, keep a written record each time a medicine is administered to a child, including the date and circumstances, and retain these records for a period of two years 14/12/2019

p.3

Due date

ensure the space used for childcare purposes meets the minimum indoor requirements and that this is organised each day to meet the various needs of the different ages of children who attend. 14/12/2019

p.4

should:

n develop the process of self-evaluation to help identify and address any weaknesses in leadership and management more swiftly n review practice when preparing for changes in the daily routine to minimise interruptions to children who are enthused and engaged in their chosen play.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY420694 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10074680 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 to 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 18 Date of previous inspection 29 March 2016

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3 and provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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 discussed the curriculum with the childminder and completed a joint evaluation of the activities that she provides for children. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation, including the childminder's first-aid qualification and planning permission for the new on-site premises. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

p.5

Inspection activities

14 November 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

14 November 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7