Childminder in Coventry

Summary of outcome

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills is leading Ofsted's work into how regulated early years and childcare providers in England have delivered child- centred practice and care, within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

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Summary of outcome

All early years providers must meet the legal requirements in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage . If we find that a provider is not meeting the requirements, we can take action to ensure they put matters right.

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Summary of outcome

On 17 November 2020, the provider notified us of a safeguarding concern. The notification means that the provider met their legal responsibility as set out in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage to notify Ofsted of a significant event.

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Summary of outcome

We suspended the provider's registration because we believed children may be at risk of harm. Suspension allows time for the provider to take steps to reduce or eliminate the risk of harm to children. The provider has a right to appeal against a suspension. The provider may not provide childcare for which registration is required while the suspension is in place and may commit an offence if they do so.

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Summary of outcome

We have now lifted the suspension because the provider took appropriate action to deal with the matter that led to the suspension and we are satisfied that there is now no risk of harm to children.

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Summary of outcome

On 14 December 2020, we carried out a regulatory visit. We found the provider was not meeting some of the requirements. We have served a welfare requirements notice. This is a legal notice that requires the provider to take the actions below within the timescales set out. The provider will be able to give parents further information about this. Actions needed by 3 January 2021:

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Summary of outcome

ensure policies and procedures to safeguard children are in line with the guidance and procedures of the relevant Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)

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Summary of outcome

improve knowledge and understanding of the policy and procedures to follow to safeguard children, with particular regard to the action to be taken in the event of an allegation being made against a member of the household, the childminder or an assistant

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Summary of outcome

improve knowledge and understanding of your responsibility for liaison with local statutory children's services agencies, and with the LSCB, and to provide support, advice and guidance to any assistants on an ongoing basis, and on any specific safeguarding issue as required

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Summary of outcome

ensure assistants are trained to understand their safeguarding policy and procedures, have up to date knowledge of safeguarding issues and to respond in a timely and appropriate way

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Summary of outcome

improve knowledge and understanding of the government's statutory guidance 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' and the requirements to notify agencies with statutory responsibilities without delay

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Summary of outcome

ensure all assistants have appropriate qualifications, training, skills and knowledge and a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities with particular regard to safeguarding and child protection

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Summary of outcome

put in place appropriate arrangements for the supervision of assistants who have contact with children and families, to include providing support, coaching and training to foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement, which encourages the confidential discussion of sensitive issues and to improve their personal effectiveness

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Summary of outcome

improve understanding that childminders are accountable for the quality of the work of any assistants and must be satisfied that assistants are competent in the areas of work they undertake.

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Summary of outcome

On 4 January 2021, Ofsted carried out a telephone call to monitor the WRN. We found that the provider has renewed her written policy and procedure to safeguard children. This is now in-line with the relevant and local organisation. She has completed training online which has given her better knowledge of how to deal with allegations against herself or member of the household. The provider understands the importance of liaising with local statutory children's services agencies and about the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer. She has also ensured that her assistant understands his role and responsibility to safeguard children. The provider reports that she and her assistant are now much more confident to take appropriate steps with any safeguarding concerns in a timely manner. She has a better understanding of her role to support her assistant in developing his effectiveness and to ensure he can work with the childminder and other professionals.

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Summary of outcome

Together they evaluate their practice and have found and accessed training online and conducted research. They are keen to continue with their professional development and to show how this helps to improve their provision and the outcomes for children.

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Summary of outcome

The provider is still registered with Ofsted.

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Publication of complaints

We publish details of complaints made against childminders, home childcarers and childcare providers where we or the provider have taken action in order to meet legal requirements. We publish details of complaints on our website for a period of five years.

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Publication of complaints

For further information about the complaints process please view the Concerns and complaints about childminders and childcare providers leaflet .

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