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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is inadequate

The childminder has not followed required procedures to inform Ofsted of the necessary information, so that suitability checks can be carried out on all persons working with children in her home. This means that children have been in the sole care of a person who has not been subject to appropriate suitability checks. This undermines the safety and well-being of the children in her care. Nevertheless, children feel happy and safe in the childminder's care. They have a good relationship and strong attachments with the childminder and are happy to go to her for a cuddle if they are tired or need some reassurance. Children have a close bond with the childminder, who joins in with their play and listens to children as they share their ideas.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder takes exceptional care to provide a challenging curriculum tailored to each individual child. At the heart of her curriculum is for children to be independent learners with a can-do attitude. The children make excellent progress in this language-rich environment the childminder provides. She models language clearly and correctly pronounces words that enable the children to extend their vocabulary. Children are motivated and eager to learn. They become absorbed in their imaginative play and use dolls to act out their knowledge about self-help skills, such as washing and cleaning teeth. Children have a good level of concentration for their age. Children behave well and understand the daily routines and expectations. Children get along well together, happily share and take turns.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a positive attitude towards meeting her responsibilities towards children. However, she has failed to ensure that she meets all requirements of her registration. While all persons who live and work in her home have had an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check, she has not informed Ofsted, so that all required checks on a person working in her home are completed. This means children's welfare is not assured. n The childminder supports children during settling-in periods. These are adapted to meet children's individual needs. This ensures children feel emotionally supported and cared for during transitional times. The childminder gathers relevant information about the children from parents to ensure she focuses on children's needs immediately. n The childminder supports children to be independent individuals. This helps prepare them for challenges ahead, such as school. They learn responsibilities

p.2

need to do better?

from an early age. Children happily tidy away resources when they have finished playing with them and wipe their own face before and after eating. n The childminder promotes children's speech and language development well. She speaks clearly and incorporates single words that children say within short

p.2

need to do better?

13 July 2022 sentences. She engages children in regular conversation to extend their communication skills. For example, during an activity with water, children confidently pour water from one bucket to another. The childminder asked appropriate questions to extend the children's vocabulary and understanding. n The childminder supports children to be physically active and lead a healthy lifestyle. She encourages children to assess risks for themselves in and around the setting. For example, the childminder challenges children to safely step over the patio ledge onto the grassed area in the garden. n The childminder regularly evaluates her provision to ensure children participate in a wide range of learning through planned activities. However, at times, the childminder interrupts children's learning experiences to follow the daily routine, such as coming indoors for lunch, at a time when they were engrossed in their

p.2

need to do better?

learning. n The childminder calmly and consistently manages children's behaviour when they have minor disagreements. Children have friendly and caring relationships. For example, they help each other to tidy away and cooperate well together. She regularly praises children, and the children thrive on this. The childminder is proactive in helping children who had reduced social interactions with people outside of their home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. n The childminder works effectively with parents to meet the needs of the children. Written statements form parents speak positively about the home- from-home environment she creates. They say, 'We are very happy with the quality of care and education our son receives' and 'I love how my child has developed over the last few months, and that is a massive thanks to the childminder's guidance and teaching.'

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has not informed Ofsted about all adults working in her home. This means checks have not been carried out to ensure all adults are suitable, which compromises children's welfare. However, the childminder has a good understanding about child protection arrangements. She knows the potential signs that children may be at risk of harm and the procedures to follow if she is concerned. The childminder regularly checks her home to ensure that the environment is safe for children.

p.3

Due date

provide Ofsted with the information necessary to complete required suitability checks for any person working with children on the premises 22/07/2022

p.4

Due date

ensure that no person who has not been subject to required suitability checks has unsupervised access to minded children. 22/07/2022

p.4

should:

n improve opportunities for children to play without interruption, so they can complete their play or chosen tasks to their satisfaction.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2528523 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10208373 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder took the inspector on a learning walk around the setting. n The inspector held several discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. 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. n The inspector observed interactions between children, the childminder and her assistant, and spoke to children. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and assistant about safeguarding.

p.5

Inspection activities

13 July 2022 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

13 July 2022 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