Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Inadequate Behaviour and attitudes Inadequate Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is inadequate

Weaknesses in the childminder's understanding of the legal requirements compromises children's safety. Her knowledge of how to protect children from harm or abuse is poor. Children do not benefit from a rich educational programme. They do not have access to a variety of appropriate resources, and many are unsuitable for the age of the children attending. For example, they are only able to play with 'fidget' toys and a handheld pin-ball game. This significantly restricts children's ability to explore and use their imaginative skills.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children's learning is not supported appropriately because the childminder does not understand their stages of development. For example, she supports children too much and does not encourage them to name and count pictures in workbooks for themselves. The childminder talks over children, and this prevents them from trying to get the words right. Children are unable to be creative and practise their early writing skills. The childminder gives children small pencils, but then places her hand over theirs. She moves and guides children's hands, telling them where to colour. Consequently, children are unable to develop their fine motor skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not maintain an accurate daily record of children's times of attendance. She collects children from school but fails to record what time she collects them and what time they are dropped off at home. In addition, the childminder does not consider the risks to children when they are not in her sight and/or hearing. n The childminder does not understand the learning and development requirements of the early years foundation stage. Children are instructed to count and name objects in colouring books and posters on the walls. This means that children are reciting the names of objects rather than understanding what they are actually seeing. Consequently, children are unable to develop the skills they need to support their future learning. n The childminder fails to provide children with an ambitious curriculum. She does not ensure that activities support children's development across all seven areas

p.2

need to do better?

of learning. Consequently, children are unable to make suitable levels of progress in order to be ready for the next stage of their education. There is not a suitable balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder decides what children will do next. Therefore, children are not able to make independent choices and lead their own play. n Children do not have access to a wide range of activities that support all areas of their learning. There are limited opportunities for them to explore messy play, construction and imaginative play. The childminder finds some small construction bricks for children to play with, but they are unsure of how to use

p.2

need to do better?

20 December 2022 them appropriately. The childminder overlooks the opportunity to demonstrate to children how to fit the pieces together, so they resort to sliding them down a mat. n Children's good health and welfare are not sufficiently supported. The childminder does not provide healthy options at snack times. For example, children have chocolate biscuits, chocolate coins and chocolate bars for snack. This does not provide children with an appropriate range of foods to support a healthy lifestyle. The childminder does ensure that children have access to fresh drinking water. She consistently reminds them to have a drink. n The childminder has links with the local school. She introduces herself so that teachers know who is collecting children. This helps to support continuity in their care and the sharing of information about their day. The childminder has completed mandatory training, such as paediatric first aid.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder does not have a good enough knowledge of how to safeguard children. She is unaware of the possible indicators that children are at risk of harm or abuse from radicalisation or extremist behaviours. The childminder does not know the dangers of county lines for children and young people. Therefore, children's safety and welfare are compromised. Additionally, the childminder fails to ensure that she maintains an accurate daily record of children's attendance hours, as required. She does not understand or consider the possible risks of leaving children unsupervised.

p.3

Due date

take action to update knowledge of all safeguarding matters, including the risks to children from radicalisation or extremist views 27/01/2023

p.3

Due date

ensure children are always within sight or hearing 27/01/2023

p.3

Due date

take action to ensure children are provided with healthy, balanced and nutritious meals and snacks 27/01/2023

p.3

Due date

20 December 2022 ensure a daily record is maintained of children's names and their hours of attendance 27/01/2023

p.3

Due date

improve knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements to ensure that children benefit from good experiences that help them to make progress in their learning 27/01/2023

p.4

Due date

implement an ambitious curriculum that consistently excites, stimulates and challenges children 27/01/2023

p.4

Due date

take action to provide children with a suitable range of resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development 27/01/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure a balance of adult-led and child- initiated activities is maintained, helping to support children to make good levels of progress. 27/01/2023

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2617019 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10261950 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 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Colchester, Essex. She operates all year round, from 6.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

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 childminder. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

Inspection activities

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

20 December 2022 20 December 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.

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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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