Childminder in Westmorland and Furness

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Children's safety and welfare are not fully supported. This is because the childminder and her assistant have a poor knowledge and understanding of who to report safeguarding concerns to. This puts children at risk. Despite this, children play in a safe environment and are comfortable in their surroundings as they move around the childminder's home. They regularly seek out the childminder for cuddles, which demonstrates that they feel secure.

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The provision is inadequate

Children's learning and development are not planned for or assessed effectively. This means that children do not make the progress they are capable of. The childminder does not have a sufficient understanding of the learning and development requirements. Despite these weaknesses, children are happy and content in this home-from-home environment.

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The provision is inadequate

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder greets parents and their children at her front door, sharing any relevant information before they leave. However, she does not provide parents with information about what she wants children to learn next and how they can work together to support this. In addition, the childminder does not provide parents with the required written progress check of their child's development between the ages of two and three years.

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need to do better?

n The childminder does not evaluate her practice effectively. Key areas for development are not swiftly identified and rectified. For instance, the childminder does not recognise or understand all of her responsibilities within her role. She is unaware of the requirements she must legally adhere to and this is reflected in her practice. n The childminder does not have a suitable knowledge of the safeguarding procedures to follow if she has a concern about a child's welfare. In addition, she is not sure of the procedure to follow if there is an allegation regarding herself or anyone living or working in her household. n The childminder does not effectively identify children's stages of learning. She cannot demonstrate how she plans purposeful learning experiences that encourage children to build on what they already know and can do. n Parents share positive feedback regarding the care of their children. The

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need to do better?

childminder shares information about the children's day-to-day experiences with parents. However, she fails to provide the required progress check when children are two years old. Therefore, parents are not provided with an update on their children's ongoing progress or their next steps in learning. n The childminder completes training that she feels might be benificial. For example, she has completed training on reflexology and aromatherapy.

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need to do better?

23 January 2023 However, the childminder has not focused her professional development in order to ensure children's safety and development are promoted. n Children's independence is not promoted consistently. For example, young children are not given the opportunity to feed themselves and older children sit in high chairs at mealtimes. This does not prepare them for the transition to school and beyond. n Children's hygiene and physical well-being are not promoted appropriately. This is because the childminder does not follow robust personal care routines. For example, children do not practise washing their hands before snack and mealtimes or after using the toilet; the childminder uses wipes and does this for the children. This does not teach children positive hygiene practices. It also increases the risk of cross infection. n Children have various opportunities to explore the wider community. The childminder takes them on regular outings, including visits to the beach where

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need to do better?

they can see the seals. These experiences help children to learn about nature and the world around them. n Children enjoy looking at pictures of animals. The childminder engages them in conversations and introduces the words for 'baby' animals, such as 'cub' for lion, 'chick' for hen and 'puppy' for dog. This broadens children's vocabulary and increases their understanding of new words.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder does not have a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities for safeguarding children. She is unclear on her procedure on how to make a referral regarding the welfare of children to the relevant authorities. Despite this, the childminder has attended safeguarding training and can describe some signs and symptoms of possible abuse or neglect. The childminder's home is secure. This helps to prevent unauthorised individuals entering the premises or children leaving unattended. The childminder teaches children about the dangers of the wider world and how they can keep themselves safe from these risks. For example, they learn how to 'stop, look and listen' when crossing the road.

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Due date

23 January 2023 develop a sound understanding of safeguarding policy and procedures, and have an up-to-date knowledge of all aspects of child protection, including procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns to the appropriate agencies 09/02/2023

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Due date

ensure that assistants working with children are provided with support, advice and guidance to help them understand and implement the safeguarding policies and procedures 09/02/2023

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Due date

consider the individual needs, interests, and development of each child and use this information to plan challenging and enjoyable experiences across all areas of learning and development 09/02/2023

p.4

Due date

review children's development between the ages of two and three years and provide parents with a short written summary of their child's development in the prime areas 09/02/2023

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Due date

provide opportunities for children to practise their independence skills 09/02/2023

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Due date

ensure that there are effective hygiene arrangements in place, with particular attention to personal care routines. 09/02/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number 317116 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10262905 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 7 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1983. She lives in Dalton-in-Furness. The childminder works with an assistant. She operates weekdays, between 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

23 January 2023 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

23 January 2023 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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