Childminder in Bolton

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

p.1

The provision is inadequate

The quality of provision has declined significantly since the last inspection. The childminder has failed to notify Ofsted of changes to her premises. This reduction in the space available impacts on the quality of children's experiences. Children's safety is compromised because the childminder does not identify and take steps to minimise risks in the environment.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The curriculum is poorly designed and does not identify and build on what individual children need to learn. The childminder does not plan activities or experiences to teach children the skills they need. For example, children use a spoon to eat yoghurt and the childminder recognises that children do not hold cutlery correctly. However, she does not show children the correct hold. The childminder stands back and watches children playing, rather than deciding what children should learn or finding ways to structure and sequence learning.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder is not always clear in her expectations for children's behaviour and some of the methods she uses are not appropriate. Children climb out of a travel cot which is used to contain them. The childminder swiftly puts them back in with no explanation why they are being placed inside. This means that children continue to attempt to climb out.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children's physical health and well-being are not supported well enough. Children are taken on many outings. However, children who have outgrown a highchair and a travel cot spend large parts of the day restricted in this equipment when in the home. This is due to the lack of space available. The childminder does not provide appropriate sleeping arrangements. For example, when she recognises that children are becoming tired, the childminder tilts the highchair back and puts on the radio to encourage children to fall asleep. However, the highchair does not lie flat and children remain mainly upright. Nevertheless, the experienced childminder has a kind and caring approach. This helps children to develop strong attachments with her. Children show that they feel secure and appear happy in her care.

p.2

need to do better?

n Weaknesses in leadership and management mean that children's safety cannot be assured. Furthermore, the quality of education that children receive is weak. The childminder completes self-evaluation. However, this has been ineffective in identifying the poor quality of the provision, which was identified on the day of the inspection. Nevertheless, the childminder acknowledged the weaknesses and is committed to addressing them. n The childminder does not identify or minimise risks to children. Hazards inside the home include trailing wires, too little space and plastic bags within children's

p.2

need to do better?

1 February 2023 reach which go unnoticed. Outdoors, there are a number of uneven surfaces with floor covering that poses a trip hazard, due to the slippy mossy surface and upturned edges. Additionally, there is a roll of old wet carpet, standing rainwater in plant pots filled with weeds, muddy toys and wooden debris. None of these have been identified by the childminder. This presents possible risk and danger to children. n The childminder has not notified Ofsted of changes to the space available to children. Due to unforeseen circumstances, two beds have been moved into the living area. All the toys that are located in this room are behind one of the beds and a sofa. Children are unable to access these toys. Children climb up on to furniture to try to get to the toys. This impacts on children's ability to lead their own play and make independent choices. n The quality of education is weak. The childminder does not routinely plan

p.2

need to do better?

purposeful learning or extend and challenge children's understanding. She has not undertaken specific training to ensure her teaching and understanding of the curriculum are good enough. She fails to impart new knowledge and build on what children know and can do. This does not help children to make the progress of which they are capable. However, the childminder praises children for their achievements when they complete a jigsaw puzzle or build a tower using wooden blocks. n The childminder uses equipment that is not suitable for the age of the children cared for. Children are seated in highchairs for meals due to the lack of room available for a table and chairs. The childminder often leaves the kitchen while children are eating. This means she is not able to supervise children appropriately and intervene if a child choked. Children are encouraged to fall asleep while seated in a highchair. The childminder fails to provide appropriate

p.3

need to do better?

and comfortable facilities and an atmosphere that helps children to relax. n Children access some toys in the conservatory. However, of the toys available to children, some do not work or have become rusty from being left outside. Children attempt to turn on broken battery-operated toys. This does not support their understanding of technology or cause and effect. Children are observed standing on toys on the conservatory floor and climbing into a pushchair to sit with a broken toy on their knee. n Children have opportunities to play outdoors in the fresh air. The childminder provides a wetsuit and wellies and children play outdoors in all weathers. Children splash their feet in muddy puddles. They delight in running up and down the garden closely followed by the childminder. They try to catch bubbles that the childminder blows. Children balance along a tyre bridge with agility. During these times, children laugh, giggle, and thoroughly enjoy the active play.

p.3

need to do better?

n The childminder has established good partnership working with parents, external professionals and other settings where children also attend. This means that children who require a little more help are supported, overall, to make some progress in their learning and development. n The childminder is sometimes unclear with her expectations for behaviour. She fails to explain why children should not drop food on the floor. Children stand on toys and the childminder picks them up and puts the toys away with no explanation. Furthermore, when children climb on the sofa trying to reach

p.3

need to do better?

1 February 2023 unavailable toys, the childminder helps them down and then encourages them to play a jumping game on the mat. Children do not always know what is expected of them. n The childminder is keen to promote children's communication and language development. She uses some simple sign language when speaking with children. The childminder encourages children to imitate the signs back by holding their hands and signing the word. However, the overuse of the radio and two televisions means there are distractions in the environment. This does not facilitate children's ability to hear and start to use words or communicate and interact with others.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.4

Safeguarding

The childminder's home is not safe or suitable. The childminder did not tell Ofsted of a reduction in the space available to children. Children are unable to play and explore freely. The equipment she uses does not meet children's needs. The childminder does not assess possible risks in the environment or take steps to minimise these. However, the childminder has completed relevant training on child protection. She is able to identify several types of abuse that children may be subjected to. The childminder knows the correct procedures to report any concerns about a child to the relevant agencies. The childminder also maintains a valid paediatric first-aid certificate and the required insurances.

p.4

Due date

improve risk assessment to identify all possible hazards to children and ensure that equipment, resources and the environment are safe 22/02/2023

p.4

Due date

implement effective procedures and appropriate facilities for safe sleeping 22/02/2023

p.4

Due date

plan a suitably challenging curriculum to meet the individual needs and interests of all children and that supports their progress across all areas of learning, particularly their communication and language development 08/03/2023

p.4

Due date

1 February 2023 improve the quality of teaching and ensure that children receive a good standard of education that helps them to make good progress 08/03/2023

p.4

Due date

improve professional development, so that weaknesses in teaching and understanding of the curriculum are prioritised in order to make necessary improvements. 08/03/2023

p.5

should:

n be clearer in expectations for behaviour, so that children understand the consequences of their actions and behaviour is managed more consistently n improve the organisation and quality of resources provided to allow children to lead their own play and learning and make independent choices n limit the use of the television, to support children's ability to speak, listen and maintain attention n strengthen self-evaluation and reflect on practice more precisely, so that weaknesses are identified and immediately addressed.

p.5

Setting details

Unique reference number 315460 Local authority Bolton Inspection number 10263773 Type of provision Childminder

p.6

Registers

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

p.6

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 11 May 2017

p.6

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in the Breightmet area of Bolton, Greater Manchester. She operates from 7am to 6pm, on weekdays all year round, excluding bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

p.6

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 quality of education was observed and the inspector assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector viewed the premises and the intent of the curriculum was discussed during a learning walk. n The childminder and the inspector evaluated an activity together. n Relevant documentation was checked and discussed, such as policies and procedures and training certificates. The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation and checked evidence of her suitability and the suitability of household members. n Children were observed to capture their voices. n The childminder and the inspector held ongoing discussions throughout the inspection. n Parents were spoken to and their views were obtained.

p.7

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.7

Inspection activities

1 February 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.

p.7

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.8

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.8

Inspection activities

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

p.8

Inspection activities

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

p.8