Childminder in Hertfordshire

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

At times, young babies are left alone with the cats. The cats' food is accessible in an area where babies crawl, and the childminder has not implemented an effective risk assessment. This compromises children's health, safety and well-being.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children do not access a well-planned curriculum. The childminder does not have a good knowledge of how young children learn. She does not have a secure understanding of the progression of skills children need to be taught, and any learning that does take place is often incidental. The lack of clear intentions for children's learning and poor planning mean they do not receive a good early years experience. Consequently, they make limited progress in their learning and development.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children do enjoy the childminder's interactions. For example, children make food in the play kitchen and pass it to the childminder for her to eat. The childminder follows some hygiene routines and helps the children wash their hands before lunch.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not gather sufficient information from parents when children first start. She does not understand what children already know and can do. Therefore, she is unable to plan for their next steps in learning. Furthermore, she does not find out from parents about children's daily routines at home and, therefore, she is unable to repeat these in her setting. Consequently, children are unsettled and the childminder is unable to console them. n The childminder completes mandatory training, such as paediatric first aid. However, she does not access any professional development opportunities to help build her skills and knowledge further. This means there are significant weaknesses in the quality of care and education children receive. This was raised at her previous inspection. n The parents are complimentary about the childminder, stating their children enjoy attending and have a good relationship with her. However, the

p.2

need to do better?

childminder does not share information about the children's learning achievements or next steps for learning. n The childminder does not have a good enough understanding of the early years foundation stage curriculum and her role in promoting children's learning and development. She does not have a secure knowledge of the seven areas of learning or the areas that are most important for younger children. This lack of knowledge means she is unable to plan a wide and challenging curriculum for children. As a result, children do not gain the skills they need to support their

p.2

need to do better?

2 March 2023 future learning. n The childminder does not make accurate assessments of what the children know and can do. This is a consequence of her lack of understanding of the early years foundation stage curriculum. Therefore, she is unable to notice gaps in learning or recognise when a child is at risk of falling behind in an area of learning. n Children experience different group activities in the local community. The childminder takes the children to a playgroup and regularly meets up with other childminders. This helps children to socialise with a larger group of children and helps them to build confidence in visiting new places. The childminder also takes the children on trips to the local woods and farm. This helps children develop an understanding of their environment and to learn how to care for living things. n Children have access to books. The childminder reads to babies, and they learn

p.2

need to do better?

to turn the pages and touch the different textures in the book. This helps to develop children's emerging speech and language skills.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder does not carry out effective risk assessments. She does not minimise potential hazards to children with regard to the family cats. The childminder does have an understanding of some of the signs and symptoms of abuse that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. However, she is not clear about the procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child in her care. The childminder does not have an understanding of the 'Prevent' duty. This means children's welfare is not assured.

p.3

Due date

improve knowledge of the safeguarding procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child 17/04/2023

p.3

Due date

ensure a clear understanding of safeguarding issues, with regard to the 'Prevent' duty 17/04/2023

p.3

Due date

put effective risk assessments in place to identify and minimise potential risks to children, with particular regard to the childminder's pets 17/04/2023

p.3

Due date

2 March 2023 ensure detailed information is gathered before children begin at the setting to ensure a smooth transition into the setting 24/04/2023

p.3

Due date

undertake appropriate professional development opportunities to increase knowledge and understanding of how to provide children with a high-quality curriculum that helps them learn and develop 30/06/2023

p.4

Due date

improve the quality of teaching and provide a range of interesting and stimulating activities that meet individual children's learning needs, focusing on what they need to learn next to secure their good progress 30/06/2023

p.4

Due date

obtain an accurate understanding of each child's level of achievement, interests and learning styles, and use the information to plan learning experiences that are tailored to meet each child's needs. 30/06/2023

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY344544 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10276575 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 3 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 21 July 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded childcare for children aged two, three and four years.

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 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 The inspector read feedback from parents, and their views were taken into consideration. n The quality of education was observed, and the inspector assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector reviewed the childminder's evidence of her suitability and the suitability of household members.

p.5

Inspection activities

2 March 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

2 March 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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