Childminder in West Berkshire

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

Breaches to the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage compromise children's health, safety and well-being. The childminder does not have a secure understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard children. For example, she fails to identify and respond appropriately to signs that may indicate a child welfare concern. In addition, poor hygiene practices jeopardise children's health. For instance, children do not have the opportunity to wash their hands before snack. They handle each other's food and place food items on the floor before eating them.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children do not make good enough progress in key areas of their development, such as communication and language. The childminder and her assistants do not model language effectively. Interaction with children is variable, resulting in quieter children going a significant amount of time without anyone speaking to them. This includes children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder does not make timely referrals to other professionals when children have a significant delay in their development. As a result, children are not well prepared for their next stage in learning.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Despite this, children enjoy their time with the childminder and happily make choices as to what they want to play with. They seek comfort from the childminder and her assistants regularly, who provide cuddles and reassurance. Children form friendships and respond to one another with kindness. For example, a sleepy child walks up to his older friend and they share a cuddle. This helps children to develop social skills that will support them to make secure relationships.

p.2

need to do better?

n The leadership and management arrangements do not ensure the suitability of assistants or their continuous improvement. For example, although the childminder and her assistants complete some training, this is not successful in maintaining good-quality practice. The childminder has appropriate procedures in place to assess the ongoing suitability of her assistants. However, she fails to notify Ofsted of significant events, including when these may impact on her own or the suitability of an assistant. n The childminder does not promote children's dignity or provide privacy when responding to their intimate care needs. Children who are toilet training spend their time playing while not wearing clothing on the bottom half of their bodies. They independently use potties in the main play space in full view of other children and adults. As a result, children do not learn the importance of respecting and keeping their bodies safe.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children enjoy activities of their choosing. For example, children sit and

p.2

need to do better?

16 March 2023 concentrate as they build a range of structures and towers out of bricks. They are eager to learn and regularly share their creations with the childminder. However, the childminder does not plan a curriculum that promotes children's curiosity or builds on what they already know. Although children enjoy their play, they do not receive quality teaching that prepares them well for their next stage in learning. n Staffing arrangements do not meet the individual needs of children. For example, during activity changes, adults display frustration and start to bicker with one another while trying to create space for the large number of children present. Children respond by running around, as they lose interest in what is happening next. This has a negative impact on their continuous learning, as well as their behaviour and emotional well-being. n Children enjoy listening to stories that are engaging and fun. The childminder

p.2

need to do better?

holds children's attention as she reads familiar books that she knows they enjoy. Children listen well and join in with phrases they remember. This helps to reinforce prior learning and supports an early understanding that text has meaning. n The support children receive with their behaviour is variable. On occasion, assistants recognise when there is potential conflict between children and respond with sensitivity. However, not all children receive the same experience. The childminder and her assistants do not always consider children's stage of development when responding to their behaviour. For example, they remove children from their high chair for drawing on the high chair tray without considering their age or that the tray is the same colour as the paper. This results in children becoming upset and unsure as to what they have done wrong. n Children do not have access to snacks that are healthy, nutritious or balanced.

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need to do better?

For example, snacks on offer are high in sugar, such as caramel rice cakes and biscuits. Furthermore, children receive sweets when they use the potty. This does not encourage children to learn how to keep their bodies healthy or to make healthy choices. n Parents report that their children enjoy their time with the childminder and assistants. They receive regular information about their children's daily care and progress. Parents feel able to raise any concerns they have with the childminder.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder does not have a secure understanding of her role and responsibility to safeguard children. This includes identifying and reporting child welfare concerns to the appropriate agencies without delay. The childminder and her assistants do not have an appropriate knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation being made. Furthermore, the childminder does not maintain or share safeguarding records with child protection agencies. This places children at risk of potential harm. The childminder ensures that the premises and equipment are well maintained and secure.

p.3

Due date

ensure those who have the lead responsibility for safeguarding fully understand their role and responsibilities in keeping children safe, including identifying and reporting all child welfare concerns to the appropriate agencies without delay 28/03/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure the childminder and assistants fully understand and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures, including those relating to allegations against adults 28/03/2023

p.4

Due date

review how care routines are implemented and ensure these respond appropriately to children's individual needs, with particular regard for their dignity, privacy and respect 28/03/2023

p.4

Due date

make sure staffing arrangements meet the needs of all children and ensure their safety 28/03/2023

p.4

Due date

provide children with snacks and meals that promote a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet 28/03/2023

p.4

Due date

review hygiene procedures to ensure children are safeguarded from avoidable exposure to germs and potentially harmful bacteria 28/03/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive appropriate support to meet their needs 28/03/2023

p.4

Due date

16 March 2023 ensure all records relating to safeguarding are completed within appropriate timescales and are shared with other agencies without delay 28/03/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure all significant events that may impact on your own and assistants' suitability is notified to Ofsted within the required timescales. 28/03/2023

p.5

Due date

provide children with quality interactions that promote and support their developing communication and language skills 01/06/2023

p.5

Due date

introduce systems that monitor the quality of practice and identify learning priorities to drive improvement 01/06/2023

p.5

Due date

review behaviour strategies to ensure these are appropriate and do not impact on children's opportunities to explore and learn 01/06/2023

p.5

Due date

implement a curriculum that is ambitious and exciting and supports children to make good progress in their learning. 01/06/2023

p.5

Setting details

Unique reference number EY391733 Local authority West Berkshire Inspection number 10278469 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 12 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection 21 June 2019

p.6

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Newbury, Berkshire. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7am to 5.30pm, all year round. The childminder employs three assistants. The childminder is in receipt of early years funding for children aged two, three and four years.

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder, discussing the curriculum she provides for the children. n The inspector spoke to parents, children and the childminder at convenient times and gathered their views. n A sample of documentation was reviewed, including suitability checks on household members. n Observations were carried out by the inspector on the childminder interacting and communicating with the children.

p.6

Inspection activities

16 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.

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Inspection activities

16 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

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

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