Childminder in Camden

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 childminder does not prioritise children's safety. This is because her home environment is unsafe, unclean and significantly cluttered. This impacts on the space available for children to eat, rest and play comfortably. For example, children have to sit on the floor to eat their food as there is nowhere else for them to eat. Their engagement in learning experiences is hindered. This is because there is no table or work surface free for them to draw on. Instead, children lean on cushions and attempt to draw, which is not effective.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder is a warm and caring individual. She has clearly developed close relationships with the children and their parents. However, she is not meeting children's basic needs. The poor levels of hygiene in the home pose a significant health risk to both children and the childminder. Sleeping facilities for young children are not suitable. This is because they sleep on cushions, and their bedding, which is stored under the sofa, feels damp. This does not support children's health or comfort.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children behave well. They respond positively to the childminder's calm approach. They accept cuddles when there has been a dispute with their sibling. Children told the inspector that they enjoy creative activities in the childminder's home. However, children are unable to make independent choices about their play. This is because resources are not easily accessible and there is insufficient space for them to play. The childminder demonstrates a secure knowledge of child development, and she can express how she intends to provide a broad curriculum for children. However, she does not implement this in practice. The impact is that some children lose interest in planned learning experiences, while older children are bored as they have nothing to engage them.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is in breach of requirements that have a significant impact on her ability to keep the children in her care safe. She fails to maintain an accurate record of children's attendance. This is particularly concerning as she is unable to recall how many children she is caring for, until she has time to think and check her records. n The childminder fails to obtain essential information for all children to ensure that she can keep them safe and meet their needs. For example, the childminder said that some children came to her initially on an ad-hoc basis. However, gradually, they have attended more regularly. Yet, she has failed to gather and record information about their individual needs. This compromises children's safety. In addition, this does not support her in planning for their learning or assessing their levels of development.

p.2

need to do better?

28 March 2023 n The childminder does not implement an effective curriculum. Children are unable to engage in planned learning experiences as the environment is not conducive to supporting their engagement. Younger children try to follow the childminder's instructions to find flowers in the environment and then colour these on a work sheet. They have no area to sit or draw, so this becomes difficult and they lose interest. Older children go into the hallway as there is little to engage them in the living room. When the inspector asks the children what they are doing, they say that they are looking in the mirror. These children have no stimulating learning experiences to engage their interests. n Children are confident to express their wishes to the childminder. For example, young children say when they need to use the bathroom and are happy to receive support. Children can confidently communicate when they do not

p.2

need to do better?

understand an instruction of if they want to have more paper to draw. The childminder encourages children's developing vocabulary. She continually speaks with them and provides effective explanations when children want to know the meaning of new words. For example, she sensitively explains to children what the word 'adopted' means. n Children enjoy imaginative role play when they have the space to explore resources. However, this learning experience is only facilitated when the majority of children have gone home. This is because with less children present, they have adequate space to play and explore independently. n The childminder demonstrates a positive approach towards her professional development. She keeps her knowledge up to date through attending regular training opportunities. However, her training and well-meaning intentions are not reflective in the care that she provides for children. n Parents are positive about the childminder and the service that she provides.

p.3

need to do better?

They express how they value the childminder's warm and caring approach towards their children. Parents report that their children are always happy to attend. They say that they receive verbal feedback every day about how their children have been.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Children's safety is compromised. The childminder does not identify or remove hazards that pose a risk to children's welfare. For example, she leaves hazardous materials, such as plastic bags, bleach and items piled high on top of storage units. If these were shaken, they could fall and cause an injury. Children's health is at risk because their food is prepared in an unclean environment. The childminder has attended recent safeguarding training. She is clear of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child may at risk of harm. However, she lacks an understanding of handling concerns. This is because she expressed that she would speak about safeguarding matters with her fellow childminding colleagues before sharing this with appropriate safeguarding professionals. This does not support the safeguarding of children and demonstrates the childminder's lack of understanding with regards to confidentiality.

p.3

Due date

improve knowledge of the government's statutory guidance 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' to ensure that concerns about children's welfare are shared with agencies, without delay, who have a statutory responsibility 25/04/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that there are suitable facilities for the hygienic preparation of food for children 25/04/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that the premises, including the overall floor space, are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises; ensure compliance with requirements of health and safety legislation, including fire safety and hygiene requirements 25/04/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that the premises and equipment are organised in a way that meets the needs of children, and ensure that minimum indoor space requirements are met 25/04/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that there is appropriate sleep provision for babies, and cots/bedding are in good condition and suited to the age of the child 25/04/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that all reasonable steps are taken so that children are not exposed to risks 25/04/2023

p.4

Due date

28 March 2023 ensure that the privacy of children is protected and that information relating to a child is handled in a way that ensures confidentiality 25/04/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that there is a record of the following information for each child: full name; date of birth; name and address of every parent and/or carer who is known to the child; and emergency contact details for parents and/or carers 25/04/2023

p.5

Due date

ensure that an accurate daily record is maintained of the names of the children being cared for on the premises, and their hours of attendance. 25/04/2023

p.5

Due date

ensure that the environment and equipment are organised to increase opportunities for children to explore and lead their own play 26/05/2023

p.5

Due date

ensure that the implementation of the curriculum is effective in providing children with challenging learning experiences that are suitable to their age and stage of development. 26/05/2023

p.5

Setting details

Unique reference number EY441169 Local authority Camden Inspection number 10283135 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 10 Date of previous inspection 3 November 2017

p.6

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012. She provides childcare each weekday from 7.30am to 6pm throughout most of the year. The childminder holds a level 3 childcare qualification.

p.6

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection that 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 We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the childminder. n The inspector viewed the childminder's home and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector spoke with children and their parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector joined the childminder and the children on a short outing to drop off some children at a gymnastics class. n The inspector reviewed a sample of key documentation, including the childminder's safeguarding and complaints procedures.

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

28 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.

p.7

Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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p.8

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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