Childminder in Harrow

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Children are very new to the childminder's setting and are gradually settling in. They sit with the childminder for comfort and reassurance, which show they are happy in her care. Overall, children enjoy the activities the childminder provides. They particularly enjoy outdoor play in the garden. The childminder plans a variety of outdoor experiences. For example, before the inspection they had gone out for an early morning walk to pick blackberries.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder interacts with the children and supports them as they explore activities. However, learning is mainly incidental. This is because the childminder's understanding of the early years curriculum is not clear. She is aware of the children's abilities; however, activity plans do not focus on children's learning needs precisely enough. Children enjoy a water play activity that the childminder planned. They mix ice cubes into a bowl of soapy water and add toy animals. Although children enjoy the sensory element of splashing in the water and feeling the cold ice, the activity lacks focus on what the childminder wants the children to learn. Children hear language as the childminder provides a running commentary on what they are doing. However, she does not focus in enough on using key single words to help young children's vocabulary to develop. Children's behaviour is good overall. However, when playing outside with water, the childminder sits children on

p.2

The provision requires improvement

the outdoor table to play. Although she supervises them this does not help children understand about boundaries and how to stay safe.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder's teaching practice has not changed since the last inspection. This is due to her not taking on the board all the recommendations raised. She has not attended any further training courses to increase her knowledge of child development and changes to the early years foundation stage (EYFS). She has recently updated her paediatric first-aid training, which expired earlier this year. n The childminder provides a small range of resources for children to make some free choice of play. However, these are not set up in a way to make the toys interesting and enticing to want to explore. In addition, some resources are too advanced. For example, they enjoy filling up and tipping out a box of building bricks. However, the bricks provided are too advanced for the age of children being cared for and, therefore, learning is limited. n The childminder understands the importance of books for children. However, she

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need to do better?

lacks awareness of providing age-appropriate books, choosing to read a long story book to young children. She tries to capture their attention by using props, but the story is too complex and consequently they lose interest and move away. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. The childminder is mostly

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need to do better?

15 August 2023 recommended to new parents from previous care arrangements she has had from parents. They are very happy with the care provided and comment that the childminder has got to know their children well during their settling-in time. n The childminder ensures she speaks with parents about the importance of working together and sharing any other professional's advice. This supports her to understand the basic needs of any child with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The childminder spends a lot of her time out with children visiting parks, toddler groups or other places of interest. She has a sound awareness of how the outdoor environment supports children's physical skills and develops their awareness of nature and the local neighbourhood. n The childminder does not always give children enough opportunity to be independent and develop their self-help skills. For example, she carries children

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need to do better?

around often, when they are very able to walk. In addition, she holds them up to her kitchen sink to wash their hands rather than taking them to the small bathroom in her hallway, where they could practise handwashing for themselves. n The childminder provides children with healthy snacks and a home-cooked lunch. She ensures children are offered a drink of water at regular intervals to ensure they stay well hydrated.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good awareness of child protection and understands the procedures to follow if she was concerned. She has updated her safeguarding policy to ensure it reflects the reporting procedures for her borough. The childminder ensures that risks to children are minimised. She has taken appropriate action to remove sharp knives and cleaning materials in the kitchen, so that there is no risk to children accessing these hazards. The childminder ensures she has appropriate car insurance for when she transports children around in her car. All required documentation is in place to support children's safety and welfare.

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Due date

15 August 2023 undertake appropriate training to increase your knowledge of child development and the EYFS requirements, so that children are provided with high-quality learning experiences across the seven areas of learning. 27/10/2023

p.3

should:

n review story time sessions to ensure they are planned, meaningful and age- appropriate for the age of the children n ensure that children become increasingly independant in managing their self- help care needs.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY259794 Local authority Harrow Inspection number 10238761 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 1 Date of previous inspection 16 March 2022

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Stanmore in the London Borough of Harrow. She is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector spoke to the childminder, completed a learning discussion, and talked through how the curriculum supports children's learning. A discussion was also held regarding observations of the childminder's practice. n The inspector viewed the areas of the home and garden the children use. n The inspector looked at children's records and other required documentation. n Parental feedback letters were read and their comments taken into account.

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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.

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Inspection activities

15 August 2023 15 August 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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