Childminder in West Northamptonshire

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

Ofsted has suspended the childminder's registration due to significant concerns about her ability to maintain children's safety and well-being.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children's welfare and learning are not assured, due to the significant number of breaches in both the safeguarding and welfare requirements and the learning and development requirements. The childminder has not taken steps to maintain her professional development. In addition, she has failed to effectively put what she already knows into practice. For instance, the childminder knows that she must not vape when caring for children, yet she does this when she has minded children present. Children are cared for in a disorganised and unsafe environment. They have limited access to resources and activities and spend a high proportion of their time watching television that is constantly on in the background. The childminder has some awareness of children's interests. She responds warmly to children as they share items that they have brought from home. Together, the childminder and children talk about the different features of toy trains. Children name the different

p.2

The provision is inadequate

colours and are encouraged by the childminder to count the number of wheels. However, the childminder does not plan or implement any form of curriculum to support children in gaining the knowledge and skills they need for their future learning.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children, despite the weaknesses in the childminder's practice, demonstrate warm relationships with her. They seek her out for comfort and sit on her knee for a cuddle. Children are confident to initiate conversations with the childminder. In addition, when they find something of interest from the limited toys and resources on offer they are keen to share these with her.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not provide a quality provision for children. She has failed to maintain the required mandatory training, such as paediatric first aid. The childminder has not paid any regard to her own professional development to ensure that her knowledge of current legislation and guidance is up to date. n Children are cared for in an environment that is not suitable or safe. The childminder has failed to take action to identify and remove potential risks to children. At the time of the inspection, several hazards within the home were observed that posed a risk to children's safety. The childminder is aware that the premises must always be secure, however, she is not vigilant to this at all times. For example, when household members leave the home, the childminder fails to ensure that the door is locked again after they have left. n The childminder is aware that she is required to maintain some records and

p.2

need to do better?

documentation to support the effective and safe running of her setting.

p.2

need to do better?

12 September 2023 However, she has not done so for some time. For example, she does not keep a record of children's attendance and has failed to ensure that appropriate insurance is in place. n The childminder uses her vape when children are present. On these occasions, children are not appropriately supervised. In addition, they miss out on interactions from the childminder to support their learning. n The childminder has some basic knowledge of the children in her care, although, she does not assess what they know and can do. This includes not completing the progress check for children between two- and three-years old. The childminder does not have the knowledge she needs to either plan an effective curriculum or inform her interactions with children. Resources and activities are limited and the childminder makes minimal attempts to interact meaningfully with children. Children are not supported to make the progress they are capable

p.2

need to do better?

of. n Children's good health is not well supported. The childminder provides meals and snacks for children and is aware of what they like to eat. However, the areas where food is prepared and served are not well maintained and pose a risk to children's health. The childminder does not ensure that the administration of medication policy is implemented. For example, she does not obtain written consent from parents before giving medicine. In addition, she does not keep a record of any medication that has been administered. n The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to engage with and keep parents informed. However, the arrangements to maintain a two-way exchange of information with parents have lapsed. The childminder does not gather enough information to help to ensure she is able to meet the individual needs of children. Parents are not provided with sufficient information about their children's learning and development to help to ensure they are involved and able

p.3

need to do better?

to support their children's learning at home. n Children speak well and with confidence. They initiate conversations with the childminder and ask questions. The childminder listens and responds to what they have to say. She poses some appropriately paced questions and introduces words, such as glide and roller to children.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has failed to keep her knowledge and understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures up to date. She understands her responsibilities to keep children safe. In addition, she is aware of some of the signs and indicators that a child may be at risk of harm. However, her lack of up-to-date knowledge means that she is not confident in what steps she would need to take, should she have a concern about a child in her care. The childminder does not maintain a significant number of the required records that are required to support the safety and welfare of children in her setting. Risk assessments are not effective in identifying and minimising risks within the home.

p.3

Due date

ensure that policies and procedures to safeguard children are in line with relevant local safeguarding partners (LSP) and ensure that these are appropriately implemented 26/09/2023

p.4

Due date

gain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures in order to be able identify possible signs of abuse and to respond in a timely way 26/09/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure a current paediatric first-aid certificate is maintained 10/10/2023

p.4

Due date

undertake appropriate training and professional development opportunities to ensure knowledge and understanding of the requirements are secure and up to date 10/10/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that the premises are fit for purpose and suitable for children that attend 26/09/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that vapes and e-cigarettes are not used when children are present 26/09/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that the premises are secure at all times, to ensure that children cannot leave unsupervised and to prevent unauthorised persons entering 26/09/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that public liability insurance is in place 26/09/2023

p.4

Due date

12 September 2023 implement arrangements to ensure a regular two-way flow of information with parents and, obtain and share relevant information to help ensure the needs of children are met 10/10/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that all required records are easily accessible and available 26/09/2023

p.5

Due date

maintain a daily record of the names of the children being cared for on the premises and their hours of attendance 26/09/2023

p.5

Due date

implement a policy for administering medicines to children, which includes effective systems for obtaining and recording information about a child's needs for medicines 26/09/2023

p.5

Due date

ensure effective arrangements are in place to ensure that parental written permission is obtained from parents prior to administering medication, and to keep a written record of any medication given to children 26/09/2023

p.5

Due date

ensure that food preparation areas are adequately equipped and suitably hygienic for the preparation of food for children. 26/09/2023

p.5

Due date

complete a short written progress summary of children aged between two and three years and share this with parents 10/10/2023

p.5

Due date

implement arrangements to assess children's levels of achievement and interests, and use this knowledge to shape teaching and learning experiences for children 10/10/2023

p.5

Due date

12 September 2023 plan and implement a challenging and enjoyable curriculum that supports children in building on what they already know and can do, and gain the knowledge and skills for their future learning. 10/10/2023

p.5

Setting details

Unique reference number EY437284 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10310149 Type of provision Childminder

p.7

Registers

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

p.7

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 17 November 2017

p.7

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Dallington, Northampton. She operates all year round from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

p.7

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 childminder. n The inspector viewed the areas of the home used for childminding. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their provision. n The inspector spoke to children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

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

12 September 2023 12 September 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.9

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.9

Inspection activities

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

p.9

Inspection activities

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

p.9