Childminder in Derbyshire

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

p.1

The provision is inadequate

The childminder does not take timely and appropriate action to keep children safe despite having a secure knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Additionally, she does not always ensure that children are released to appropriate adults, as agreed with the parents. This means that children's safety is not fully assured. The childminder does not complete thorough risk assessments of the environment where children play. Furthermore, she does not consistently ensure children's good health and hygiene. As a result, children are exposed to hazards that potentially impact their safety and well-being.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

That said, the childminder develops a warm and caring relationship with children. Children frequently give and receive cuddles. They share jokes and readily invite the childminder into their play. They are confident in their surroundings and know the routine well. Children are learning to play with others, and the childminder gently supports them to share resources. Children enjoy adult-led activities. For example, three-year-olds focus as they take part in a cutting and sticking activity. The childminder helps children to position scissors correctly and suggests ways to cut around shapes. Children use felt-tip pens as the childminder supports them to write their names on their finished artwork. This helps children develop the skills they need for early writing. The childminder introduces new vocabulary such as 'honeycomb' and 'hive', and children show interest as the childminder explains how bees live.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

However, while children experience some positive learning experiences, they do not benefit from a consistently planned curriculum that links to their next steps in learning. For example, children's play is mainly free choice. These self-chosen activities lack purpose and present little opportunity to build on prior learning. To this end, much of what children learn is incidental. Children quickly lose interest and either flit between activities or sit on the floor, unclear what to do next.

p.2

need to do better?

n While the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the indicators that could suggest a child is at risk of harm, there are gaps in her knowledge about when to report concerns. For example, the childminder does not make timely referrals to the local safeguarding partnership when there are concerns about children's welfare. This causes delays in children receiving the appropriate intervention to keep them safe. n The childminder does not take all reasonable steps to ensure that children are only released into the care of adults, as agreed with the parents. This means that children could potentially be at risk. n The childminder encourages children to wash their hands before lunch and

p.2

need to do better?

7 November 2023 provides healthy meals and fresh drinking water. However, she does not do enough to support children's good health and hygiene overall. For example, the childminder's dog is allowed near children as they eat. This results in children getting their hands and cutlery licked by the dog during their meal. In addition, children stroke the dog as they eat, which results in dog hair being transferred to their hands and onto their food. n The childminder does not do enough to reduce risks in the environment, in order to promote children's safety. For example, as children play, the floor becomes cluttered with discarded toys and resources. Children trip as they try to navigate their way around and over the toys. While the childminder notices this and comments several times about the risks this presents, she does not attempt to rectify this. n The childminder's curriculum lacks ambition. She does not carefully plan

p.2

need to do better?

activities to help children build on what they already know and do. The childminder provides lots of free play, which means much of children's learning is incidental. For example, three-year-olds initially engage well as they play with pretend food. They quickly lose interest as this is not well extended, and limited interactions from the childminder does not support their learning. In addition, one-year-olds play with crayons they find. Despite trying, they are unable to make marks on paper. The childminder does not recognise children require support or provide additional resources to help them build on their interests. This results in children moving away from activities to see what else they can find to do. n The childminder is a good role model and encourages children to use their manners, use kind words to others and take turns. She swiftly intervenes during any minor disputes between children. For example, when children want the

p.3

need to do better?

same item, she gently suggests how they could share. This support helps children learn how to respect others. In addition, children are keen to help. They readily clear the table and help the childminder set up an activity. The childminder frequently praises children, which motivates them further. n Children are learning to do things for themselves. They know the daily routines and are confident in their environment. Children access the toilet independently, wash and dry their hands, and are encouraged to use cutlery to cut their own food. The childminder offers a helping hand when required. This supports children's growing independence skills.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Despite the childminder being aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and where to report any concerns she may have about a child's safety, she fails to make referrals in a timely manner. In addition, the childminder does not undertake necessary checks to ensure that she is releasing children into the care of appropriate adults. There are potential risks to children's health and safety. The childminder does not always follow and promote good hygiene practices to comply with health and safety legislation. While the childminder recognises emerging risks

p.3

Safeguarding

7 November 2023 within the environment, she does not take action to minimise or eradicate these. That said, the premises are secure, and children are well supervised.

p.3

Due date

ensure all necessary steps are taken to keep children safe and well, with particular regard to when children are released into the care of others 21/11/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure all safeguarding concerns are referred to relevant agencies in a timely and appropriate way 21/11/2023

p.4

Due date

improve risk assessments, so that when risks are identified, action is taken to minimise potential hazards to children 21/11/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure good hygiene and cleanliness procedures are in place and followed at all times, to prevent the spread of infection and germs, with particular regard to dogs being with children at mealtimes 21/11/2023

p.4

Due date

provide and implement a well-designed and stimulating curriculum that meets individual children's learning needs, focusing on what they need to learn next to secure their good progress. 21/11/2023

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY499130 Local authority Derbyshire Inspection number 10313799 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 5 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 4 April 2018

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016. She lives in Chesterfield. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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 childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke with the inspector 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. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the childminder with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

7 November 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7