Childminder in Staffordshire

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

The childminder is in breach of some of the requirements. She has failed to ensure that the premises are secure. This means children's safety is at risk. The childminder has not put appropriate arrangements in place to ensure assistants are not left in sole charge of children for more than two hours. However, this does not impact on the care children receive. The childminder has not informed Ofsted of a significant event. That said, these breaches do not have an impact on children's behaviours and attitudes or the quality of education they receive.

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The provision is inadequate

The childminder and her assistants warmly welcome children into the home. Children settle quickly after a cuddle and happily go and explore the activities on offer with curiosity. The childminder and assistants plan activities around children's next steps to build on their knowledge and understanding across the seven areas of learning. For example, children strengthen the muscles in their hands as they select foil treasure pieces and squeeze them into different shapes. This helps to develop their small-muscle skills in preparation for early writing. The childminder and assistants promote a respectful ethos and encourage children to be polite and use their manners. They praise them for following the rules and children respond positively to what is asked of them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has failed to ensure the premises are secure. The gate to the rear of the garden is left unlocked. This means that unauthorised persons can gain access to the cabin where children are cared for and puts children's safety and welfare at significant risk. In addition, the childminder has not put appropriate arrangements in place to ensure that assistants are not left in sole charge of the children for more than two hours. n The childminder has failed to notify Ofsted of changes to her own personal circumstances that may affect her suitability. Furthermore, she does not demonstrate a secure understanding of what needs to be notified to Ofsted. n The childminder and assistants support children to follow self-care routines. Children confidently go to wash their hands independently, ready to eat their food. They eagerly participate as they help to set up the table in preparation for their lunch. The assistants sit with children during mealtimes to encourage

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need to do better?

independence and provide support. n Children enjoy taking part in the activities. They show motivation in their learning. Children develop their hand-eye coordination as they pour water into different containers. They choose what coloured glitter they wish to add to their water before shaking it to see how it changes. n The childminder and assistants help children to develop their communication and language skills. For example, when children explore the texture of sand, the

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need to do better?

9 January 2024 childminder introduces new words, such as 'crumbly' as they rub the sand in their hands and sprinkle it into the tray. Children confidently repeat these newly learned words. n The childminder and assistants support children's behaviour well. Children engage positively together. During play in the garden, children use their imagination as they pretend to be pirates. They motivate others to join in games as they decide which coloured pirate island to go to next. The childminder and assistants have a gentle approach when explaining their expectations to children. For example, when children attempt to climb the slide with a hula hoop, they are reminded how to do this safely. n Children's progress is regularly reviewed to identify any gaps in their learning. The childminder and assistants put appropriate arrangements in place if they observe children who are falling behind in their development. The childminder

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need to do better?

shares updates of information with parents and other professionals to ensure children receive the support they need to help them make expected progress. Parents share positive feedback about the care their children receive. n The assistants receive regular supervision meetings to discuss children's development and any concerns they may have. The childminder and assistants attend different training courses, which include recognising possible signs of abuse and paediatric first aid. This builds on their professional development. The childminder provides ongoing support for the assistants with their well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Due date

put appropriate arrangements in place to ensure that assistants are not left in sole charge of children for more than two hours 30/01/2024

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Due date

ensure that reasonable steps are taken to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the premises 30/01/2024

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Due date

9 January 2024 obtain knowledge of what needs to be notified to Ofsted to ensure they are informed of any significant event that is likely to affect suitability. 30/01/2024

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY476815 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10325739 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 18 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection 18 May 2023

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and is in Burton-on-Trent. She works with two assistants. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8am to 4pm on Fridays, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder and one of her assistants hold a childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector talked to the assistants at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, assistants and

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Inspection activities

children. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

9 January 2024 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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