Childminder in Hackney

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 Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is inadequate

The childminder works with an assistant who is not known to Ofsted. This means the required background checks have not been completed to assess the suitability of the assistant to work with children. The assistant is included in the ratios and has frequent unsupervised contact with children, including intimate care; this is a clear breach of requirements with a potentially significant impact on children's safety.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

When they are working together, the childminder and her assistant have established clear routines and expectations which contribute to a calm and purposeful environment. Children are quick to follow instructions and demonstrate positive behaviour and conduct. However, the childminder does not always adhere to the ratio requirements, and the impact of this is notable. At these times, children's individual needs are not met. For example, children cannot have their nappies changed as this would leave multiple other young children unsupervised.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder demonstrates an understanding of child development and clearly articulates what she wants children to learn in her setting. When working within ratio requirements, she is skilled at meeting the needs of the different ages and stages of the children in her care. For example, during a play dough activity, older children practise cutting the play dough using scissors and knives, while younger children are encouraged to use simpler tools to make prints.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is compliant with most of the statutory requirements. Her child protection knowledge is secure. She is aware of potential risks to children in the environment and takes appropriate steps to minimise these. However, the requirements that she is not compliant with, compromises children's safety and well-being. This includes the lack of suitability checks for her assistant and the periods of time in which ratios are not adhered to. However, the childminder is committed to rectifying these and recognises the urgency and importance to do so. n The childminder knows the children in her care well. She can discuss their individual interests, strengths and next steps with confidence. She seeks information from home to support children to settle quickly. For example, babies who are new to the setting confidently and happily explore. However, when ratios are not adhered to, this is disrupted as the childminder cannot offer the

p.2

need to do better?

same levels of comfort and reassurance. These inconsistencies in practice are unsettling for children and impact on both their learning and well-being. n When they are working together, the childminder and her assistant model a respectful and positive working relationship. They interact warmly with children

p.2

need to do better?

15 January 2024 and are quick to follow their interests. Children show positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate enjoyment as they engage in activities. For example, children listen carefully to instructions and remain on task as they make play dough together. However, this is only the case after the assistant has arrived. Prior to this, the setting feels hectic and the childminder finds it much harder to engage children or support them to make choices and settle into their day. n The childminder and her assistant support children's language development well. They constantly narrate, modelling language and asking questions which are appropriate to the age of the children. For instance, younger children are supported to name animals and make animal noises, while older children have ambitious vocabulary explained to them using a non-fiction book about animals. However, this not consistent throughout the day, as the childminder is unable to

p.2

need to do better?

meet the needs of the different ages until her assistant arrives. Nonetheless, over time, children develop into confident communicators. n The childminder provides the children with a range of healthy and balanced home-cooked foods. She has no outdoor space but takes the children on daily trips to the local park to allow children to be physically active and get fresh air. However, the assistant occasionally takes small numbers of children to the park by herself, despite not holding a current paediatric first-aid certificate. This is a further breach of the statutory requirements which has an impact on the safety of children. n The childminder communicates effectively with parents, sharing daily updates about their children's care and development. She involves parents in identifying next steps to enable them to work towards these together. Parents share that it feels like a team approach, and they appreciate the regular feedback the

p.3

need to do better?

childminder provides. n The childminder and her assistant are experienced providers. They have attended picnics with other childminders, organised by the local authority. However, they have not attended any recent training, despite this being readily available to them. They recognise the need for this in order to refresh their knowledge and skills and to share ideas with other practitioners.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

Due date

15 January 2024 notify Ofsted of all persons caring for children on the premises to allow for the required suitability checks to be completed 22/01/2024

p.3

Due date

ensure ratio requirements are adhered to in order to meet the individual needs of all children 22/01/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure one person with a current paediatric first-aid certificate is available at all times, including accompanying children on outings. 22/01/2024

p.4

should:

n seek professional development opportunities to refresh the knowledge and skills of those working in the setting to further improve outcomes for children.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2596689 Local authority Hackney Inspection number 10290985 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 12 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 12 April 2023

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in the London Borough of Hackney. She employs a full-time assistant. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate level 5 qualification and her assistant is qualified to level 3.

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 childminder. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting.

p.5

Inspection activities

15 January 2024 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.5

Inspection activities

15 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.

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