Childminder in Bedford

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

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The provision is inadequate

The childminder provides inadequate care and education for children. She cares for more children than the usual ratios, which leads to a chaotic environment where there is not enough space for children to play. The childminder does not arrange the premises and resources so that children can engage fully in their learning. The number of children the childminder cares for means she does not meet all of their needs effectively. She constantly has to stop tending to one child's needs, such as midway through changing a nappy, to sort out a disagreement between other children. The changing mat on the floor takes up space, which reduces the area for children to play in. This does not help toddlers who are still learning to be steady on their feet, to move safely and they trip over toys.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

As young children play, the childminder helps them to begin to understand some social skills. For example, when they all want to use the same toy, she encourages them to take turns. Children have opportunities to play outside. They balance on beams and climb steps safely. This helps them to develop their core strength. Children seek out the childminder when they are upset, demonstrating they have secure emotional relationships with her.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not organise and maintain the spaces children use to a safe and hygienic standard. She does not ensure her premises are kept free from clutter or identify that this presents a hazard to children. For example, there is a table with large piles of paperwork and books stacked on it and there are items on top of a piano. Toys are placed high up among these items and children cannot reach them safely. This means children are unable to move freely and safely in the playroom. n The childminder has not considered the impact on children's care and learning when caring for several young children at the same time. She does not have enough time to focus on supporting children's learning to help them make good progress. The lack of space and poor supervision mean that they become frustrated and this hinders their learning. n The childminder fails to effectively assess all the hazards children might

p.2

need to do better?

encounter. While the childminder is busy helping children to get ready to go outside, babies and toddlers explore items that are not appropriate or safe to play with. For instance, they open and close the fireplace door and play with a heavy fruit bowl on the coffee table. This means children's welfare is not assured. n The childminder has a sufficient understanding of child development and knows the children in her care well. However, she does not plan or implement a suitable curriculum because she is busy carrying out routine tasks rather than interacting

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need to do better?

23 April 2024 with children in purposeful ways. As a result, children do not make the progress of which they are capable. n The childminder does not follow professional guidance. She regularly lays babies and toddlers to sleep in pushchairs that are not suited to their age. This does not promote their long-term physical development. n The childminder communicates appropriately with parents. She provides information about their child's day and reports on their development. The childminder also liaises with staff from other settings that children attend. This helps all adults around the child work together. n The childminder takes children on regular outings. They attend forest school sessions and go to the local park. This gives children the opportunity to explore the world around them through nature and their communities. n The childminder engages with local authority advisers and is keen to make improvements to her practice. She keeps mandatory qualifications up to date

p.2

need to do better?

and attends a range of training. However, she does not implement this learning in her practice. Additionally, she failed to follow her full procedure to refer an historic allegation about a household member to the appropriate agencies. That said, she has secure knowledge of when to notify Ofsted.

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

ensure that the premises are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities being provided 28/05/2024

p.3

Due date

demonstrate that the individual needs of all the children are being met, when making exceptions to the usual ratios 28/05/2024

p.3

Due date

implement risk assessment procedures consistently so that children only access appropriate items for play 28/05/2024

p.3

Due date

23 April 2024 ensure children are supervised adequately to meet their needs at all times 28/05/2024

p.3

Due date

ensure sleeping arrangements are suited to the age of the child and promote their physical health 28/05/2024

p.4

Due date

use information about children's learning to plan challenging and enjoyable experience for each child in all areas of learning and development. 28/05/2024

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY429734 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10336109 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 6 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 5 June 2018

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Bromham. She operates all year round from Tuesday to Friday, between 8am and 7.45pm, except for family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The childminder talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. 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 childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a spontaneous activity. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection, read parent testimonials and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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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

23 April 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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