Childminder in Somerset

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 Not applicable

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The provision is inadequate

The welfare of children is compromised because the childminder does not ensure that they are safe and secure when playing in the garden. She does not assess the risks to children playing in the back garden and shed to identify and remove potential hazards and the risk of injury. She does not ensure the back garden is secure and that children sleeping outside are supervised appropriately to keep them safe.

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The provision is inadequate

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Some children enjoy positive learning experiences to encourage their development. They choose and lead their own play and explore different creative activities. For example, they explore paint and dough to learn about colour and how to use tools. However, the childminder does not deliver an ambitious curriculum for the youngest children. They spend long periods of time playing alongside the childminder with limited interaction from her to encourage their learning. Children develop positive attitudes and behaviour through the childminder's example and gentle guidance to encourage sharing and taking turns. She provides activities to support their personal interests. For example, older children explore water, foam and pretend mud play with trucks and animals to learn new words and to create with.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's assessments of risk are ineffective. The childminder does not ensure the back garden and shed are safe for children to play in. She has not identified protruding nails as a potential risk of injury to a child. The childminder has identified that children should not handle her dog without supervision. However, she allows them to do so in the shed play area, where they poke fingers through the kennel to touch the dog. This puts children at risk of injury. n The childminder does not ensure children are kept safe and secure when sleeping. Some children sleep in a buggy in the garden. This is out of the childminder's sight, and she does not ensure the side gate is secure to prevent any unauthorised access to the garden. This compromises children's safety. n The childminder does not ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of all children equally. She knows what she wants children to learn and joins in some

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need to do better?

children's play to support their learning goals. For example, she helps older children to learn colours, she counts in their play and introduces new words. However, expectations for the youngest children are less, and they do not benefit from the same positive interactions as the older children to build further on their learning. While they are content playing alone, the childminder does not interact to encourage their exploration, communication, or physical development goals. n The childminder supports children's preferences for active play and outdoor

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need to do better?

1 May 2024 learning. Children who are mobile move between the indoor play area and garden. They attend weekly forest school sessions to learn about the environment and how to keep safe. They visit a local farm to learn about caring for animals. The childminder adapts activities when she observes them become very active, such as creating interactive stories to support their engagement and interest in books. n The childminder knows the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. She understands the procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child or adult, and keeps her knowledge of the local safeguarding procedures up to date. However, the weaknesses in her risk assessments and supervision of children do not ensure their welfare is safeguarded at times. n The childminder establishes positive partnerships with parents. She works with them from the start to understand their children's needs and developmental

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need to do better?

stage. Parents share positive feedback regarding the childminder's provision, and they appreciate how well informed they are kept.

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 risk assessments are robust and used to help ensure that the premises are safe, secure and suitable for children in the outdoor play area 02/05/2024

p.3

Due date

ensure children sleeping outside are kept safe and secure 02/05/2024

p.3

Due date

improve the delivery of the curriculum for the youngest children to encourage their communication, exploration and physical development. 29/05/2024

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2688723 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10343601 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 5 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She lives in Taunton, Somerset. The childminder offers care from 6am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. She receives funding to provide free early education for children aged four years old.

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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 setting. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they intend children to learn. n The inspector observed activities and the quality of the childminder's interactions with the children. n The inspector sampled the documentation. n The inspector spoke to children and took account of parents' views.

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Inspection activities

1 May 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.

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Inspection activities

1 May 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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