Childminder in Merton

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

p.1

The provision is inadequate

The childminder and her assistants do not know the children well and do not recognise or understand their individual needs. The needs of the children at this setting are not met. Children are frequently unsettled and bored. The environment is not suitably risk assessed and is not always fit for purpose. Children sleep upstairs in rooms which have not been suitably risk assessed, for example within easy reach of light cables and drawers. The childminder and her assistants have insufficient knowledge to be able to recognise or take appropriate action should there be a safeguarding concern.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder and her assistants do not adhere to basic safety measures, for example stepping over young children and resources whilst carrying young children in one hand and a highchair in the other. Children run in the kitchen and pull-on drawers and cupboards which are not always secured. Staff do not consistently manage behaviour or recognise signs indicating the children are not stimulated. This inconsistent approach means children are unaware of expectations.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children do not benefit from a well-planned or cohesive curriculum. Staff offer limited activities and do not show clear understanding of intent. The childminder and assistants offer limited activities and what is provided is based on general age and not ability or interest. Children's learning and development is not tailored to meet their learning needs. Children have access to the outside environment and enjoy fresh air daily. Staff do not adequately observe and assess children, as such opportunities for identifying children with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND) is reduced.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff fail to stimulate children and do not provide sufficient activities and resources. Children are often bored and wander around, this lack of engagement affects their behaviour and wellbeing. Staff misinterpret this as unwanted behaviour. Staff placate and divert children with dummies and comfort items. n Children do not have key workers but are looked after by all staff. Children do not benefit from meaningful and secure bonds and attachments with a significant adult. Young children often cry without being adequately consoled or comforted. Children can be ignored or missed, for example staff are unaware that young children have not eaten snack. Ratios are not always met. n Staff do not plan for individual children and do not show adequate understanding of how children learn. Staff offer intermittent activities without clear purpose. For example, children enjoy dancing to familiar songs and rhymes. However, staff do not pay attention to children requesting repetition

p.2

need to do better?

'again!' or young children sat on the floor. Staff move songs along quickly, not

p.2

need to do better?

21 May 2024 giving children opportunity to be involved, listen, recall, and learn. Staff sing; however, young children are unable to follow due to the pace and their stage of development. This reduces opportunity for language development. n Staff are inconsistent in their approach to promoting and maintaining hygiene. Children frequently have dirty noses; hand washing routines are inconsistent. Staff change nappies in the same vicinity as mealtimes while children are eating. Soiled nappies are left on the changing table. Staff do not always engage with children as they change nappies, children are silent and look away. Staff do not always clean surfaces and leave cleaning materials within children's reach. n Staff do not adequately risk assess the environment including the garden. This means it is not always safe for children. Staff take children into a different room to use play dough. They fail to notice hazards which may compromise children's

p.2

need to do better?

safety such as heavy weights and a leaning bike. Children do not have clear access free of clutter to walk safely. n The childminder does not pay due regard to the safety of the children and does not always think of risk such as accidentally causing harm. For example, piercing a food container with a large sharp knife while holding a young child. Then, opening the oven door without checking a child is nearby. This compromises children's safety. n The childminder is working closely with the early years support team and has recently attended some training courses. However, the childminder is not doing enough to ensure assistants are trained and knowledgeable in their role. For example, assistants have still not attended safeguarding training which was a previous action. This demonstrates a lack of capacity to improve. n The childminder is not doing enough to improve the curriculum and teaching. Insufficient training impacts child wellbeing and opportunities for positive

p.3

need to do better?

outcomes for children. The quality of interactions is variable, and staff show little understanding of how children learn.

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

21 May 2024 ensure that all assistants have a clear understanding and knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures 12/06/2024

p.3

Due date

ensure that each child is assigned a key person so that their individual care needs are met 12/06/2024

p.4

Due date

implement effective supervision arrangements for all assistants so that they receive support and undertake appropriate training to improve practice and ensure children's needs are met 12/06/2024

p.4

Due date

implement effective strategies to manage and support children's behaviour in a consistent and appropriate way 12/06/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure all areas of the premises used by children are safe and suitable for use 12/06/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure that sleeping arrangements for young children are safe an in line with government safety guidance 12/06/2024

p.4

Due date

take action to ensure that all risks to children are removed or minimised 12/06/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure that ratios are maintained at all times so that staffing arrangements meet the needs of children and ensure their safety. 12/06/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure that children and staff follow effective personal hygiene routines, such as consistent hand washing routines and disposal of nappies 12/06/2024

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2575535 Local authority Merton Inspection number 10327245 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 14 Date of previous inspection 14 December 2023

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in the London Borough of Merton. She offers her service from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. The childminder works with assistants.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their EYFS curriculum n The inspector talked to staff 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 childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

Inspection activities

21 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

21 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.

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