Childminder in Staffordshire

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

Children's safety and welfare are compromised because the childminder does not organise the premises sufficiently to ensure it is safe and suitable for children. Furthermore, the childminder does not provide children with daily outdoor opportunities as part of the curriculum. This is a breach of requirements.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder engages with children in a calm and caring way. For instance, she maintains a nurturing tone of voice and makes eye contact as she reads them a book. She uses descriptive words, like 'fluffy, soft' and 'spotty', to enhance children's language. Babies show an interest in stories by turning the pages and feeling the different textures. Personal care routines, like feeding and nappy changing, foster a sense of trust. For example, the childminder ensures babies' privacy is respected and talks to them about how she is meeting their personal care needs, such as counting 'one' and 'two' as she fastens their buttons. She helps children to settle by encouraging settling-in visits. This gives her the opportunity to discuss children's current development, home routines and allergies with parents and carers. Following parents' wishes, the childminder prepares babies' bottles from fresh, supporting a hygienic and healthy feeding routines. She holds babies

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The provision is inadequate

securely in her arms to feed them, which helps them to feel calm and relaxed. They slowly close their eyes and happily drift off to sleep.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not have adequate procedures in place for emergencies. For example, the evacuation route from her home does not ensure children's safety, as some exits are obstructed by household items and children's furniture. This means that in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, children would not be able to exit the premises quickly and safely. n The childminder does not take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised people from entering the premises and areas in which children are cared for. For example, during the inspection, there were instances when the front door was left unlocked, which puts children at risk of harm. n The childminder does not provide children with a well-rounded curriculum. For example, she does not offer children daily outdoor experiences. This means that children do not benefit from fresh air and exercise outside. n Parents appreciate the regular updates and photographs the childminder sends

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need to do better?

about their children's day. They feel well informed about children's progress, which helps them to continue learning at home. However, the childminder does not fully gather parents' feedback on her service, which prevents parents from contributing to its ongoing improvement. n The childminder has not informed Ofsted of a recent change in her name. This is a breach of requirements and demonstrates poor management of her provision.

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need to do better?

11 February 2025 n The childminder is knowledgeable about the signs of neglect and abuse and stays informed about relevant issues in the local community. She understands the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare, including the steps to take if an allegation is made against herself or any household members. n The childminder is aware of first-aid procedures and follows the appropriate steps when responding to any accidents children may have. For instance, she quickly retrieves the first-aid kit, puts on some gloves and cleans the affected area. This demonstrates her understanding of hygiene practices and care. n The childminder knows children well. She clearly describes their personalities and development, highlighting their starting points and the progress they have made. Overall, she plans activities to target specific skills. For example, she sets up the play farm and puts on a fun chicken voice, asking children if the chicken

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need to do better?

can try some of their cereal. This prompts babies to share their play food, practising their social skills. n The childminder ensures that she completes ongoing training. For example, she completed a healthy eating course, which has helped her to plan nutritious meals for children. Additionally, literacy training has assisted her to better support children's speech development. This learning helps the childminder to build on her current knowledge and skills.

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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 fire exits are free from any obstructions to ensure a swift and safe evacuation in an emergency 25/02/2025

p.3

Due date

take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the premises 25/02/2025

p.3

Due date

ensure children have daily outdoor experiences to benefit from fresh air and exercise. 25/02/2025

p.3

should:

n provide more opportunities for parents to share their views on the provision and contribute to its ongoing improvement.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2694909 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10375863 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Stafford. She operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and alternate Wednesdays, between 8.15 and 3pm, all year round except for public holidays, family holidays and one week at Christmas. The childminder provides funded early education for any eligible children attending.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises with the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how she organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n The inspector evaluated the quality of education being delivered indoors and assessed its impact on the children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. 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

11 February 2025 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

11 February 2025 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

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