Ducklings Childcare

Summary of outcome

All early years providers must meet the legal requirements in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage . If we find that a provider is not meeting the requirements, we can take action to ensure they put matters right. On 28 January 2025, we received concerns that this provider was not meeting some of these requirements. On 8 April 2025, we carried out an unannounced regulatory visit. Following this visit, we have issued actions for the provider to take.

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Summary of outcome

take all reasonable steps to ensure staff and children in their care are not exposed to risks and demonstrate how they are managing risks; risk assessments should identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, when and by whom those aspects will be checked, and how the risk will be removed or minimised

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Summary of outcome

ensure that their premises, including overall floor space and outdoor spaces, are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises, with particular regard to ensuring walkways are kept clear

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Summary of outcome

ensure staff have a suitable understanding of children's individual needs and each child's care is tailored to meet their individual needs, particularly when their key person is absent from the setting

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Summary of outcome

put appropriate arrangements in place for the supervision of staff who have contact with children and families, to provide support, coaching, and training for staff that fosters a culture of mutual support, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

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Summary of outcome

On 6 May 2025, we carried out a second unannounced regulatory visit. We found the provider was still not meeting some of the requirements. We have served a welfare requirements notice. This is a legal notice that requires the provider to take the actions below within the timescales set out.

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Summary of outcome

ensure that your premises, including overall floor space and outdoor spaces, are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises, with particular regard to ensuring walkways are kept clear of trip hazards

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Summary of outcome

develop effective arrangements for sharing relevant information about children, so that when children are being cared for by staff other than their key person, that those staff have a suitable understanding of children's needs and can tailor each child's care to meet their individual needs

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Summary of outcome

implement effective arrangements for the training and supervision of staff who have contact with children and families, to provide support, coaching, and training for staff that fosters a culture of mutual support, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

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Summary of outcome

We will monitor the provider's response to ensure the actions are successfully completed. The provider is still registered with Ofsted. The provider will be able to give parents further information about this.

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Summary of outcome

On 22 May 2025, the provider responded to the actions set. We found that the provider has ensured that walkways are always clear with signage to reinforce this message. The provider has created an appropriate pushchair storage area. Fire doors are always kept locked. The provider has taken steps to remove, minimise, and manage any risks and possible hazards to children. All staff now have regular supervisions. Supervision identifies staff's training needs and opportunities to discuss for example, key children, health and safety, safeguarding and staff's own well-being. The provider has made improvements to the key person system to ensure that every child's care is tailored to meet their individual needs. We are satisfied the provider has met the safeguarding and welfare actions raised. The provider is still registered with Ofsted.

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Publication of compliance action

We aim to ensure that the welfare of children and young people is protected in the services we regulate. The Childcare Act 2006 and accompanying regulations set out our responsibilities to regulate childminders and childcare providers. This includes the enforcement powers we have in relation to those registered providers who do not comply with the requirements for registration.

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Publication of compliance action

We publish details of any actions we take, or the childminder or childcare provider takes to bring about compliance with requirements on our website for a period of five years.

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Publication of compliance action

For further information please read the Early years compliance handbook which can be found here at www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-provider-non-compliance- action-by-ofsted .

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