Ofsted rates Fenland childminder ‘Inadequate’
A childminder used “potentially derogatory” terms when talking about ethnicity and has been dropped from ‘good’ to inadequate’ by an education watchdog.
Stephanie Belton, a childminder based in March, has been given the lowest grading by Ofsted following an inspection in November last year, when it was discovered she failed to share concerns about children’s welfare.
However, parents of children she looks after were positive about Ms Belton and told Ofsted inspectors they felt their children achieved well in her care.
The inspection report said that “children’s welfare was not assured”, and that Ms Belton had failed to act on concerns and follow procedures to share information with relevant safeguarding agencies.
It added that she also failed to provide information to Ofsted about a “significant event” that affected the suitability of the premises where she cares for children. Details of the event referenced were not included in the published report.
Ms Belton was contacted regarding the report but declined to comment.
The inspectors said that children do not receive the quality of education they deserve, adding that Ms Belton “over-directs” children’s play and learning.
The report also said that the children were not given good enough experiences to “help prepare them for life in modern Britain”, explaining that there were limited opportunities for children to learn about other cultures and people different to themselves.
Inspectors also said that Ms Belton did not promote equality when talking to children and said that she used “outdated and potentially derogatory terms” when talking about ethnicity.
The report did recognise that the children build strong bonds with Ms Belton and explained that the children show they feel secure in her care.
The report said: “The childminder is warm and caring. She responds warmly to younger children’s requests for cuddles when they are awake.
“The childminder reads stories and rhymes to children, who freely choose from a wide range of appropriate books.”
The inspectors added the children’s parents told inspectors that their children enjoy their time with the childminder and that they believe their children achieve well in her care.
They also told inspectors that Ms Belton provides a ‘home from home’ experience, and that they appreciate her flexibility to meet their changing needs.
Ofsted has set out the requirements they want Ms Belton to meet in order to improve her care. These are improving the safeguarding practices, improving knowledge and understanding of how children learn about equality, and improving the quality of teaching to provide children with challenging and enjoyable experiences.
