Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY251501 Inspection date 09/02/2009 Inspector Margaret Moffat

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, who are aged 14 and 12 years, in Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire. The childminder uses most of the ground floor of the house for childminding with sleeping facilities situated on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder makes use of local facilities such as parks, the library and toddler groups. The family has two cats and two rabbits. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding four children part-time in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for one child under eight years.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is well organised and demonstrates a commitment to her childminding practice. She knows the children very well and warm, secure relationships are evident. She has a very good knowledge of each child's individual needs and promotes all aspects of children's welfare and learning with success and values each child's individuality. The childminder maintains her high standards through consistently reviewing and reflecting on her provision.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 update complaints procedure to include details of the regulator.

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provision

The childminder has a comprehensive set of policies and procedures which reflect her commitment to promoting children's welfare and her knowledge of the requirements. Although, the parent poster is displayed on the notice board the contact details of the regulator are not in the written complaints procedure. The childminder has completed an early years qualification and regularly attends courses and meetings to develop her skills further. She is an accredited childminder and she shares her professional knowledge as she supports new childminders in the local area. The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of equality and inclusion and this is reflected in her policies and the training she has undertaken to meet the needs of specific children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children play in a child orientated environment where the childminder organises

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provision

her time and space effectively to ensure they experience a wide variety of activities both in the home and outside. Displays of children's artwork, photographs of activities and informative posters foster children's sense of belonging and provide them with opportunities to have discussions and recall what they have done. Risk assessment records are robust and cover indoors and outside. All outings are risk assessed to ensure the safety of the children. Safety features are in place to minimise the hazards to children. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow to safeguard children's welfare.

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provision

The childminder develops excellent relationships with parents and ensures they are kept fully informed about their children's routines and progress. They receive copies of their children's records and have regular opportunities to discuss their children's development and next steps in learning as required. Written correspondence from parents express their satisfaction at the excellent communication they have with the childminder regarding their children's daily routines and progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder spends her time supporting children in their activities and takes every opportunity to extend their learning and development. Consequently, they make excellent progress in all areas of learning. Throughout their play the childminder consistently reinforces colour and shape recognition and counting skills. She challenges and extends children's thinking by asking questions and this also develops their conversational skills. The childminder ensures that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities. Observations are ongoing and the childminder uses the information extremely well to provide resources and plan activities to further children's individual development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children persevere at their self-chosen activities as they build the train track and confidently ask the childminder for assistance as they want to make a bridge. The childminder asks the children to think about the shapes they need. Children talk about needing roundabout shapes and the bridge one that makes the train go over. Children find the shapes and put them together. They switch on the train and give it a push over the bridge as it would not go on its own. They act out their own scenarios as they play with the trains and they have a discussion with the childminder about the stop and go signals. The childminder extends the conversation by asking children when do they have to stop and they reply 'when we see other cars'. Children thoroughly enjoy creative activities such as play dough. They use a range of small tools skilfully as they cut, roll and make shapes. They discuss the texture of the dough and use their hands to flatten it out and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

make balls which they bounce and roll on the table. Photographs and observations show children taking part in many different activities including cooking, outdoor play in the garden and outings. The childminder is fully aware of the importance of outdoor play and exercise allowing children freedom to express themselves and spread out and developing their awareness of a healthy lifestyle. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are able to take appropriate risks under the childminder's close supervision. They develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe through relevant discussions and reminders from the childminder not to have their drinks as they are walking upstairs as they may fall and hurt themselves. From a young age children are taught the importance of good hygiene routines and this is reinforced as the childminder has discussions with the children as they wash their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

hands with a flannel. The childminder talks to the children about washing the tops and bottoms of their hands and in between their fingers to make sure they are clean. Children show delight as the childminder praises them for their efforts.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder manages children and their behaviour very well and deals with minor disputes effectively helping children develop an understanding of right from wrong. The childminder is calm and speaks to the children at their level of understanding encouraging them to take turns and not to throw the toys. Children are polite using please and thank you at appropriate times without prompting. They respond favourably to the childminder's request to tidy up and benefit from the consistent praise and encouragement they receive. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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