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 EY240393 Inspection date 04/08/2009 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 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, aged nine and 11 years, in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor of the house for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder makes use of local facilities such as parks, the library and toddler groups. The family has three cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in the early years age group, all on a part time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and inclusive environment where the childminder is aware of their individual needs. Children experience a range of adult-led activities and those which they choose for themselves and this ensures they progress well in their learning and development. The childminder has begun to evaluate her provision through the use of self-evaluation, but this is not sufficiently robust to identify all areas for improvement.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve knowledge of the six areas of learning to fully support the children and plan for their next steps in learning  further develop systems for sharing children's records with parents regarding their learning and development  continue to develop systems for self-evaluation to ensure strengths and areas for improvement are clearly identified

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment & equipment) 18/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is aware of the importance of safeguarding children. She demonstrates an understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures she would follow if she has any concerns. Children play in a safe environment were the childminder has taken precautions to minimise risks and uses safety features such as stair gates, safety film on glass and smoke alarms to ensure children remain safe. However, she does not have a record of risk assessments to identify the risks and detail the action taken to address issues raised. The childminder has addressed the recommendation made at the last inspection and accident documentation is maintained appropriately. She has also attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage and this shows her commitment to further improvement.

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provision

The childminder is developing links with other settings attended by the children, which helps support their learning and development. Children benefit from the good relationships between the childminder and their parents. This is evident through discussions and written correspondence in praise of the childminder's care of the children. Relevant documentation and consents are in place. The childminder shares information on a daily basis through verbal feedback to ensure continuity of care. Parents are given many photographs of their children in the activities; however, the childminder has not yet shared her observations of the children to keep them fully informed of their children's progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a clean environment where they receive effective support to develop personal hygiene routines. The childminder reinforces this by asking the children why they should wash their hands and they reply 'because you will get germs'. They develop an awareness of healthy eating through the healthy snacks and lunches provided. Drinks are readily available and children access these whenever they wish, thus developing an understanding of their own needs. Children have daily access to fresh air and exercise. In the garden they have a range of activities such as sand and water play and wheeled toys and they also visit local parks where they play on a range of equipment to develop their physical skills. Children have fun as they jog along to the exercise game on the 'Wii Fit', holding the controller and moving at a steady pace. They ask the childminder if this game will keep them fit and healthy and strong, further developing their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

understanding of a healthy lifestyle. The childminder takes the children on outings and walks in the local environment where they explore nature, observe the animals and learn about the world around them. Children develop an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe through discussions about being careful when hot drinks are in the room or why they cannot carry the ball when they walk to the play area.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning and development as the childminder provides a range of interesting and stimulating activities that cover all areas of development. The childminder knows the children well and is able to talk about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their interests and what they like to do. Regular observations are undertaken and photographs are also used to show children's progress. However, the childminder does not always link these to the six areas of learning or identify children's next steps. Children are happy and at ease in the childminder's care. When they arrive at the setting they make themselves at home and chat away, talking to the childminder and visitors about the toy they have brought with them. They enjoy looking at photographs on the computer and recalling what they are doing and talking about the places they have visited. They confidently ask the childminder

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

questions, which she readily responds to. The childminder interacts well with the children and involves herself in their play. As children complete a sheet of spot the differences the childminder gives them hints about what to look at and as they mark them off she encourages their counting and simple calculation skills by asking how many they have found and how many more do they need to find. Children inform visitors they like playing games and completing puzzles. As they make the princess puzzle the childminder introduces the children to new vocabulary, such as petticoat and gives good explanations when asked by the children what this is. She encourages the children to look at the picture on the box and collect the pieces relating to certain colours, praising them when they complete the chosen princess. The childminder reads to the children and takes them to the library and allows them to choose their own books; this helps foster an

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

interest in books. The childminder promotes good behaviour through praising and encouraging the children and informing parents of their good deeds. Children are encouraged to share and take turns in their everyday play. 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? 2 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 18/08/2009  keep a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 18/08/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified above (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 18/08/2009  take action as specified above (Procedure for dealing with complaints) 18/08/2009

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