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 EY275442 Inspection date 27/07/2009 Inspector Liz Margaret Caluori

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband, a registered childminder, and their three children aged four (twins) and seven, in St Leonards. The couple work jointly with another childminder in their home. Rooms on two floors of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, all whom may be in the early years age range. The registration also allows for two children to be cared for overnight. When working with her husband and another childminder may care for 15 children under eight years, of whom nine may be in the early years age range. There are currently 25 children on roll throughout the week, of these 13 are in the early years age range and seven are over eight years of age. Children attend for a mixture of full time, part time and holiday sessions.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an NVQ level 4 early years qualification and is working towards a Foundation Degree. She is able to support children with English as an additional language as well as those with learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The family have a pet cat and four egg laying chickens.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children flourish as they play and learn in the safe, stimulating and wonderfully child centred environment. They make very good progress in all areas of their development as a result of the childminders impressive capacity for monitoring and continually improving her practices. Their individual needs are effectively identified and they enjoy an excellent range of activities and outings. The childminder’s commitment to working in partnership with parents, carers and other professionals ensures continuity and coherence for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 address the minor inconsistencies in the information provided for parents to ensure that additional useful information offered is up to date  consider including more information about the differentiation planned for each activity and the next steps for each child to make it easier to reflect on good practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder and her colleagues work together extremely effectively and have clearly identified each others areas of strength. They ensure that information, ideas and concerns are shared openly. This results in consistent practices which are constantly evaluated and monitored to ensure that they fully reflect the needs of the children attending. The childminder has an excellent commitment to improving not only her service but also her personal knowledge and understanding of child development and childcare practices. In addition to working towards recognised childcare qualifications, she also regularly attends short courses provided by the local authority. These include training aimed at improving specific areas of children’s development such as ‘mark making’. The childminder works tirelessly to incorporate any new ideas into the practice, for example by introducing new and unusual resources to stimulate children’s interests.

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provision

Children enjoy a very good mix of adult led and free play. The childminder provides at least one planned activity each day and these are skilfully implemented to ensure that each child is able to take part in a way which is appropriate to their interests and stage of development. Whilst the childminder is clear on the learning intentions for each individual child taking part in the activity, this differentiation is not clearly recorded. This has little direct impact on children’s learning as the childminders communicate effectively verbally. However, it does not support the childminder to reflect on her good practice for future planning. Similarly, whilst the next steps for each child are clearly identified these are not always recorded.

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provision

Parents and carers receive a warm welcome as they arrive at the childminder’s home and are provided with good range of written information about the setting. This is generally very clear and well ordered, however the regular revisions to the paperwork have resulted in one or two very minor inconsistencies. Information about their child’s day is shared in a variety of ways to suit the needs of each family. The childminder and her two co-minders have designated children for whom they act as ‘key person’. This means that they take responsibility for co- ordinating observations, monitoring the child’s progress and maintaining written records. This is very flexibly implemented around the needs of the children and their families. The effective systems and close working of the three childminders ensures that they are all equally familiar with the personalities, needs and preferences of all the children.

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provision

Parents and carers are also given good support to understand the Early Years Foundation Stage. In addition, effective arrangements are also in place to work in partnership with other professionals involved in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to the children. The childminder has formed good links with the local school and pre-school ensuring continuity and easing transitions.

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to ensure that children are effectively safeguarded. She has attended an advanced child protection course which supports her to identify the potential signs and symptoms This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of abuse. In addition she has a clear written policy which she shares with parents and carers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a safe, attractive and hygienic environment. They are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene. They routinely wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after touching animals. Children are also supported to learn about healthy eating. They enjoy nutritious meals and snacks which are planned with regard to their individual dietary requirements. Jugs of water and juice are constantly available.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn how to keep themselves safe by listening to the advice and guidance given by the childminder. The house is organised to allow children a good deal of independence. In addition, the childminder and her colleagues have conducted thorough risk assessments of the environment and these are regularly reviewed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The high quality of the activities offered and the very competent support of the childminder ensures that children are making very good progress in all areas of development. They gain great benefit from the freedom they receive to choose the activities that they wish to take part in and are becoming very independent in their learning. They are confidently make decisions and are developing good problem solving skills. For example, during adult supported art and craft sessions they decide which resources they wish to use, what they are going to make, or even whether they are going to take part at all.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

They have an excellent range of resources to choose from and work very co- operatively together to complete projects such as making houses out of paper. They thoughtfully consider whether to select glue or sticky tape to attach the roof and carefully adapt and customise their designs. During these activities the childminder and her colleagues are on hand to offer support and encouragement but are careful not to offer too much direction.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children also enjoy regular outings to local facilities and places of interest such as the beach, soft play centres and museums. They are able to explore their environment, learn about the wider world and engage in a broad range of physical activities. In addition, they take part in activities aimed at teaching them about the lives and customs of others. The childminder has a range of resources specifically aimed at promoting positive images of diversity including books with dual language text. These resources also support the childminder to work with children with English as an additional language.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The excellent commitment to identifying and addressing their individual needs supports children to develop positive self-esteem. They have impeccable behaviour and are becoming very sociable and confident. These skills, along with a range of practical experiences such as cooking, growing vegetables and using computerised equipment help to promote children’s future economic wellbeing. 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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 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: 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

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