Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY219004 Inspection date 17/09/2009 Inspector Glenda Pownall

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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, who are aged nine and eight years, in Denham, Middlesex. 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, libraries and toddler groups.

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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 six children at any one time. She is currently minding one child part-time in the early years age group and two children in the older age group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and provides a caring and inclusive environment for children. As a result, children are at home and enjoy their time in her care. Overall, children are cared for in a generally safe environment due to the many risk assessments carried out by the childminder. An excellent professional relationship is fostered with parents. This ensures the childminder has good knowledge of each child’s individual needs and effectively promotes their welfare and learning. The childminder has a positive attitude towards self-evaluation and plans improvements in consultation with parents and children.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider if the problem of the drop between the different levels of the garden can be overcome to enable young children more opportunities to undertake physical play in the garden  review the risk assessment of the garden to ensure that all potential hazards relating to the swimming pool, trampoline and gate are considered and minimised. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations with regard to the recommended minimum age for the trampoline.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities to keep children safe and all required documentation is in place. She has undertaken safeguarding children training to refresh her knowledge of current procedures. She is confident in her knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and is committed to taking the required action in order to protect children from harm. Extensive risk assessment records are in place to keep children safe while in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 home and on outings. The frequency of the safety checks has been assessed according to their potential risk to children. However, under close supervision young children occasionally use the main section of the garden and not all potential risks have been considered to ensure that the safety measures in place fully promote their safety. For example, in relation to the swimming pool, the age

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the early years provision

recommendations for the trampoline and the security of the gate leading down to the garden. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving her practice through regular self-reflection. She identifies aims to benefit children’s care and learning, such as making changes to the layout of the garden.

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the early years provision

Parents are extremely positive of the childminder and the care she provides for children. They particularly appreciate the range of activities that develops their children’s social skills. The childminder treats each child as an individual and parents express their delight at the inclusive environment that values their children’s cultural heritage. Excellent communication systems are in place to ensure parents are fully informed about their children’s progress and the childcare they receive. This includes providing parents with updates of written policies covering all aspects of the childminder’s practice. Information gathered from parents about children’s interests at home and children’s own views are used in planning activities and outings that appeal to children and extend their learning. The childminder has effective systems in place to develop partnerships with other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder organises

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the early years provision

resources effectively so that young children develop independence skills as they select toys and activities that interest them.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides effective support to young children, nurturing their enjoyment and progress in learning. She undertakes written observations to record children’s achievements and progress towards the early learning goals. The system for clearly recording children’s next steps in learning is evolving. However, the childminder’s good knowledge of children’s current interests enables her to provide resources and activities that stimulate and challenge them.

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and outcomes for children

Children play in a very clean and well-maintained home. They confidently make use of the available free-flow play space moving from indoors to the outdoor patio area. They develop physical skills as they chase after balls and learn to manoeuvre sit and ride toys. Children have regular opportunities to undertake exercise in the fresh air through outings to local parks, nature walks and playing in the garden. However, children in the early years age group do not benefit fully from playing in the garden as they generally only access the patio area due to the practicalities of the drop in levels of the garden.

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and outcomes for children

Young children’s communication and language skills are developing well through positive reinforcement from the childminder. She talks about the different shapes they post through holes and encourages them to count how many shapes they have posted. Children respond positively with smiles to the consistent praise and encouragement they receive and often repeat activities, such as singing into a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 microphone. Young children develop an interest in simple technology as they investigate how to make play toast pop up. The childminder works with parents to devise strategies to manage children’s behaviour consistently. She is extremely calm and patient and children behave very well. Children develop awareness of the world around them through a wide variety of interesting outings. They develop a sense of self-worth as artefacts and customs from their own cultures are valued

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and outcomes for children

and respected in the childminding environment.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop understanding of how to keep themselves safe through clear explanations from the childminder. They readily approach her for cuddles and to give her toys, indicating trusting relationships. Effective procedures are in place to promote the good health of children. The childminder provides young children with good support to wash their hands before mealtimes and she adopts a hygienic routine when changing nappies. This reduces the risk of cross-infection. The childminder discusses with parents their child’s dietary requirements and also healthy eating. Parents provide all food for their children which ensures children eat according to the wishes of their parents. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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