Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY420473 Inspection date 14/07/2011 Inspector Julie Biddle

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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 assesses 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 0300 123 1231, 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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T: 0300 123 1231 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 was registered in 2010. She lives in a village near High Wycombe with her husband and two children. Children have access to a large family room on the ground floor. Toilet and bathroom facilities are also on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Access to the provision includes a small step into the house. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time; of these, no more than three may be in the early years age range at any one time. The childminder also provides before and after school care for older children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Children are happy, settled and clearly flourishing in this stimulating and caring environment. Children are actively encouraged and supported as they initiate their own play. The childminder is skilled at recognising the uniqueness of each child and providing for their individual needs. The partnership with parents and others who support the children is a strength, and is significant in making sure the needs of all the children are met. Required documentation is mostly well maintained. The childminder has started to evaluate her practice and is able to identify suitable areas for future development to support continuous development..

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessment of risk for outings or trips  develop further systems for assessment to include next steps and challenges for children  develop activities, toys and and resources to enable children to gain an understanding of differing lifestyles and cultures.

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the early years provision

Children are kept safe in the well-maintained home environment. All adults in the household have completed Criminal Record Bureau checks and are deemed suitable people to have close contact with children. The childminder has a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding ofchild protection issues and her role and responsibilities in protecting children from harm. She has developed written safeguarding policies and procedures that are shared with parents, thus ensuring they are clear about the childminder's responsibility to protect their children. She has a good understanding of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about the welfare or safety of a child in her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder completes thorough risk assessments of her home ensuring all identified risks are minimised and therefore that the children can play and explore freely. Although children are kept safe when they are out of the home with the childminder, she has not included individual outings as part of her risk assessments. All other required documentation is in place, and policies and procedures are implemented effectively to support the safety and welfare of all the children in her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder has identified areas for her own professional development,including accessing further training. She demonstrates a good aptitude to improve her practice and a desire to improve the learning outcomes for children in her care.

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the early years provision

Parents are given detailed information about the way the setting is organised. The childminder ensures she has a good understanding of each individual child and their background before they are placed with her. The childminder is highly committed to working in partnership with parents and any professionals who support individual children. She has established channels of communication to ensure she is enabled to meet the individual needs of each of the children.

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the early years provision

Space and resources in the childminder's home are used effectively to meet children's needs. Children have easy access a good range of resources and toys which helps children to gain confidence in making choices. The childminder ensures that all resources and activities are appropriate for the ages of children she cares for and that the children remain stimulated and engaged with what is offered. As a result, children are happy and secure in her care, and are making good progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundations Stage. High levels of interaction with the children, her concern about what they are doing and how this will benefit them, means all experiences are seen as a learning opportunity. The childminder keeps formal written observations of the children, however, these are not currently linked to the 'next steps' in learning. Consequently, plans do not always include further challenges for the children to learn and develop beyond their current abilities.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive learning environment where children are treated with respect and kindness, regardless of background or ability. She ensures the learning environment is available and accessible to all children meaning they all have an equal chance to learn and develop. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a strong sense of ownership and belonging in the setting, where they enjoy a warm, supportive relationship with the childminder. They laugh together and they look to her for encouragement and reassurance, reflecting that they feel safe and comfortable in her care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are enthusiastically engaged in their chosen play activities and show good levels of concentration. The childminder's involvement in the children's play enhances their enjoyment and learning. She is skilled at questioning and extending children's learning; for example, encouraging them to talk and describe the game they are playing as they use a magic cushion on the slide. This effectively promotes children's communication and language skills. The childminder positively responds to the children questions and engages the children in lively conversation flows. The children talk as they play, demonstrating their use of language for thinking. They confidently change the direction of their play and express their own ideas.

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and outcomes for children

The children enjoy opportunities to expand their understanding of numbers as they count as part of daily routines. For example 'how many pieces of apple?' as they eat and 'how many are left?'. Children have the opportunity to use a range of differing creative materials such as tissue paper, glue, and paint. They have good opportunities to extend their imaginations as they role play games in the garden pretending the pet dogs are crocodiles and producing shows to share with their parents. Outdoor activities, both home based and planned outings to the local park, provide valuable learning experiences for the children and are organised throughout the year. Children are provided with some opportunities to learn about the local and wider world on outings with the childminder. However these opportunities are limited within the home meaning children do fully understand the diversity of people within the community and have a limited understanding of other

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is proactive in teaching children about a range of safety aspects, such as how to keep themselves safe when crossing the roads and how to walk safely along the pavement with her. Regular fire drill practices mean the children know what to do and how to behave in an emergency. In addition children understand the importance of keeping safe when playing in the sun; they know they need to wear hats and to use sun creams.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is a good role model, she is calm, patient and reflective. She listens to the children and responding to their requests. The childminder gives plenty of praise for children's individual efforts and achievements. In response to this, children respond well. They are learning to behave well and to be considerate to other people's feelings. Children's good health is promoted by the childminder. This is achieved through the provision of healthy snacks, varied nutritious meals and through following good hygiene procedures. Drinking water is constantly available so that children do not become thirsty. Children are also learning the importance of being healthy and active through physical play as healthy exercise is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 included in the daily routine, with frequent walks to the woods and local open spaces.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, the children are cared for by a kind and skilled childminder who uses imaginative play to help each child in her care to reach their full potential. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 2 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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