Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY359722 Inspection date 30/01/2012 Inspector Margaret Moffat

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 12 in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding, with sleeping facilities available upstairs. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder makes use of the local facilities such as parks, the library and toddler groups. The family have two dogs, one rabbit and several giant African land snails.

p.4

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 four may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding seven children in this age group. She also cares for seven school-age children. All children attend 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.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder knows each child well and this enables her to meet their individual and development needs. She provides them with a range of activities which helps them make good progress across all areas of learning. There is, however more to be done to ensure partnership working is fully effective. Children's welfare is suitably promoted, although the childminder is in breach of a specific welfare requirement relating to documentation. The childminder reflects on her practice and shows commitment to ongoing improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve the record of risk assessment so that it includes information on who conducted it, date of review and any action following a review or incident (Documentation) 13/02/2012

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop partnerships with other early years settings to identify children's needs to provide continuity and the best learning opportunities for children  encourage parents to contribute to their children's learning and development records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is aware of the importance of safeguarding children. She is fully aware of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about the children in her care. The childminder uses a range of safety precautions to keep children safe and secure such as stair gates to restrict access out of lounge, fire guard and fire detection equipment. The record of risk assessment does not include when it was carried out, who conducted it and date of review. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement. However, the impact on children's safety is minimal as the childminder conducts risk assessments for the premises and outings.

p.5

the early years provision

Children have access to a range of suitable toys and resources, which are within easy reach. These are rotated regularly to provide them with variety and take account of their interests. The childminder promotes equality and diversity and is aware of the individual children's needs. Children learn about the wider world as they are involved in activities to celebrate other people's cultures and traditions and have access to toys and resources promoting positive images of diversity. The childminder has a positive approach to her professional development and has attended additional courses since her last inspection including child protection and food hygiene. The childminder evaluates her practice and seeks feedback from parents in order to enhance the service she offers.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder develops positive relationships with parents. Parents are happy with the service the childminder provides. They particularly like her calm and caring personality, that she is interested in the children and their development and that their children enjoy coming. Parents are given daily opportunities to talk with the childminder about their children's progress and any concerns they may have. The childminder has not yet developed links with other settings children attend to promote communication in respect of children's learning and development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder spends her time getting to know the children and the activities they enjoy. She is aware what children can learn from activities and uses this knowledge along with her observations to promote children's next steps in learning and keeps records of these. Although parents are aware these records are available they have not, as yet, been encouraged to look at these on a regular basis to fully share children's home learning experiences.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Good relationships are evident. Young children approach the childminder for assistance or for a cuddle and this shows good trusting relationships. The childminder is calm and caring and behaviour is managed in a sensitive way. The childminder uses distraction and discussion to encourage the children to think about the consequences of their actions. The childminder understands how to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promote children's social skills and language development. As young children babble and make gestures the childminder involves them in conversations saying the different words of the items they are pointing to and they make sounds as if copying. They enjoy looking at books together and young children like to hold the book and turn the pages as the childminder reads to them and emphasises the words of items they are pointing to. Children read to the childminder as they look

p.5

and outcomes for children

at the pictures and babble away as if reading the story. Children enjoy singing and doing action songs such as 'row, row, row the boat' and 'round and round the garden'. Children show delight as the childminder tickles them and makes them go back and forth as if rowing. The childminder supports young children who are learning to walk as she takes their hands and walks round the room with them and provides them with push-a-long toys such as buggies to support them. Children like to explore the environment, crawling round seeing what is available and finding out how things work, for example, pressing buttons on the musical ball or fire engine to make the different sounds and finding their favourites.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have daily opportunities to be outdoors in the fresh air, they take the dogs for a walk, play in the garden and also in the local parks. This helps develop their physical skills. The childminder provides children with a range of healthy snacks and meals. They are involved in cooking activities such as making fruit salad and this helps them gain an understanding of healthy eating. Drinks are readily accessible for the children to help themselves when they wish. Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene routines through dealing with their own care needs and washing hands at appropriate times. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. They are involved in the emergency evacuation of the premises and learn about road safety on outings and activities. As young children like to sit on small sized chairs the childminder sits on the floor close by to assist when needed. The childminder encourages children's interest in sustainability by helping

p.6

and outcomes for children

them to sort items for recycling and she takes the children with her to the various recycling centres when on outings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8