Childminder in Bedford

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 25/09/2012 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 1 Previous inspection: Not Applicable How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 1 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 1

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This provision is outstanding

 The childminder strives for perfection in everything she does. Her efforts result in a highly stimulating environment where children make excellent progress in all areas of their learning and development.  Children blossom in this warm, welcoming environment. They very happy, settled and make strong attachments to the childminder and her family.  Children have a wealth of opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities, outings and experiences within this exciting learning environment.  There is a high degree of trust from parents who highly value this exclusive service which provides flexible, ad-hoc care.  The childminder is highly knowledgeable and skilled at delivering all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day and in the form of written references provided by them for this inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's observations, assessment records and planning documentation.  The inspector observed activities indoors and in the outside learning environment.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked the providers self-evaluation record and evidence of suitability including qualifications and CRB.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2012. She lives with her husband and nine year old child in a house in Walters Ash near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. The childminder offers a flexible service with short notice, occasional and overnight care for local families and those of military personnel posted at Royal Air Force High Wycombe. Children have use of all rooms on the ground floor. There is a bedroom on the first floor which is used for daytime naps and overnight care. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and an area to the front of the house where children are supervised on the large play equipment. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently seven children on roll, all of whom are within the early years age range. The childminder is a qualified primary school teacher.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 develop children's understanding of the world by talking about their responses to sights, sounds and smells they experience outdoors.

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who attend

Children benefit from the childminder's expert knowledge of the areas of learning and her clear understanding of how they learn. This is based on her previous teaching experience and recent training to update her knowledge and skills. She has a strong commitment to delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to an exceptionally high standard. This means children engage in a wealth of rich, varied activities and experiences which ensures they make rapid progress in all areas of their learning and development. For example, they go on an outing to see the Olympic Torch Relay, visit a restaurant where they learn to use chopsticks and go for walks in the woods where they climb on log piles and jump in muddy puddles. Children are extremely well-motivated and very eager to join in. For example, they excitedly rush outside to play in the garden where they gain exercise in the fresh air. Children develop their coordination and control as they clamber onto ride-

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who attend

on toys which they push along with their feet and enjoy throwing coloured balls into a large plastic tray. This helps develop their mathematical skills as they count the balls and think about 'how many blue balls' they have. The childminder skilfully supports children in acquiring new skills which help them move onto their next stage of learning. For example, there are extensive opportunities for children to develop their communication and language skills. The childminder asks questions, gives instructions, such as, 'go and find your shoes', chats freely to them and builds on their vocabulary by introducing new words, such as, 'scotch egg'. Outside children notice the noise of the wind blowing in the trees but the childminder misses the opportunity to talk to them about this. Sign language is used very effectively by most children and parents feel it is an excellent way of helping children express themselves and preventing them from becoming frustrated.

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who attend

The childminder has high expectations of herself and the children who display all the characteristics of effective learning. For example, they explore the familiar environment and engage well with the cheeky squirrel they have seen many times before who comes to the patio door. Children enjoy throwing peanuts in shells which the squirrel grabs and runs off and they get very excited when it returns for more. Children are active learners. For example, they concentrate on investigating the electronic toy till by pressing a variety of buttons which make different noises and persevere until they open the till drawer. The childminder is proactive in developing highly positive relationships with children and parents. All parents comment on her ability to help children settle and develop secure attachments. Consequently, children are extremely happy and enthusiastic to learn. The childminder shares a considerable amount of information with parents in the form of a

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who attend

'welcome pack' detailing her comprehensive range of policies and procedures. She also shares guidance she has prepared to ensure they are fully aware of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. She is vigorous in her observations of children and uses this information along with material from 'Development Matters' to successfully plan children's next steps. Her assessments including those for two year olds are precise and show she knows the children in her care very well. Parents' views and photographs taken at the setting are added as supporting evidence. Parents say they greatly appreciate the daily diary which keeps them informed about the care provided and progress made.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children flourish in this welcoming home. The childminder is highly skilled and sensitive at helping children develop secure attachments. She helps them manage the transition from home extremely well by organising lots of pre-visits. She also gathers a wealth of information to enable her to meet their individual needs and creates books containing photographs of family members and pets which children can access at any time. Children demonstrate they feel safe as they confidently move around this vibrant setting. They relate extremely well to the childminder's warm, relaxed manner and actively seek cuddles and attention from her which she willingly gives. All parents comment on the caring relationships that have developed within the childminder's family, particularly with her daughter who plays a significant part in the children's time at the setting. Children behave very well and play cooperatively with one another. The childminder acts as a good role

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

model and helps children resolve minor squabbles, such as not sharing the toy cars. She makes sure each child has a car then quickly distracts them back to their game. Children play in a safe environment as the childminder consistently gives the highest priority to their safety. She is vigilant in her supervision and systematically assesses risks and takes appropriate action including using stair gates to prevent access to some areas and ensuring the front door is secure. She encourages children to learn how to develop their independence and keep themselves safe. For example, she teaches them how to negotiate the step leading onto the patio by sitting down and moving backwards.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children have a variety of nutritious snacks and homemade meals provided by the childminder. For example, they tuck into tomato soup, bread roll and butter and fresh fruit for lunch. The childminder is led by parents' wishes regarding children's personal needs. For example, she offers the opportunity for children to brush their teeth after eating. A very high standard of hygiene is evident throughout the home and the childminder aims to make her setting as sustainable as possible by using reusable cloth wipes and towelling nappies. Children play with a vast array of high quality toys and resources that supports their all round development. For example, they express themselves creatively by printing with sponges, painting on large rolls of paper and decorating hard-boiled eggs. They make marks with a selection of pens, pencils and chalks; explore new textures as they play with cooked spaghetti, jelly and sand and fill pots with compost before planting lettuces and

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provision

All aspects of this unique setting are consistently well organised. The childminder's ethos is to provide flexible high quality childcare and feedback from parents' show they highly value and appreciate this service. They describe the childminder as 'a godsend' and her service as 'beyond good'. Parents are impressed by the way the childminder helps children settle, her 'wonderful ideas' and the support she provides for them. All parents comment on the fact the childminder listens to children, knows their individual needs extremely well and is considerate of their home routines. Parents feel children make excellent progress as they use an 'amazing' assortment of toys and take part in a variety of activities that include seasonal and special events, such as, Easter and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The childminder demonstrates the pursuit of excellence in everything she does by carefully considering the safeguarding and welfare requirements and monitoring

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provision

the educational provision. She has successfully addressed the issues raised at her registration visit, for example, she has devised a fire evacuation plan for when children stay overnight. Through continuous and well-documented self-evaluation the childminder strives for excellence and fully understands and fulfils her responsibility in meeting all legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children's safety is paramount to the childminder. She has well-established policies and procedures in place to protect children from harm. These include a sound knowledge of her responsibilities in handling data, such as photographs and a significant knowledge of the referral process if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder has very good arrangements in place to work with other early years providers and ensure consistency, where care of children is shared.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY442339 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 785326 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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