Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY432857 Inspection date 10/02/2012 Inspector Aileen Finan

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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 registered in 2011. She works with two co-childminders from their home in Taplow, Buckinghamshire. The children have access to the downstairs of the property for their play and rest. They are also able to rest and sleep upstairs. A secure garden is available for outside play. The setting has chickens, a tortoise and large fish in an outdoor pond.

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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 is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years and no more than three in the early years age range when working alone. When working with two co-childminders they may care for a maximum of 15 children under eight years and no more than seven may be in the early years age range. There are currently 30 children on roll, and of these, 13 are in the early years age group. The childminder can take and collect children from school and pre-school and she attends local children's activities.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound capacity for her continuous improvement, though does not fully evaluate practice with her co-childminders. She is currently enhancing her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework through additional training. The childminder provides an inclusive welcoming environment to meet children's needs and they are happy and settled. Partnerships with parents are well established. Children access activities, which cover most areas of learning, though the use of the garden and community are not fully explored. Systems to plan for children's future development and share progress with other providers are not yet fully in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems for monitoring individual children's development to more effectively plan for their progress, using observations gathered across all areas of learning  build upon the partnerships with other providers to share children's achievements, progression and goals through effective communication  evaluate practice to more fully utilise the strengths of individuals working together and reflect on these to enhance the outcomes for children further  extend the opportunities for children's outdoor learning and experiences, which enable them to learn more about their community and wider world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to safeguard children and of the procedures to identify any child at risk of harm. She has sound arrangements in place to liaise with the appropriate childcare agencies if she has any concerns. Parents are aware of the policies and procedures to keep children safe and protect their well-being. Suitable risk assessments are in place for the home, garden and outings in order to identify any dangers and minimise any risks. Children are aware of the house rules, which support their own strong understanding of how they keep themselves safe. Systems to record children's attendance, accidents, incidents and medication and followed through appropriately.

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the early years provision

The childminder works soundly alongside two co-childminders. Resources provided for the children broadly cover all aspects of learning. They are suitable for children's ages and stages of development. Planning for using these resources is not always consistent. The childminder adequately promotes equality and diversity and has a satisfactory awareness of children's starting points, needs, routines and interests. Settling in sessions allow time for the childminder to get to know children and understand their backgrounds.

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the early years provision

The childminder is motivated to seek further improvement and has been generally effective in working with her co-childminders to focus on their priorities. The childminder establishes some targets for the future, which include current attendance at training. The childminder has started to evaluate her provision of care. However, along with her co-childminders, she is not yet confident enough to be able to identify her own personal strengths. Consequently, she has not been able to utilise these effectively, within the working partnership, to enhance the outcomes for children's development.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with other providers are establishing. The childminder communicates with other agencies appropriately to support children's welfare. However, the childminder has not set in place systems to support and share children's achievements and ensure progress and continuity in their learning. There are well- established partnerships with parents who are highly positive about the care their children receive. Effective discussion means that parents receive up-to-date and timely information about their children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and secure in their surroundings. They benefit from a welcoming environment that promotes their well-being. The childminder has a warm and caring personality and children relate to her well. Children have a good understanding of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy walks, scooting along footpaths or playing in local parks. In the spring and summer, children enjoy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 planting and harvesting their home grown produce so they learn where food comes from. Children have many opportunities to take part in exercise and enjoy the fresh air. They are able to make choices of food for their party and understand about the benefits of a balanced and varied diet. Children are encouraged to try new vegetables and fruit during snack times. They are adopting a good understanding of their personal hygiene, for example in washing their hands

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and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved. They are beginning to form positive relationships with one another and learn about diversity through activities provided for them. Children know what is expected of them and routines are well organised, which helps children to feel very settled and secure. The childminder talks to them about road safety as they walk to nursery and school. They discuss knowledgeably, for example, how the lorry 'bleeps' as it is reversing and why they need to stay clear so they do not get hurt. Children are making sound progress in their communication. They are starting to ask questions and be curious in order to develop steadily some vital skills for their future.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a suitable range of toys and resources to support their learning and development. Resources are easily accessible and activities generally cover all aspects of the framework. The childminder demonstrates a passion for enhancing her knowledge of outdoor learning. She ensures children go on some outings, for example, toddler groups and music time at the local library. However, activities to promote learning outdoors and within the local community do not take into full account all children's interests. The childminder is aware of the need to plan play based on children's individual needs. However, the systems for monitoring individual children's development to plan for their progress towards the early learning goals are not yet consistent. Consequently, the childminder cannot effectively track children's development and plan for their next steps. Nevertheless, children are making progress in relation to their starting points and capabilities.

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and outcomes for children

They are happy to play independently or join in with activities in small groups. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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