Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 12/06/2013 31/03/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 2 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 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children are confident, happy and making good progress in the childminder's care.  The childminder provides a warm, friendly and homely environment for children.  Parents comment very favourably on the high quality care the childminder provides.  Children's skills and opportunities are enhanced by the positive links the childminder makes with local preschools, schools and the good use of local community resources.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 opportunities to enhance mathematical awareness through the use of language and collections of items to sort, match and count are not sufficiently encouraged.

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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

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged 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 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  scheduled 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 observed the premises and resources with the childminder.  The inspector observed the children at play.  The inspector examined records and documents provided by the childminder.  The inspector read comments from parents .  The inspector discussed the provider self evaluation.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 1990. She lives with her husband and three adult children, in High Wycombe. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor of the house for childminding. Toilet and rest facilities are available on the ground floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder makes use of local facilities such as parks, the library and toddler groups. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently four early years children on roll. The childminder can take and collect children from the local school and preschool.

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

 use mathematical language in everyday activities with the children, for example counting as they put on shoes and socks, and refer to size and shape

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

 develop collections of items for young children to sort, match and collect.

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who attend

The childminder demonstrates a well developed awareness of how to promote young children's skills and interests. Children experience a broad variety of activities both in the home and in the local community enabling them to make significant developmental progress. For example, young children show great delight as they explore the garden. They concentrate as they use wheeled toys on the slightly sloping path enjoying the challenge the slope provides. They explore the different textures of pebbles and the childminder draws their attention to the ants and the smell of the flowers. This all helps to develop awareness of the natural world around them. Children develop their social skills as they learn to share and take turns to use the wheeled toys. The childminder is patient and observant and ensures children all have an opportunity to participate. Outings in the local community enable children to meet other adults and children and increase their social

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who attend

The childminder provides a commentary to their actions modelling language generally well. However, she often misses opportunities to include reference to size, shape, quantity or position. Children use the resources confidently making choices in their play. They follow the childminder's example and join the bricks together making towers. Children line up the cars and show interest in how the cars go down the ramp. They show interest in the garden pebbles. However, they lack opportunities to collect, sort and match a variety of natural items. The childminder sits on the floor with the children showing interest in their play. She speaks clearly to them, makes eye contact and uses her facial expressions well. This all helps to encourage children's communication skills. The childminder shares age appropriate books with the young children; they listen, look at the pictures and turn the pages taking an interest in what they see. Children enjoy opportunities to experiment

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who attend

with a variety of creative resources at the local activities they attend and also in the childminder's home. They dance to music and are beginning to join in with simple rhymes.

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who attend

The childminder is enthusiastic in her role. She obtains detailed information when children join her setting and uses this as a base for her interactions with children. She observes and monitors children's progress expertly and involves parents routinely. This all helps to ensure that children receive appropriate challenges and opportunities to develop to their full potential. The development records clearly indicate the continuous progress children are making. If the childminder has concerns about development she sensitively encourages parents to seek appropriate professional advice.

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

Children are happy; they relate to the childminder warmly and confidently explore the well maintained home environment. By gathering appropriate information and arranging individual settling in plans, young children settle confidently into the childminder's care. Gradual introductions enable her to understand individual needs and parents to feel confident in the care she offers. The childminder is a good role model to children. She is calm, patient and consistent in her expectations of the children. She manages undesirable behaviour calmly and appropriately for the age and understanding of the child. Children are developing their awareness of safe behaviours through their play. The childminder supervises young children closely but allows them to explore the environment enabling them to develop an awareness of risks.

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

The childminder recognises the importance of providing young children with opportunities for exercise and fresh air every day to encourage a sense of well-being. Children play in the garden, visit parks and enjoy daily outings in all weathers. The childminder ensures children begin to develop an awareness of wearing appropriate clothes and sun cream through her routines and conversations with them. Children enjoy a variety of nutritious meals which include meat, vegetables and fruit. Drinks of water are available throughout the day and children frequently help themselves. The childminder diligently works in partnership with parents. For example, introducing new foods to a child with dietary needs. Good hygiene routines are followed routinely. The childminder talks to young children about why she is wiping their hands before and after lunch. They are beginning to help in this task indicating their increasing awareness and independence.

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

Children are supervised closely relevant to their ages and abilities. The youngest children are always in sight of the childminder whereas older children have more independence. They remain within hearing of the childminder but may play independently in the dining room as she cooks their tea for example. The childminder is aware of the importance of preparing children for changes in their lives. In preparation for school she works in partnership with parents. She encourages children to develop their independence and self care skills. She makes good use of opportunities for children to become familiar with school when they collect older children.

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provision

The childminder provides a good range of experiences to enhance and encourage learning and development. She is knowledgeable and proactive in developing her skills in order to continuously meet children's developing needs. She is aware of children's individuality and works effectively to enable children to make good progress.

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provision

The childminder has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and the action she must take if concerned about a child in her care. She shares information regarding safeguarding with parents along with a range of other information relevant to the management of her childminding service. She is aware of the requirements of registration, maintains all the appropriate records and ensures her insurance and first aid qualifications are kept up to date. The premises are clean and very well maintained providing children with a safe and pleasant environment for their play. Toys and resources are good quality and inspected regularly to ensure they remain clean and safe for the children's use. Comprehensive risk assessments are undertaken. The childminder uses her knowledge of the children she cares for to assess and continuously review the safety of her premises and routines.

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provision

The childminder self evaluates her provision through seeking parental opinions and consistently developing her knowledge through training opportunities. She annually seeks the opinions of parents through a questionnaire. This enables her to gain an insight into parents' views and expectations. Parents have commented very favourably on the service offered. They refer to the good food and variety of activities she offers. One states 'We were very lucky to find her, my children love being with her, and she provides great activities'. The childminder has developed positive working relationships with schools, pre- schools and other childminders, which enhance the service she is able to offer. She makes good use of the local resources for young children, such as toddler groups, parks and children centres. These positive relationships with others enable children to experience continuity in their care and benefit positively from the resources in the community.

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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 action. 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 116380 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 919040 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 0

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: 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, which are usually the childminder’s 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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