Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15/04/2014 12/01/2009

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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

 The childminder is knowledgeable and enthusiastic in her role.  Children develop their skills across all areas of learning through the fun activities they participate in.  Positive behaviour is encouraged in a calm and consistent manner enabling children to learn right from wrong.  Parents comment very positively on the progress their children make and the high quality care the childminder provides.  The childminder is very conscientious. She strives to continuously develop her knowledge, skills and service for the benefit of the young children in her care.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 The childminder does not always fully use opportunities to increase children's awareness of healthy eating and the impact on their bodies at meal and snack times.  Although the childminder monitors children's development well, she does not always date her records of their achievements to provide a clear professional record of their progress.

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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 toured the premises and viewed the resources with the childminder.  The inspector observed the children and childminder at play.  The inspector examined records and documents provided by the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector read comments from parents and spoke to two parents and a grandparent.  The inspector discussed the childminder's self-evaluation with her.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2014. She lives in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The children have access to the ground floor of the property for play and bedrooms for rest. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Toilet facilities are available on the ground floor.

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Information about the setting

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She visits activities in the local community and can take and collect children from the local school and preschool. The childminder holds a qualification in Early Years Home Based Childcare at level 3. The childminder is currently caring for eight children.

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

 encourage conversation during meal and snack times to help children to learn about the health benefits food and drink have on their bodies.

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

 strengthen the assessment system in place for monitoring children's progress by dating records clearly.

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who attend

The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and skilfully adapts to their various learning needs. For example, she ensures that lively inquisitive children have opportunities to try new skills, whilst other quieter less confident children are gently drawn into the conversation and activity through the childminder's skilful interaction. Communication and language development is encouraged particularly well as the childminder understands the importance of modelling language and listening attentively. She provides opportunities for children to express their ideas, to ask and answer questions. Descriptive and mathematical language is used routinely throughout the day increasing children's awareness of textures, size, shape and position. For example, as the children play with dough the childminder teaches them how to make a ball and recognise the circles and triangles. They feel the smoothness of the flattened dough and look at the

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who attend

patterns the various tools create. The childminder supervises children as they learn to use tools, helping them to learn how to use them effectively. For example, young children demonstrate increasing skill using scissors to cut flattened dough. Children develop their abilities to use pens and pencils and demonstrate an increasing awareness that their marks have meaning. The childminder adapts to their various needs and encourages them to begin to recognise their names and that the letters represent sounds. Books are easily accessible. Children use them independently and also enjoy the opportunity to snuggle up close to the childminder and listen to a story to develop their literacy skills.

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who attend

The childminder includes children in the planning of activities. For example, she talks to them about what they will do when they visit a local garden centre. Children help to choose seeds and plants which they will plant and water in the garden. The visit provides a valuable opportunity to develop children's awareness of the natural world as they see fish, and small animals. Also, social skills develop as they learn how to behave in the cafe.

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who attend

Children enjoy easy access to dressing up clothes and props. For example, they put on hats, gloves and pretty dresses then admire themselves in the low-level mirror. This fuels their imaginations as they become different characters and also provides a valuable opportunity to practise getting dressed and undressed.

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who attend

The childminder plans activities relevant to children's interests and developmental needs but also remains flexible in her implementation of the educational programmes. This means that she adapts and is able to encourage learning in whatever activities the children do. The children are developing their abilities to make independent choices and an awareness that undertaking one activity may mean that another cannot happen at that time. This is an important aspect of children developing their independence.

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

Children greet the childminder warmly and quickly separate from their parents. They feel confident and secure because they know the environment well and feel safe with the childminder. The childminder is a good role model to the young children. She is warm and caring and expresses a genuine interest in the children. The childminder responds in a calm and kind manner, showing expression in her face and gestures which all help the children to understand her. Positive behaviour is encouraged through the childminder's clear and consistent expectations. The childminder manages undesirable behaviour in a calm way, relevant to the child's age and level of understanding. For example, she explains to young children that pinching hurts and is not allowed. This helps children to think about the consequences of their actions. Good manners are encouraged. For example, the childminder eats her snack at the table with the children modelling and

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

Mealtimes are a happy social time where they all sit together around the table to enjoy their food. Meals provided by parents are stored appropriately until required. Conversations happen around the table. However, the childminder does not always draw the children's attention to the food they are eating and drinking and increase their awareness of its benefits to their health and well-being. She does encourage children to be aware of their bodies. For example, after physical activity they feel their chests and feel their hearts beating fast. The childminder, in partnership with parents, encourages toilet training for young children. This is an important aspect of helping children develop their independence in preparation for school. Children demonstrate increasing awareness of good hygiene routines as they clean their hands before snacks and mealtimes. Nappies are changed frequently and good measures taken to maintain a high standard of hygiene.

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

The childminder understands the importance of providing young children with opportunities to rest during the day. This helps to ensure they are happy and refreshed to enjoy the rest of the day.

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

The childminder is very conscious of promoting the children's safety. Fire drills are regularly undertaken ensuring the premises can be swiftly evacuated in an emergency. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the action to take if she is concerned about the welfare of a child in her care. Information is displayed for parents to see regarding safeguarding policy and practice, helping to ensure they understand how the childminder safeguards all children in her care. The childminder has robust safety routines for outings and takes relevant equipment out with her to help promote the children's safety. Young children wear reins or are strapped in the pushchair and the childminder makes sure children are well supervised.

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

The premises are clean and well maintained providing an attractive environment for the children's care and play. They move freely between the playroom, dining and kitchen area and lounge making good use of the available space. An attractive garden is available although current use is limited to a smaller area due to a neighbour's fence falling down. Opportunities for daily outdoor physical activities are not affected however, as they visit local parks and also use the smaller fenced area.

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

The childminder works in partnership with parents to prepare children for changes in their lives. For example, she talks to children about starting nursery or school and ensures they have opportunities to visit beforehand. Independence is encouraged in daily activities enabling children to feel confident in their own abilities. Also, they meet other adults and children at activities which help to develop social skills enabling them to feel confident in new environments.

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provision

The enthusiastic childminder provides a good quality service. She has a comprehensive and confident understanding of how to promote children's learning and development and successfully does this in partnership with parents. All aspects of children's learning are encouraged through a variety of experiences and activities in the home and the local community. The childminder monitors children's development skilfully and records indicate that children are making good progress. The childminder encourages parents to share information about their child's development with her so that she has a clear understanding of each individual and adapts activities to their learning needs. Observations include potential next steps in learning and ideas of how these can be promoted. These records are shared with parents on a regular basis. Whilst the childminder is tracking the children's development and ensuring they are making appropriate progress in each aspect of their

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provision

development, her records are not always dated. Dating records is important because it helps to measure the progress a child is making between specific dates. The childminder carries out the required progress checks for two-year-olds and shares these with parents to show them how their children are making appropriate progress.

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provision

This inspection took place because the childminder notified Ofsted of an event where a school child was missing for a short period of time on the way home from school. This demonstrates her good understanding of the changes and significant events that must be notified to Ofsted. The childminder has reviewed her risk assessments for outings for schoolchildren, including with regard to walking with her near roads. She has done this in partnership with parents in order that they can support her in making sure children understand what they need to do to keep safe.

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provision

The childminder understands and meets all the requirements for registration. She keeps up to date with changes through training opportunities and meeting with the local childminding network. She reviews policies and risk assessments regularly and ensures parents keep well informed of any changes that may affect the care of their children. The childminder is proactive in addressing any weaknesses that come to light to improve the provision for children. For example, the childminder has addressed recommendations from her last inspection and a recent incident has led her to undertake a revision of procedures to improve her practice. The childminder conscientiously reflects on her practice, is responsive to parents' comments and views and is keen to continuously develop the service she offers.

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provision

The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents and other providers from the first introductions. Two parents and a grandparent commented very favourably on the progress their children make in the childminder's care. They feel she is knowledgeable, welcoming and adaptable, offering a service well beyond their expectations for a childminder. Other written comments from parents indicate they are very happy with the reliable service she offers and feel their children are safe in her care. The positive partnerships forged with others who are involved in children's lives helps to promote continuity in young children's care and learning.

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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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. 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 EY291026 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 961493 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8

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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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