Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 29/10/2014 15/05/2014

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Met 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 very attentive to children's individual needs, and promotes their emotional well-being through her warm and affectionate care.  The childminder effectively uses the local facilities and places of interest to give children exciting opportunities to find out about their community and the lives of others.  The childminder establishes effective partnerships with parents, sharing information about their children's well-being. This helps to keep them fully informed and involved.  The childminder is secure in her knowledge and understanding of safeguarding matters. This means that she protects children are well.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Occasionally, the childminder does not adapt activities sufficiently to sustain children's interest. This means children sometimes do not benefit fully from these experiences.  The childminder does not always fully work in partnerships with schools to maximise children's individual learning through planning complementary activities.

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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 activities and talked with the children and childminder at various times throughout the inspection.  The inspector undertook a joint observation with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at a sample of the children's records and checked evidence of suitability and qualifications of the childminder and her assistant.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of parents in written references and comments provided to the childminder.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three school age children in a house in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. She uses the basement, ground floor, first floor and the rear garden for childminding. The family has a pet cat. The childminder visits the local shops and parks on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She occasionally works with an assistant. There are currently eight children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age group. Children attend for a variety of sessions after school and in the school holidays. The childminder cares for children out of school hours from Monday to Friday, all year around, except for family holidays.

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

 monitor the duration of planned activities to make sure that they fully sustain children's interests

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

 build further on the partnerships with schools to support children's all round development, for example, by developing more effective ways for to share information about their learning.

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who attend

The childminder's thoughtful care and attention supports children's development well. She develops an accurate assessment of children's prior knowledge and skills through discussions with their parents. The childminder uses this information, along with observations, to provide a stimulating range of activities, which cover all aspects of children's learning and development. She also provides an interesting range of resources. Children have great fun playing games such as 'snap' and 'pairs' using giant sized playing cards. They take turns and are sensitive to the feelings of others as they learn to establish constructive relationships with each other.

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who attend

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to extend children's learning. Her playful teaching effectively supports them to enjoy their time with her. The childminder effectively promotes children's communication and language skills. She encourages them to listen and respond to develop their skills in conversation, such as while remembering recent events at school. She also skilfully introduces mathematics into everyday activities to help children learn in a fun way. For example, she creates a counting game as children try to take the most bites of their biscuit. The childminder uses the opportunities of trips within the local environment to support children's learning. The visits to the local library encourage children to develop joy in reading. The childminder is a good role model by showing she is curious and sometimes puzzled. She asks questions to encourage children to think critically and to solve problems. For example, she encourages

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who attend

them to be creative and to make decisions on what colours they would like to fill in specific features in their pictures. She also asks for their opinion on how to mix colours to make green. The childminder supports children to concentrate and persist with activities. However, when they occasionally lose interest, she does not always successfully adapt activities to continue to inspire children. At these times they do not fully benefit from all learning experiences.

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who attend

The childminder has strong links with the schools the children attend. However, she does not always use these links to enquire about what children are learning at school. Therefore, she does not fully consider children's wider experiences when planning individual activities. The childminder talks regularly with parents about their children's development and learning. Parents regularly view the communication books and they share information about their child's learning at home which shows that they work together well to support children's progress.

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

The childminder ensures children are happy and enjoy what they are doing. She is very effective in helping children feel emotionally secure. The childminder talks frequently to parents to discuss children's current routines and welfare. She cares for many of the children's older siblings, giving very valuable opportunities for them to talk about their families and life at home. This effectively promotes children's well-being and helps them develop a strong sense of belonging. The childminder effectively uses her involvement with the school to help children discuss and prepare for changes in their lives such as moving into school or transferring into another class.

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

The childminder is warm and caring and helps children to behave well. She models good behaviour by being polite and respectful to the children. She gives lots of praise and encourages children to think about the effect of their behaviour on others. This helps children to begin to negotiate and express their wishes with others. This supports them to become confident and emotionally ready for the next stage in their learning.

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

The childminder helps children make the most of their school holidays and as she organises a range of exciting outings to local attractions. Children greatly enjoy trips to theme parks and adventure playgrounds. This helps them develop a positive attitude to being outdoors and provides physical challenge that promotes their coordination well. The childminder effectively supports children to learn to keep themselves safe and to manage suitable risks. They move safely around the home and know not to use the pathways to the side of the house and the gym area. Children are learning about healthy lifestyles as the childminder offers varied and nutritious home cooked meals. The childminder gives children nutritious choices such as cooked or uncooked vegetables at each mealtime. She gently guides children to think about and suggest how many biscuits it is suitable to eat at snack time. The childminder regularly takes them to local shops and encourages them to choose the 'best-looking' fruit.

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

This gives valuable opportunities for children to discuss and understand healthy diets.

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provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibility to meet the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She demonstrates a good awareness of the procedures to follow if a child protection concern arose. She occasionally uses assistants who know the children well and are suitably informed of the childminder's methods to protect children and meet their needs. The childminder undertakes appropriate checks to ensure determine the suitability of assistants. She childminder creates an environment that is welcoming and safe. The childminder minimises risks in the home and on outings. She also helps children to thoroughly understand the reasons for house rules and supervises them closely. Children ask permission to use the computer and the childminder opens the webpages to ensure they are suitable for them to use. This helps children develop their understanding and skill to use information and communication

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provision

technology safely and purposefully. The childminder regularly renews her knowledge of paediatric first aid and ensures that an assistant who does not have a first-aid certificate is not left alone with the children. As a result, the childminder is effectively protecting the children. The childminder makes her broad range of policies and procedures available to parents so that they are clear about her provision.

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provision

The childminder currently offers care for school age children only, including those in reception class who are in the early years age range. She has an accurate understanding of the strengths of her practice, and has suitable plans to improve the quality of the provision for all children. The childminder uses her membership of a professional organisation to take advantage of their publications to support her professional development and to address the actions set at the last inspection. For example, she uses these documents to further her understanding of the learning and development requirements and help children make as much progress as they can. Consequently, the childminder demonstrates a strong drive to improve her provision for children and their families.

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provision

The childminder monitors children's progress to ensure that they are working comfortably within the typical range of development expected for their age. She is aware of her responsibility to undertake a progress check for children aged two, in discussion with the parents, if she takes on young children. The childminder demonstrates that she is able and ready to work closely with other professionals as necessary, to ensure that children receive the support they need. The childminder is very highly thought of by the parents who have made very positive comments about her service. They say that their children are extremely happy and exceptionally well cared for. This demonstrates that the childminder works well with parent to consider their views, meet their children's needs and provide consistency.

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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. We re-inspect nurseries and pre-schools judged as requires improvement within 12 months of the date of 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

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Grade Judgement Description

is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. 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 EY289946 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 977088 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 12 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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