During the Autumn term 2024 there were a total of 67 inspections carried out across Early Years provision in Primary Schools, PVI, Day Nurseries, Childminders and Out of School Club settings in Buckinghamshire. The outcomes of these were:    

Early Years provision in Primary schools inspected: 23 (95% Good or above)   

Pre-schools and nurseries inspected: 16 (84% Good or above)     

Childminders inspected: 25 (99% Good, Met or above)      

Out of School Clubs inspected: 3 (100% Good, Met or above)   

Below is an overview of the report findings and corresponding links to information on the Early Years Service website to support with further development in EYFS practice:   

 Curriculum Implementation 

• Improve the learning environment, to help children focus and engage well in meaningful learning. Develop clear strategies to help children with SEND access their full entitlement to early education. Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training
• Strengthen staff's skills in recognising when and how to adapt activities to further build on individual children's learning and development
• Strengthen the curriculum for physical development to ensure that older children have a wide range of opportunities for physical activity 
• Review the organisation of daily routines to consistently meet children's individual needs. Enhancing Early Years Practice | Early Years

Curriculum training opportunities:

Building a unique Curriculum Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Effective Leadership and Management Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Communication and Language Development 

• Develop consistency in the quality of teaching of children's communication and language development, so that children hear correct pronunciations
• Staff plan a curriculum based on the needs of the children. They focus on the importance of developing children's communication skills and helping them to become confident in their use of the English language 
• Key areas such as phonics, mathematics and the school’s personal development work have a strong, positive impact on pupils’ learning.

Communication and Language training opportunities:

Communication and Language for Babies and Very Young Children Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Foundation in Phonics Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Staff Development 

• Enhance staff training and development opportunities to improve skills and knowledge of less qualified staff
• Improve the learning environment, to help children focus and engage well in meaningful learning. Develop clear strategies to help children with SEND access their full entitlement to early education Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | Early Years

Staff Development Training Opportunities

Leading the Early Years with Confidence Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

SEND Training for Practitioners Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | Early Years

Effective Leadership and Management Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Some quotes from Ofsted reports   

• A love for reading permeates through the whole school. From the start of Nursery, children enjoy hearing stories and retelling or acting them out with their friends. Throughout the school, reading is taught well using a consistent phonics-based approach. 
• In the early years, there is an abundance of literature and introductions to rhymes and songs. This sets children up to flourish later in the school because they develop a love of stories and different texts at such a young age. 
• From the early years foundation stage onwards, pupils’ behaviour is excellent. Pupils learn the routines and rules of the school and follow them well. A sense of calm and purpose permeates the school. Pupils have highly positive attitudes to their learning and respect the right of others to learn.
• Passionate leaders, managers and staff create an ambitious curriculum that builds on what children know and what they need to learn next. Activities inspire children to take control of their own learning.