When Ofsted inspects childminders, a critical element they assess is the curriculum, specifically through the lens of the “Three I’s” — Intent, Implementation, and Impact.
These three areas form the backbone of how Ofsted evaluates the quality of education provided in early years settings, including childminders. Understanding and effectively demonstrating the Three I’s during an inspection is essential for achieving a positive outcome.
1. Intent: What Are You Aiming to Achieve?
Intent refers to what you want children to learn and why. It’s about the educational goals you set for children based on their developmental needs, interests, and any specific challenges they may face, such as special educational needs (SEN). The curriculum’s intent should align with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework but also reflect the unique aspects of your setting and the children in your care.
To explain intent effectively during an inspection:
- Know your curriculum: You should be clear about what you want children to gain from the activities and learning experiences you provide.
- Tailor your approach: Consider the specific needs of the children, including those who are disadvantaged or have SEN. Your curriculum should reflect these children’s individual needs and how you aim to support them.
- Cohesion and progression: Your curriculum should show how children’s learning builds progressively over time. For instance, if you are focusing on language development, explain how the activities evolve to meet these goals.
2. Implementation: How Are You Putting Your Plans into Practice?
Implementation refers to how you carry out your curriculum. This covers everything from the activities you plan, how you interact with children, and the learning environment you create. It’s about translating your educational goals (intent) into everyday practice.
During the inspection, Ofsted will observe how you interact with children and support their learning. They will assess whether:
- Your activities align with your intent: The day-to-day activities should reflect the goals you’ve set for children’s learning. For instance, if your intent focuses on physical development, activities should encourage gross and fine motor skills.
- Your interactions are meaningful: Ofsted wants to see you engaging with children, asking questions that extend their thinking, and promoting a language-rich environment.
- The environment promotes learning: A well-organised, stimulating environment that encourages exploration and play is crucial for effective implementation. This includes indoor and outdoor spaces that cater to a range of learning styles.
3. Impact: How Effective Is Your Approach?
Impact focuses on the outcomes of your curriculum – how well children are progressing in their learning and development. Ofsted is interested in whether children are learning, remembering, and applying new skills, and how well they are prepared for the next stage of their education.
To demonstrate impact:
- Track children’s progress: Be prepared to show how you assess and record children’s development over time. This doesn’t require burdensome paperwork; simple, meaningful observations that highlight key developmental milestones are often sufficient.
- Show the results: Ofsted will look for evidence that your teaching is having a positive effect on the children. Are they acquiring new vocabulary, improving their social skills, or mastering physical tasks?
- Focus on progression: It’s important to highlight how children have progressed since starting in your setting and how your curriculum has supported that growth.
Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection
Childminders should feel confident that the Three I’s are simply a re-framing of everyday practice. You are likely already planning activities with clear educational goals, implementing them effectively, and reflecting on how well children are developing.
Here are a few tips for preparing:
- Review your planning: Ensure your curriculum plan is clear, flexible, and based on children’s interests and needs.
- Reflect on your interactions: Think about how you engage children in activities and extend their learning through questions and dialogue.
- Keep track of progress: Maintain a system for tracking children’s development so that you can easily demonstrate the impact of your approach during the inspection.
By understanding and applying the Three I’s in your setting, you’ll be well-prepared for an Ofsted inspection and confident in explaining how your approach to early years education is helping children thrive.
