This is taken from one of our threads on the Independent Childminders Facebook group.

I started the thread after attending training last night. The trainer told us that some childminders are being downgraded by Ofsted for not having a summary assessment called ‘2 year progress check’ in children’s files when children are between the ages of 2 and 3 years old.

Some childminders have the check but have called it something else – and that’s not good enough for Ofsted because the 2 year progress check is statutory (required by the EYFS) and must be called by its proper name!

So this is information and advice taken the thread…

You must have a 2 year progress check in every child’s file at some point when they are between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. The document MUST be called ‘2 year progress check’ and it must be retained for inspection by Ofsted while the child is in your care.

Here are some more tips …

- If they attend another setting try and do it in partnership but if that's not possible just do one and give it to parents, putting a copy in the child's file.
- Even if the child is part time - do a progress check for their file.
- Ideally it should tie in with the health visitor check but that's not essential.
- The progress check must say '2 year progress check' at the top - even if you have just written another summary assessment you must re-print or re-write and call it a '2 year progress check'.
- It must cover how the child is getting on in the prime areas and if they are falling behind. It can cover other things - that's up to you.
- It should include parents comments and the contents should not be a shock to them.
- It doesn't need to be long - just a few lines saying what the child can do and what they are working on next.
- The main reason for the progress check is to flag up concerns - so if you are worried about anything you must include it. Don't try and sugar coat it like you normally might in observations or summary assessments - because negatives must be included.
- Ideally it should be given to the health visitor by parents - but it's not your problem is this does not happen.
- You must keep it in the child's learning and development file for inspection - some LAs are saying it should be in their safeguarding and welfare file but that's a recommendation and not a requirement.

Ideas for writing the check

It does not need to be long or complicated or take you a long time to complete. If you know your child well you will be able to write positively about what they can do and then add information about what you are working on next. If you have concerns about the child you must flag them up. Here are some ideas –

C & L - the child has lots of words and can talk in 2 and sometimes 3 word sentences. He listens well when you get his attention. We are working on pronouncing words correctly especially words that start with xxx.

PSED - the child is learning to share and take turns really well and enjoys cooperative games. He has lots of friends here and at pre-school. We are working on remembering behaviour goals.

PD - the child moves in lots of different ways confidently. He has good fine motor skills and uses scissors and a crayon well. We are working on learning about how to keep ourselves safe because he sometimes rushes into new situations without considering the risks.

Those are all pretty common statements for a 2 year old and they cover all 3 prime areas of learning. They tell parents and the health visitor that you feel the child is typical for their age. If you were worried about something you might put a little more detail eg...

C & L - the child does not seem to hear me in a quiet room. I have suggested mum asks for a referral to an audiologist for a hearing check... or something like that.

I hope that helps…