Childminder in Islington

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children have a secure bond with the childminder and her assistant. They settle and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, children now have staggered entry times. Children who were away from the setting during the pandemic received 'home learning packs'. This helped to continue their learning at home and maintain links with the childminder. Children are able to make decisions about their play. They explore the toys available on low- level shelving and engage in activities set out for them. Children learn how to share with their friends and they feel confident to approach visitors, offering them pretend cake. They explore the feel of water and watch how it disperses when they drop small boats into it. This helps to develop their understanding of the world. Children identify their named photos when they arrive. They use the toilet and wash their hands independently, with support when needed. Children help to

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The provision is good

prepare their snack, using special cutters to chop the fruits. They explain how they know whose cup belongs to which friend. Overall, children behave well. They are learning to take turns and have good manners. Older children show others how to play a magnetic fishing game. Children receive praise from the adults, such as 'well done', which boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is mindful that the pandemic has had an impact on some children's social development. She has provided children with opportunities to mix with others, such as playing at drop-in groups, which supports their social skills. She talks to children in advance about what is going to happen during the day. For example, she explained that there will be a visitor in her home. This helps children to feel more confident when the visitor arrives. n The childminder focuses on children's interests and plans activities that support their learning. She is clear about her approach to some areas of her curriculum, for example when potty-training children who are ready. Although children learn from the opportunities provided, the childminder is not always precise about what she wants children to learn and how they will achieve this. In addition, she describes 'free-flow' days, when she does not plan for learning even though

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need to do better?

there are many teaching opportunities that arise spontaneously. n The childminder develops children's language skills well. The childminder and her assistant narrate during children's play, repeating words back to the children and introducing new words, such as 'lobster'. They respond to young children's communications. At times, the assistant allows the more confident children to dominate conversations, leaving others with less opportunities to express their thoughts. Children sit closely with the childminder and enjoy looking at their chosen books. The childminder's intonation and use of low-level whispers create anticipation and sustain children's interest. This helps to build their vocabulary.

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need to do better?

7 July 2021 She asks each child a question and reminds them not to answer when it is not their turn. n Parents are very happy with the childminder's service and want her to 'stay awesome'. She shares information with them about their children's progress and how to support learning and development at home. There are strong links with other professionals involved in children's lives and, through parents, the childminder is aware of children's learning in other settings. n The childminder and her assistant hold childcare qualifications and have undertaken a number of training courses to develop their childminding practice. However, the childminder does not currently observe and evaluate her own practice and that of her assistant to identify ways of improving teaching or highlighting specific training needs. n The childminder implements appropriate hygiene routines. She is aware of children's dietary restrictions and cooks fresh food on a daily basis, which

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need to do better?

children love. Children have access to daily outdoor play, providing them with fresh air and physical activities. To recreate the drop-in experience, the childminder hires equipment and transforms her living room into an exciting soft-play area. n The childminder is sensitive to children's home lives and ensures that these are reflected appropriately. She makes use of technology to play nursery rhymes in children's home languages to give them a sense of belonging.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and assistant have completed training that helps them recognise the signs and symptoms of possible child abuse. The childminder knows to record and report any safeguarding concerns to the appropriate agencies. All adults in the home, including assistants, have had necessary suitability checks completed. The childminder identifies hazards in her home to minimise risks. The premises are secure. Both adults hold valid paediatric first-aid certificates. This enables them to treat children appropriately in the event of an accident. Adults discuss fire safety and carry out an evacuation practice each term to help children understand what to do in the event of an emergency.

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should:

n focus more on what children should learn and how they will achieve this step by step n make better use of the setting's self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development more precisely.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY548166 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10174035 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017. She lives in the Highbury area, in the London Borough of Islington. She works Monday to Friday between 8am and 6.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a degree in Early Childhood Studies and works alongside an assistant who holds a recognised childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for two-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector undertook a learning walk together to discuss how the childminder organises different aspects of learning. n The inspector gathered parents' views on the quality of the setting through discussion and written feedback. n The inspector completed observations of adult and child interactions, and completed a joint observation with the childminder. n The inspector sampled a range of documents, including paediatric first-aid certificates and evidence of assistants' and household members' suitability.

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Inspection activities

7 July 2021 We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

7 July 2021 regulates and inspects to 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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