Childminder in Islington

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Inadequate Behaviour and attitudes Inadequate Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is inadequate

Children are cared for and play in extremely limited space in the childminder's home. This is because the childminder does not organise her home effectively and has accumulated a great deal of unwanted items, which are stored around the home. This is taking up lots of the space that should enable children to be able to play comfortably and safely. In addition, the childminder has not risk assessed her home to ensure all hazards are removed. Currently, children have access to one room, and this is very small. They are unable to access other rooms as the childminder needs to tidy these areas. This means that children have limited opportunities to explore and be physically active in the home environment.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Very little consideration is given to providing a well-planned curriculum to help children to make good progress in their learning. The childminder understands where children are in their development, however, she does not plan any particular activities to challenge and build on what they know and can do. Younger children often just sit in the childminder's or assistant's lap and are not sufficiently engaged in activities to encourage their learning.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Overall, children are settled and have suitable relationships with the childminder and the assistants. Children behave, generally, well. Older children show care and concern for the younger children. They make choices in their play from the range of toys available. For example, they enjoy trying to make up the train tracks, however, lose interest quickly due to not being able to achieve this due to the lack of space. This, occasionally, then leads to children getting frustrated and upset.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not conduct through risk assessments on her home to ensure it is safe and suitable. For example, tins of paint were stacked in the hallway, where children could reach these tins. In addition, the childminder had not considered the risks for young babies sleeping arrangements. Cots were placed together, with no space between the two, the curtains were trailing into the cots and one cot was covered with bumpers, which could cause suffocation. This compromises children's safety. However, the childminder took swift action to remedy the sleeping arrangements by the following day, therefore, minimising this risk. n The childminder provides all meals and snacks for the children. Despite the childminder reporting that she provides nutritious meals, this was not the case on the day of the inspection. The childminder had not planned beforehand what she was going to provide and offered children a sandwich and cucumber sticks.

p.2

need to do better?

For some children this was not substantial enough, particularly for the younger babies. When she noticed this, she then offered some dips and cut up a shop

p.2

need to do better?

16 August 2021 brought pasty to share with the children. This does not promote a nutritious well-balanced meal for young children's good health. n The childminder's hygiene practice is poor, and she does not adhere to food safety guidance. She had some foods in her cupboards which were out of date, and these had recently been used. She does not recognise that parts of her home are dirty, in particular the sink drainer in the playroom was very grubby and she proceeded to prepare the lunch in the sink area. This compromises children's health and welfare. n Children have opportunities to develop their communication and language skills. Children enjoy singing times and happily join in. The childminder uses a props bag and children choose songs by identifying an object or animal from the bag. Children know several songs and rhymes, this supports their language development well. Older children are, overall, confident talkers, and they engage

p.2

need to do better?

well in conversations with the childminder and assistant. The childminder asks appropriate questions and gives children time to think and respond. Children enjoy drawing activities and learn to hold pens confidently, the assistant encourages the children to make marks on paper, supporting their early writing skills. n Children have regular opportunities for outdoor play. They visit the park daily to have fresh air, to run around and exercise. Children develop self-care and independence skills. Older children go to the toilet independently and wash their hands afterwards. n The childminder takes suitable steps to ensure the ongoing suitability of her assistants. She takes time to talk with the assistants about the day and they discuss the children's development. The childminder and assistants have completed statutory training courses, such as paediatric first aid.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder's understanding of risk assessment compromises children's overall safety. Due to the lack of space in the playroom, there is a risk of adults tripping over the children or toys on the floor. The childminder does not ensure that her exit out of the home is always clear, leaving buggies in the hallway, which compromises safety in the event of a fire. The childminder and assistant demonstrate a good understanding of their responsibilities to safeguard children. They know the procedures to follow should they be concerned about a child. The childminder has the safeguarding procedure displayed so that any assistant can refer to these immediately and take any necessary action if needed.

p.3

Due date

ensure that risk assessments on the home are completed and identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked and how the risk will be removed or minimised 25/08/2021

p.4

Due date

ensure that premises including overall floor space are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of the children cared for on the premises 25/08/2021

p.4

Due date

ensure that there are suitable facilities for the hygienic preparation of food for children and that children are provided with meals that are healthy, nutritious and balanced. 25/08/2021

p.4

Due date

plan a suitably challenging curriculum, which identifies the individual needs and interests of all children and supports their progress. 25/08/2021

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 402691 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10204801 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection 7 December 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001. She lives in Highbury, in the London Borough of Islington. The childminder offers care each weekday, throughout most of the year. She employs two assistants.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n This inspection was carried out following the risk assessment process when concerns have been raised. n The childminder spoke to the inspector and assistant at convenient times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and had discussions with the childminder about how she manages her assistants' practice. n The inspector looked at children's records and a range of other documents.

p.5

Inspection activities

16 August 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

16 August 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

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