Mason, Ann

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are settled and happy in the warm, welcoming environment the childminder offers them. The childminder offers young children who have just started at the setting kindness and nurturing so that they settle quickly. For example, she offers cuddles and comfort if they are upset. Young children explore the resources in the playroom, such as different-sized drums and shape-matching activities. When the music comes on, children enjoy dancing to the beat and rhythm of the music. The childminder offers consistent reassurance and support to the children if they are not sure.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are given opportunities to feel different textures, such as mixing cornflour and water together. They are encouraged to use beaters to stir the mixture together. Children become excited as they use their hands to splash, enjoying the sensation of the cornflour droplets rising up and falling. This helps children to explore different materials, which supports the development of their fine motor skills and language acquisition.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave very well. They respond to the childminder's encouragement to take turns and share resources during play. Children listen and are supported to follow simple instructions to tidy up the toys. They receive constant positive praise from the childminder, which develops their confidence and self-esteem.

p.2

need to do better?

n Parents praise the childminder for the care that she provides to their children and the help and advice she gives to them. She offers settling-in sessions to every child and has a flexible approach to meeting the individual needs of families. The childminder swiftly identifies any children who may not be making the best possible progress. She liaises with parents and other professionals to help close any gaps in learning and to prevent children from falling behind. n Children and the childminder have a close bond, and the childminder helps children to manage their emotions and feelings. She supports them to become independent, such as putting their shoes on or fetching something they need. n Children have lots of access to fresh air and exercise in the garden to support their physical development. For example, they are offered challenges to climb through a long tunnel and are encouraged to play on musical instruments and

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need to do better?

chimes hanging from the fence. The childminder takes children out on visits, such as to the local zoo or park, which gives the children real-life experiences. Children enjoy seeing different animals and the natural world. n The childminder teaches children how to be respectful towards family pets. For instance, children understand that they must be calm and gentle as they stroke her dog. These skills help children to learn how to behave positively with their

p.2

need to do better?

23 June 2023 peers. n The childminder reflects on her practice constantly and to keep her professional skills and knowledge up to date. For instance, she attends an 'imaginative play' training course, to enhance creativity even further. The childminder receives regular information from the local authority. She reads childcare publications and meets other local childminders to keep herself informed. n The childminder has high expectations of the children in her care. She understands how to build all children's knowledge over time and observes the children's learning across all the different areas of development. The childminder arranges a range of interesting experiences and has a variety of resources for children to choose from. However, she is not always precise enough about her plans for activities to be able to have a clear focus on the key skills she wants individual children to achieve. n Children enjoy fresh, nutritious home-made meals provided by the childminder

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need to do better?

and they eat healthy snacks of different fruits. The childminder talks to parents about oral hygiene and going to the dentist regularly. Water is always available for the children to drink. n Children enjoy sharing books together, which develops a love of early reading. For example, they choose to listen to 'Ella's Night Lights', which is one of their favourite stories. The childminder talks to the children about the book and uses lots of expression as she points to the words and pictures, which they all enjoy. This all helps to prepare children for the next stage in their learning.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has robust policies and procedures in place to safeguard children. She has good knowledge of all aspects of safeguarding and the procedures to follow should she become concerned about a child's welfare. The childminder has attended safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. She knows the process to follow should an allegation be made against herself or anyone in her household. The childminder has maintained her first-aid training to help her deal with any emergencies involving children. She teaches children how to keep safe and be aware of risks, such as when crossing the road at traffic lights. The childminder has a fire evacuation plan in place.

p.3

should:

n strengthen plans for children's individual learning so that there is a clearer focus to fully maximise their learning opportunities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY428855 Local authority Camden Inspection number 10276555 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 20 July 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in the Queens Crescent area of the London Borough of Camden. She operates for most of the year from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder has a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of her home used by the children and explained how she supports children's learning and development. n The inspector and the childminder evaluated an activity together outdoors. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Parents shared their views of the childminder's service with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

23 June 2023 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

23 June 2023 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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