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 Good

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The provision is good

The childminder clearly loves her role, showing enthusiasm and actively engaging in children's play. This encourages children's participation and enjoyment of the activities on offer. Children form strong attachments with the childminder. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in her care. The childminder maintains consistent routines, helping children to understand what to expect and feel secure. As a result, children appear comfortable and at ease in the setting.

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The provision is good

The childminder thoughtfully arranges her home to offer children a curriculum and a rich variety of experiences that support them to make progress. She has a strong understanding of each child's needs and plans activities that build on their existing knowledge. The childminder actively seeks to expand children's interests and fosters a sense of curiosity and a love for learning.

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The provision is good

A particular strength of the childminder's practice is in promoting children's physical development. She plans numerous opportunities, indoors and outdoors, to support children's balance and coordination. For instance, children enjoy making their own play dough, using language related to measurement. The childminder gives children access to various tools that help to strengthen the small muscles in their hands. She ensures to work with parents and carers to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and makes swift referrals. This supports all children to have the best possible start to their education.

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need to do better?

n The childminder thoughtfully plans regular opportunities for children to engage in songs and storytelling, which supports their strong progress in communication and language development. Children show a clear enjoyment of books, independently choosing from a wide selection available to them. They confidently bring books to the childminder to share together. Through these shared experiences, children learn how to handle books with care, turn pages and recognise and talk about pictures. The childminder expand children's vocabulary by using actions, visual cues and repetition. n The childminder supports children's independent play and learning by providing resources that reflect their individual interests. For instance, children who enjoy imaginative play become deeply engaged in making 'healthy pizzas', demonstrating strong creativity and role-play skills. They confidently act out different characters inspired by familiar stories. Children demonstrate their

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need to do better?

imaginations and recall experiences from books they have read. n The childminder regularly engages in additional training to stay up to date with mandatory requirements and to enhance her understanding of the curriculum. However, she has not yet fully explored opportunities to deepen her knowledge

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need to do better?

10 April 2025 in the specific areas of early learning to further enhance the quality of education. For example, while she incorporates phonics into her teaching, she delivers it at times that are not developmentally appropriate for children or may include inaccuracies. n Children gain a strong understanding of how to stay safe and healthy through the childminder's consistent guidance. The childminder promotes nutritious eating, teaches children road safety and stranger awareness during outings and supports oral health with daily toothbrushing. These routines help embed lifelong healthy habits and foster children's independence. n Children respond well to the childminder's consistent and positive approach to behaviour. They understand boundaries, use good manners and show respect for others. Regular praise and encouragement support their self-esteem and confidence. n The childminder is committed to continuous improvement. She values feedback

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need to do better?

from children, parents and her assistants. The childminder works closely with external professionals to support children with SEND. By regularly reviewing progress and adapting her approach, she ensures that all children achieve positive outcomes. n The childminder works effectively with her assistants, who feel well supported in their roles. They value her guidance and appreciate the opportunities she provides to develop their practice, contributing to positive outcomes for children. n The childminder maintains strong partnerships with parents. Parents appreciate and value the strategies the childminder shares to support their children's learning at home. This collaborative approach ensures continuity in children's development. Parents report that their children make excellent progress and feel well supported during the transition on to school. n The childminder helps children to expand their understanding of the world

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need to do better?

around them. Children enjoy exploring plants in the garden, planting seeds and observing the growth of their plants. The childminder uses these experiences to enhance children's knowledge of the life cycles of plants.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n make more effective use of professional development opportunities to extend knowledge of the specific areas of learning, for example in early literacy.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 133216 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10260114 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 9 Date of previous inspection 18 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000. She lives in the London Borough of Islington. The childminder works Monday to Thursday, from 8am to 6pm, for most of the year. She has a degree in early years education and works with assistants. The childminder provides government funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation. n The inspector considered the views of parents during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

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

10 April 2025 10 April 2025 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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