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

Children form close bonds and are well cared for by this gentle, welcoming and highly experienced childminder. Toddlers come for reassuring cuddles when they are unsure of visitors in the home. They are happy and safe in the childminder's home-from-home environment. Children confidently move freely around and choose what they want to play with. The childminder gets down to the children's level to play alongside them to support their learning and enjoyment. Children behave well and the childminder has high expectations of them. The childminder is skilled at gently reminding children to handle the books and toys with care.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans a varied curriculum that covers all areas of learning effectively. She encourages children to develop their early literacy skills through enjoyable experiences. For example, children enjoy books and story times with the childminder and borrow books to take home. They practise their early writing skills, such as when they access a magnetic drawing board to create marks. These experiences help children to develop their early reading and writing skills. The childminder encourages young children's creativity and imaginations from an early age. Toddlers enjoy accessing the small-world animals and learn their names and the sounds they make. They use their creativity as they build towers with brightly coloured bricks.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear awareness of where each child is in their learning and what they need to learn next. She offers a good balance of focused, quieter activities and more active play. The childminder makes good use of resources and plans activities that build on children's interests and abilities. n The childminder carefully considers her own training needs. She frequently completes online courses to further develop and increase her knowledge and awareness of relevant issues. The childminder has undertaken a comprehensive range of child protection courses that help her to fully understand her responsibility to safeguard children and promote their well-being effectively. n Partnerships with parents and carers are good. The childminder gathers essential information from parents when children first start. She uses this to help to identify children's starting points in development. The childminder keeps parents

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need to do better?

up to date with the progress their children make. Parents' feedback is positive. They comment on the childminder's flexibility, professionalism and kindness. n The childminder supports children to be active learners. Children regularly visit local parks and playgrounds, where they run, climb and jump, improving their physical skills while enjoying fresh air. The childminder plans outings to parks, fields and toddler groups, giving children chances to explore their community and meet others their age. The childminder uses these experiences to help

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need to do better?

1 April 2025 children to develop their social skills, learn to take turns and follow instructions. Through varied activities, children gain a better understanding of the world around them while staying active and engaged. n The childminder is a good role model and encourages children to use good manners. She promotes children's independence as part of supporting their development ready for school. Children freely choose their activities and learn self-care skills, such as putting on their shoes, fastening their coats and tidying up. n Children learn about foods that help keep their bodies and teeth healthy. The childminder gives them a healthy home-cooked diet or packed lunches. She also supports children to develop healthy lifestyle habits. For example, the childminder plans activities that encourage discussions about visiting the dentist. Children talk about healthy foods and the importance of brushing their teeth.

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need to do better?

They use plastic teeth to demonstrate how to brush away 'germs'. However, the childminder does not consistently help children to understand about good hand hygiene, especially before mealtimes. As a result, children receive mixed messages about the importance of good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. n The childminder understands the importance of supporting children's communication and language skills. She engages in back-and-forth conversations, asks questions to determine children's understanding and comments on their actions. However, although the childminder repeats what children say to ensure that they hear the correct pronunciation, there are times when she does not add words to further extend their vocabulary.

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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 provide more support to help children to understand the importance of good hygiene routines n enhance support for younger children developing their vocabulary by increasing their exposure to a rich variety of spoken words.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 133123 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10380514 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 3 Date of previous inspection 12 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1986. She lives in Tufnell Park in the London Borough of Islington. The childminder operates her service from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday, for 48 weeks of the year. She holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of her home used for childminding and explained how she organises the environment and the learning programmes for children. n The inspector observed a range of activities and interactions between the childminder and the children to help evaluate the quality of education. n The inspector read feedback sheets completed by parents and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

1 April 2025 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

1 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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