Mrs Annette McGirr

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 happy and settled in the childminder's care. She helps them to form warm and positive relationship with their peers and her. The childminder is nurturing and sensitive to children's needs. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They seek comfort, cuddles and reassurance from her when needed. The childminder knows children well and has high expectations of what she wants children to achieve. She has developed an ambitious curriculum to ensure that all children make good progress from their starting points. She supports children well to develop independence and resilience. Overall, children behave well and show motivation and positive attitudes towards their learning.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's interests, experiences and needs are central to everything the childminder plans and organises. The childminder ensures children have a wide range of experiences and learn about the world and the local community around them. The childminder provides daily opportunities for children to visit places of interest, such as various museums, numerous parks and playgroups. She extends children's learning skilfully during planned outings. For example, children plant flowers in the garden before the trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens, where they find out more about flowers and plants.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows how activities can be adapted so that they are age- appropriate for all children. For example, younger children learn how to use rollers and cutters, which develops their hand control and dexterity. While older children use these tools confidently to create 'funny monsters' out of play dough. Children describe the figures and use their imagination to create stories about them. n The childminder values the importance of language development and its impact on all aspects of children's learning. Stories have a consistent role in planned activities and independent play. The childminder helps children develop a love of books. However, background music does not always serve any purpose. At times, some children find it more difficult to deeply engage and concentrate in activities, such as story time. Children move quickly to the next activity. n The childminder supports children to take an active part in their own self-care.

p.2

need to do better?

Children wash their hands and competently feed themselves. The childminder ensures that children have daily access to the outdoors and exercise. They benefit from healthy snacks, meals and water. These promote children's good health and well-being effectively. n The childminder places great emphasis on children having respect for animals. Children learn about other living things by visiting the zoo, as well as learning about different wildlife. In addition, the childminder has a dog and a cat in the

p.2

need to do better?

20 May 2025 home and teaches children about how to approach them and be kind. Children tidy the garden resources away as the childminder explains this is so the dog cannot eat them and could hurt the dog. The childminder has safety procedures in place for her pets. n The childminder promotes early mathematics. She skilfully weaves mathematics into her practice throughout the day. For example, children tell visitors their ages and count the spots on wooden ladybird figurines. This supports children to gain a good understanding of early mathematics to prepare them for their next stage of learning. n The childminder manages children's behaviour well. She redirects minor disagreements. The childminder explains to children about sharing and being kind to their friends. Very occasionally, she does not help children to understand how their actions can affect others to help them to learn even more about regulating their own behaviour.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder completes mandatory training, such as paediatric first aid and safeguarding course. She is reflective and regularly meets with other childminders to exchange ideas and raise the quality of care provided to the highest level. n Parents speak highly of the childminder and her setting, which they describe as 'a warm and loving place which provides a safe space for our children to thrive'. Parents feel well informed about their child's progress and appreciate the effective communication system provided.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n consider the impact of background music and ensure that it is used in an appropriate way to help promote children's focus and concentration n take all opportunities to help children to learn more about how their actions can affect others to further encourage their understanding of positive behaviours.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 133230 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10394693 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary 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 September 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1997. She lives in Holloway, in the London Borough of Islington. The childminder holds a level 3 childcare qualification. She operates Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder talked about the aims and rationale for her early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents and children shared their views of the childminder's setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

20 May 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

20 May 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6