Sitanaris, Michael Nicolas

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder creates a warm, welcoming and safe environment, where each child feels valued and secure. He is highly attentive to their individual needs, ensuring every child receives the care and support they require to thrive. Young children develop strong bonds with the childminder and feel confident and emotionally supported. The childminder sets high expectations for children's behaviour, guiding them to play cooperatively, share, take turns and use good manners from an early age. All children behave well and develop positive social skills in a caring and respectful environment.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder has a secure understanding of child development and knows children in his care well. Overall, he provides a broad and well-sequenced curriculum and focuses on children's individual needs and interests. For instance, he has identified that younger children are engaged in their play for long periods as they enjoy playing with colourful sand and water. He makes their play interesting by adding toy frogs and fish in the water trays. The childminder, through playful interactions, extends younger children's learning as he teaches them to count, problem-solve and identify the different coloured frogs and fish. All children make good progress from their starting points in learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder interacts skilfully with children. For example, as children play or listen to their favourite stories, the childminder talks to them and asks them questions to help them build their problem-solving skills and vocabulary. He sensitively repeats words back, emphasising the correct pronunciation. Children develop good speaking and listening skills from a young age. n Overall, the childminder knows the children well and considers their interests and individual needs when planning activities for their learning. He is clear about what he intends children to learn next and monitors their progress to help him identify any gaps in children's learning. However, occasionally, the childminder does not target younger children's learning at the right level. For example, he plans an activity that is too complex for the ages and stages of development of younger children in his care. n The childminder organises resources so that younger children can become

p.2

need to do better?

confident and independent from a young age. For instance, younger children choose the toys they want to play with, use tissues to wipe their own nose and learn to feed themselves independently. This helps younger children to guide their own learning and manage their self-help skills effectively. n The childminder supports children's healthy lifestyles and hygiene skills well. For example, children know that they need to wash and dry their hands carefully before meals. Children enjoy fresh, home-cooked, nutritious meals and snacks

p.2

need to do better?

15 July 2025 each day, prepared by the childminder. n The childminder prepares children for life in modern Britain well. For example, he plans activities around festivals, walks within the local community and gives children opportunities to socialise well with other children from different backgrounds when they attend playgroups. n The childminder provides frequent opportunities for children to spend time in his garden. For example, children experience the natural environment and learn about insects' natural habitats. However, at times, opportunities for children to build on their physical skills, particular their large muscles, are more limited. For instance, children have fewer opportunities for climbing and balancing. n The childminder has high expectations for children's good behaviour. He is a positive role model and supports children to develop good manners. All children understand the clear rules and boundaries the childminder teaches them, and

p.2

need to do better?

they show respect towards each other. n Parents are well informed about their children's day-to-day activities and progress. The childminder shares information with them and supports parents to extend their children's learning at home. n The childminder evaluates his practice effectively and regularly reflects on the strengths of his setting with his co-childminder. He keeps all his mandatory training up to date. The childminder has accessed a wider range of additional training to help him provide good-quality, inclusive care and education for all children at his setting.

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 refine plans for younger children's learning, so that these more closely align with their stage of development n extend outdoor learning experiences that help children to develop and use their bodies, particularly their larger muscles.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2735502 Local authority Barnet Inspection number 10408172 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 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023. He works with a co-childminder, his wife, in the London Borough of Barnet. The childminder provides care from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and a family holiday in the month of August. He provides government funded early education for all eligible children. The childminder holds an appropriate level 3 home-based childcare qualification.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk of the setting, where they discussed the early years provision and the aims of the curriculum. n The inspector and the childminder jointly observed children and evaluated an activity together. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the childminder's paediatric first-aid certificate.

p.4

Inspection activities

15 July 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

15 July 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