Marlin Montessori School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 129176 Inspection date 21 April 2006 Inspector Jill Nugent

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1985. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 14 and 18 years old, in a house in Hatfield. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently she is minding five children, of whom four are under five and one is over eight. She walks to a local school to take and collect children. The childminder has achieved the Hertfordshire Quality Standards Award.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted through appropriate procedures. The childminder excludes children having infectious illnesses so as to protect others. All necessary medical permissions are sought and her records are well maintained. She keeps a first aid kit easily accessible so that children can be treated quickly if they have an accident. They are able to rest or sleep when feeling tired. The childminder is attentive to hygiene. Children have their own flannels, and towels, and clean bedding is provided for the cot. She changes nappies in a hygienic manner. Children learn to wash their hands after using the toilet. They are encouraged to use tissues independently. Therefore, children keep healthy. Children have a healthy diet. They enjoy cheese, fruit and biscuits with a drink of juice for snack. The childminder offers home cooked meals as well as quick meals, for example, shepherd's pie and fish fingers. She includes vegetables and salad with

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Helping children to be healthy

sandwiches. Therefore, children are well nourished. They have various opportunities to take part in physical activity. They especially enjoy playing in the garden with a selection of resources, including a slide, seesaw, scooters and swings. They walk to and from school each day and like to visit local parks. They get plenty of fresh air and exercise to help keep them healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment. They are prevented from going into the kitchen, or upstairs, through the use of safety gates. If using the kitchen to take part in messy activities, they are well supervised. Children play safely in the large living room because all the furniture is kept to the sides allowing plenty of open space for them to move around. There are adequate fire precautions in place. The childminder has devised an evacuation plan in case of an emergency. If children sleep upstairs, the childminder keeps a continual check on them. She obtains permission for them to sleep in the garden in the summer. Children play safely in the garden as the sheds are inaccessible and a safety gate is fixed against the patio steps. The side gate and front door are locked so that children are secure. When out walking, children keep safe in a buggy, or on the buggy board, and also wear wrist straps. Therefore,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children are safe and secure while in the childminder's care. There is a range of interesting resources available for children to use, for example, construction equipment, a farm, doll's house and play kitchen. The childminder cleans and checks the toys regularly so that children are able to play safely. She has a very good knowledge of child protection issues. She has attended training and is aware of the need to record any concerns. She also records children's previous injuries in her incident book. Children are only collected by known adults. They learn about 'stranger danger' and road safety when out and about. Consequently, they are well protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children play very happily. They have a free choice of activities, and good access to resources, and they become very involved in a whole range of play activities. The childminder interacts with them as they play, helping out and suggesting ideas. Children chat confidently with her, for instance, telling her about the 'snakes' they are making with playdoh. Children are pleased when she responds to their requests for assistance, for example, setting up the shape cutter according to the shape they want. They enjoy her participation in their imaginative games. Children have good relationships with each other. They like sitting together drawing and colouring. They ask for various bits and bobs in order to create pictures, and models, and the childminder follows up their interests with much encouragement and support. Consequently, children have increasing independence and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn through their play. Babies explore toys and develop co-ordination skills using a baby walker with the childminder's support. She helps them to build relationships through talking and playing with them cheerfully. Children are developing number skills and learning to tell the time using a toy clock. They join in conversation with the childminder, answering questions and planning future activities. They extend their creative skills through her effective interaction, for example, she suggests ideas for drawing a butterfly or writing a name. Children are pleased with their resulting creations, such as, a finger puppet made out of tiny bits and bobs. Therefore, they are developing skills in many different areas of learning. They also have good opportunities for outings in the school holidays with the local childminding group. They enjoy visits to the seaside, parks, zoos and bouncy castle events. These

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

help them to socialise and learn about a wider environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel included as the childminder ensures that she can interact with them at all times. When feeding a baby she still manages to talk to, and help, the other children. At times she holds the baby so that she can go and join other children involved in activities. Consequently, all children feel they belong and receive much support. Babies enjoy a cuddle and are made to feel special through close attention. The childminder shows interest in the children's home lives and has fun with them in conversation. Children make decisions about play, for instance, taking out all the dressing up clothes and having fun trying them on. They are becoming aware of diversity in society as they see it reflected in books, puzzles and dolls. Overall, they are very content and enjoy a close relationship with the childminder. Children behave well. They are aware of the house rules and enjoy praise when

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaving appropriately. Older children are expected to set a good example for younger ones. The childminder uses time out if necessary and will discuss strategies with parents. She is quite firm and children learn to behave responsibly. She has good relationships with parents. Contracts are completed and parents supply details of children's individual needs. They exchange information verbally at the end of each

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 day. Parents are able to view the childminder's policies, although these are not organised clearly and so it is not easy to get an overall picture of her practice. She has set up a new complaints procedure and made parents aware of her responsibilities regarding any concerns. Therefore, children benefit from a good working partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder's documentation supports her good practice. She has written various policies which provide a framework for children's care. Her attendance register is well kept and paperwork is organised and accessible in files. She is very committed to improving her practice and attends many training courses. She has successfully completed the Hertfordshire Quality Standards and attended courses on 'Every Child is Special', 'Birth to three matters', 'Peer Observations' and 'Change Management'. She has also attended various workshops at meetings of the National Childminding Association. She is an active member of her local childminding group. Children's care is greatly enhanced through her commitment to professional development. Children have plenty of space to play in the living room and good access to a tidy garden. They are able to choose from the many resources stored around the room in

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Organisation

transparent boxes and spread themselves out with toys and games if they wish. The childminder adds to the resources regularly so as to maintain children's interest. She is highly organised and plans her day around long walks to school. She prioritises the well-being of the children and spends time with them so that they feel very much at home. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that her medication records include the times when medication is administered. These times are now included in the records.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that parents have easy access to all information regarding policies and procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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