Malton Montessori School

Inspection report for early years provision

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145497 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Jan Healy Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 outstanding. 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 1999. She lives with her husband and their nine year old child in the village of Winsley. The whole of the house apart from one bedroom is available to use for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children on a part-time basis. She holds a relevant qualification in childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder ensures that there are exceedingly high standards of hygiene in her home to help eliminate the spread of illness and cross-infection. Innovative hand washing and drying facilities please the children, making such a chore fun and pleasurable, as they all have their

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 own wash bag which they proudly show to visitors. Each bag contains, for example, a flannel, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste which they are taught to use daily. The children are able to describe the importance of personal hygiene and the reason why such practices, such as the cleaning of teeth take place. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an accident all of which are carefully recorded. Accurate medication details are retained and are shared with the parents for the benefit of the children's good health. The childminder acts in the children's best interest if they are ill and shares a written sick child policy with the parents. She keeps the parents up to date about information with regard to infectious diseases and about any local occurrences of infection. Therefore, the parents are

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Helping children to be healthy

alert to the changes in their child's health and so keep them at home if they become ill. This helps to prevent the infection from spreading so protecting the other children in the group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder complies with her local environmental health department as she is meticulously aware of her responsibility to ensure that food is stored appropriately, is prepared, cooked and is served safely. Food handling procedures are regularly monitored and reviewed for the good of the children's health. Portion control ensures the children receive a balanced diet. Mealtimes are taken at the dining room table where the children enjoy chatting to each other about events that interest them. This not only aids the children to enhance their social skills but also helps to increase their vocabulary. The children eat at their own pace, using age appropriate cutlery, which helps to further their independence as they are not relying on adult help or supervision. Older children help themselves to refreshments, whilst younger children are provided regular drinks, to prevent them from becoming dehydrated particularly after physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Significant steps are taken to ensure the children and parents are made welcome upon arrival. There is a parents notice board which contains an array of information to support the provision, including the registration certificate. The home is extremely clean as a routine is in place, to complete such chores after the children's departure. Therefore, they receive the adult attention they deserve during their stay. A designated playroom is bright, airy and well maintained. Children's artwork adorns the walls, making for a child friendly environment. Superior nappy changing facilities provide the children with privacy. The temperature remains comfortable at all times, so the children play and rest in contentment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children benefit significantly by the equipment and toys available which create an accessible environment. There is a vast range of resources available which are stimulating, fun and promote equality of opportunity. Imaginative storage allows the children to independently access all the resources on offer. They are low-level so are within the children's reach and are labelled with pictures and words so the children are easily able to locate what they desire. A book case and shelves contain an extensive range of picture, story and resource books which the children enjoy sharing with the childminder. The children are able to sleep and rest without disturbance with the use of a baby monitor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder believes that the children's safety is paramount and is committed to the children's safety whilst in her care, therefore, substantial measures are taken to eliminate accidents. Accident records are used to identify any possible hazards to see if it is feasible to prevent such an event reoccurring. A risk assessment takes place daily which includes the checking that smoke alarms are in good working order so the childminder is swiftly informed of impending danger. A carbon monoxide alarm is fitted to the home, for the children's benefit. A guard surrounds the fire and electrical sockets are covered for the protection of children.

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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 Dangerous items, medication and sharp objects are stored out of the children's reach. The premises are secure with an effective arrival and departure system in place. The fully enclosed garden is secure and boundaries are in good repair. A lock is fitted to the gate preventing the children from leaving the area without adult supervision. The childminder is aware of potential dangers from plants and flowers, ensuring that none can be found within the children's reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has excellent knowledge and understanding with regard to child protection so is able to protect the children's happiness and welfare. A written statement is shared with the parents, which includes her responsibility to report any concern noted with the appropriate authorities. She has substantial skill in recognising the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and is confident to act when necessary. Body maps accurately locate the sight of the injury and the parents are requested an explanation for an existing mark.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children arrive eagerly showing excitement at the prospect of spending some time with the childminder. They enjoy her company and relish her joining in with their play. They have the opportunity to interlock a considerable range of jigsaws which helps to enhance their hand and eye coordination. The children enjoy listening to stories which are made all the more interesting with the use of puppets, story boards and story sacs. They bring in items from home and collect items from outings, such as twigs and leaves which they display on the interest table. They enjoy gardening and learn about the growth of fruit and vegetables, which they later cook and eat. There are a broad range of board games which encourage the children's mathematical skills, as they make use of counters. There are many different musical instruments from around the world, which the children like to play listening to the changing sounds. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children learn about the importance recycling has on the planet. They collect waste material which they re-use or take to the recycling containers. The children enjoy outings, where they visit a local canal, and learn about the use of locks. They take part in physical activity in the park where they make use of the static equipment which helps to further their fitness and stamina. The children are taken to a pig farm where they learn about the care of animals and for walks down country lanes to appreciate the beauty of nature.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder recognises that children's attitudes are established in their early years, therefore, she provides a provision that promotes equality of opportunity. The children learn to value themselves to receive praise and to play with their friends harmoniously. All the children have the opportunity to engage in all the activities on offer which are adapted if necessary, for example, to incorporate all ages. There is a considerable range of resources that reflect diversity which the children eagerly participate in. The children taste foods from around the world and decipher which they desire more. They have the opportunity to celebrate major festivals and to learn about the similarities and differences of the people in the world. This includes the clothes that are worn, the living arrangements and how other people travel, with explanations as to the reason for such a difference. This helps the children to accept that there are people

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Helping children make a positive contribution

who are different to them but are just as important.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with the parents for the benefit of the children. She is aware that the parents know their children well, therefore, she seeks as much information

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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 from them which is used for the planning of their care. She observes the children closely and through observation, is able to plan a suitable range of play opportunities that will aid their further development. However, if a learning difficulty or disability is noted, the parents are quickly alerted preventing a delay in the children from receiving the help they require. Both parties keep each other up to date about any progress the children are making or about any further concerns noted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is exemplary because they are treated with respect, are cared for according to their needs and are happy in the care of the childminder. They have the advantage of accessing a comprehensive range of play materials which provide them with challenge, therefore, they are stimulated and are eager to participate. They receive consistent care and praise with an explanation as to why such behaviour is desirable. The older children are aware of the expectations the childminder has and have written 'golden rules', which they adhere to. Younger children are learning to share and that their behaviour has an effect on the other children in the group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares an extremely good rapport with the parents, who respect her and trust her to provide the best possible care for their children. They are made to feel welcome upon arrival and have the benefit of a written prospectus about the care provided. This details the activities the children will take part in and gives an explanation as to how the children will benefit from taking part. They have the advantage of perusing written policies, procedures and statements so they are fully informed about the provision. Written parental permission is sought for the taking of the children's photographs, for transporting the children in a vehicle and to take the children on outings. The parents are kept up to date about the procedure to follow in the event of wishing to raise a concern, however, the parents report that they are very happy, evident by the many letters and cards which show their appreciation.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has excellent knowledge and understanding about child development and about how young children learn. She holds a relevant qualification in childcare and is proactive in keeping herself up to date with training courses. The childminder has accurate knowledge about the National Standards and is successful in putting them into place. All children receive warm and consistent care and are protected from adults who are not vetted. Cleaning and maintenance tasks take place when the children are not on the premises, so they benefit from adult attention. Innovative methods are used to create the space the children desire so they are able to participate in physical activities, particularly during inclement weather. An attendance register is accurate and is kept up to date. It contains details about the children's arrival and departure times so they are

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Organisation

accounted for in an emergency. Effective consideration is given to the number and ages of children being cared for at the same time so the childminder is able to meet all the children's individual needs. All records are readily available for inspection and are stored confidentially to protect the children's personal details.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was requested to obtain written parental permission for the children to be left in sole charge of an assistant. This in now in practise, so parents are aware of the arrangements that take place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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