Colourbox Montessori School, Newmarket

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

The provider ensures that staff are highly trained and knowledgeable about the Montessori approach and the learning environment. Every activity has a purpose and is there for a reason.

Children are highly motivated to investigate and learn.Staff provide an exceptionally safe learning environment. Children feel content and secure at this setting.

They form strong relationships with their key person and other staff, who are excellent role models. The management team has high expectations and works tirelessly to ensure children have the very best experiences. For example, at 'The Country Club' children explore the ...sand on 'the beach' and learn how to use oars while sitting in a boat.

Children are eager to collect leaves and climb a tree under close supervision. Staff understand how these enriching opportunities contribute to deepening children's experiences of the wider world.Children behave exceptionally well.

They learn to respect and look after themselves, each other and the environment from an early age. Staff are skilled at knowing when to involve themselves in children's play and when to step back. Children concentrate, becoming fully absorbed in activities.

They demonstrate resilience as they keep on trying. Children beam with pride as staff acknowledge their achievements.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

The provider and her management team are absolutely committed to pursuing excellence in all that they do and meticulously reflect on all aspects of provision.

Regular monitoring of staff performance leads to exceptional practice. The managers inspire staff to make the most of their individual skills and successfully support them to obtain qualifications and further their careers.Parents and carers offer the highest praise for the setting.

They comment on how their child has progressed since attending and the excellent feedback they receive from staff.Staff are kind and caring. Babies and young children receive reassurance when needed and snuggle close to staff and enjoy comfort.

Children eat healthy and nutritious food. Staff manage children's allergies or preferences extremely well.Children develop high levels of independence from an early age.

They understand what is expected of them. For example, children are confident to place the items they have selected on a mat and tidy them away when they have finished. Staff sensitively monitor what children are doing, talk to them and offer support where needed.

Staff provide an exceptionally calm environment and make meaningful contributions to support children's learning superbly. They use songs, books and resources extremely well. Staff are highly skilled at introducing children to new words, such as 'continent', to fully extend their ongoing learning.

Children show delight as they look at books with staff and are eager to join in with familiar songs.Children are eager to take on small tasks and gain a sense of responsibility. They learn to manage risks and use tools appropriately.

For instance, children use safety knives to slice their cucumber or banana for their snack. At lunchtime, very young children tuck their chairs underneath the table when they have finished eating and know to scrape their plates. They confidently return to their place with their pudding.

Staff provide a highly inclusive environment where all children are individually valued. They develop precisely targeted support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, working extremely closely with parents and other professionals to meet children's specific medical needs. Children who speak English as an additional language have opportunities to hear their home language in play.

Equally, staff support them to develop their level of understanding of English words and their range of vocabulary.Staff report that they feel extremely well supported and valued in their role. They work very well together and have a clear understanding of their responsibilities.

This helps daily routines run smoothly.All children make substantial and sustained progress throughout their time at the setting. They rapidly gain the skills they need for the next stage in their learning.

Children are enthused to practise their early reading and writing skills and immerse themselves in learning mathematical concepts.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.All staff have a very secure knowledge of child protection procedures and an excellent understanding of what to do should they have any concerns about a child's welfare.

Staff are fully alert to the possible signs of abuse and neglect, and understand wider issues surrounding child protection. Robust and rigorous recruitment procedures are in place to ensure that only the most suitable staff are employed to work with children. The management team vets staff closely and carries out a thorough induction process to help ensure new employees understand and meet the setting's high standards.

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