Rosewood Montessori

Rosewood Montessori

Inspection report for early years provision

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Rosewood Montessori

Unique Reference Number EY268401 Inspection date 03 March 2006 Inspector Pauline Nazarkardeh

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Rosewood Montessori

Setting Address 16 Myrtle Avenue, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 8RZ

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E-mail

Registered person Maria Rozaria (aka Rosie) Roberts Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day care

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E-mail

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Rosewood Montessori Nursery is one of two nurseries run by the provider and has been registered since 2003. The provision operates from a converted private house in a residential area of Ruislip. It is open during term times, from 09.00 until 15.00 and offers full-time and sessional care for children from 1- 5 years of age. The children attending come from a wide catchment area.

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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 There are 2 main classrooms, 1 on the ground floor for children aged 1 to 3 years and 1 on the first floor for children aged 3 to 5 years. Both floors have additional rooms which are accessed for specific or small group activities. All children share access to a large, secure outdoor play area. A specific room on the second floor of the premises is designated as a parents' room. There are 10 members of staff who work directly with the children. Currently all of the staff, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications. Staff work a variety of full time or part-time hours. There are currently 66 children under 5-years of age on roll. Of these, 39 receive funding for nursery education. The nursery supports children with special educational needs as well as children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery receives support from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children have an excellent understanding of good hygiene practices and how to keep healthy by the way in which the topic is included into every aspect of the children's day. Older children take pride in being able to use the toilet and wash their hands independently. They are aware of the need to wash germs away; they take care to leave the toilet clean and ready for the next person. Children notice if someone washes their hands without using soap and a member of staff with ink stains on her hands was encouraged by the child to wash before snack. Children’s wellbeing is extremely well protected by the high level of cleanliness and the comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures which are carried out effectively by staff, all of whom are first aid trained. A superb partnership between the staff, parents and external agencies ensures that they all work together in numerous

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Helping children to be healthy

ways to meet each child's needs. For example, the local health visitor attends the nursery on a regular basis to meet with the children and also to be available to parents who have any concerns about their children’s health. Children are very well nourished and relish snack and lunch times because they are such positive experiences. They chat enthusiastically together as they eat; and enjoy discussing each others packed lunch which is provided by the parents. Staff sit with the children at lunch time and provide parents with regular lunch box tips. At the snack bar, children choose from a selection of fresh and dried fruits and pour their own drinks. Great care is taken to ensure children with allergies do not eat food that would be harmful to them, for example when tasting foods during festival celebrations. Children have extended opportunities to develop their physical skills. The large garden is sectioned for differing types of play, which the children use enthusiastically

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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 on a daily basis, this allows them to further extend on their independent learning. Arrangements have been put in place so that children can access the local park from a gate which has been fitted at the bottom of the garden. Here children are animated as they move, climb and balance very competently. Parents are educated about the value of this regardless of weather conditions and they are aware of the benefits to the children. In addition there are weekly music and movement and gym sessions which are provided indoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children relish their time in the nursery which is extremely well organised so that it fosters children's independence while minimizing risks. The nursery is inviting to children who quickly get involved in the challenging range of resources provided. Children's art work and photographs are used to make the environment welcoming, this contributes to the children's sense of self-worth and a feeling of being valued. The rooms are set out into defined areas with very well resourced low-level storage. Children explore and experiment all areas of play with a high degree of concentration. They know that each type of resource has its place which is labelled, enabling children to choose freely and to develop their independence. Children are extremely safe and secure on the premises and on outings through the rigorous risk assessment and vigilance of staff. Children’s safety is further

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safeguarded through a variety of practical measures. These include, having a one way system on the stairs for children and parents and by maintaining risk assessment records. These measures help to monitor the risk of any potential hazards, such as tripping on the stairs. Children’s welfare is very well protected as staff have an excellent understanding of child protection issues, this includes local arrangements for the reporting of concerns. The policy clearly states their responsibility to protect children. Children are cared for by thoroughly checked staff who are extremely proactive in ensuring only those people for whom parents have given consent can collect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Outcomes for children are excellent; all children are eager to attend and are learning and developing extremely well in all areas. They actively explore, make connections and use their imagination in their play. They love to learn outdoors and really enjoy their time spent making models from recycled materials. Children's art work is very well displayed, children are proud of their work, which is brought to the attention of visitors. This contributes to their sense of belonging and a feeling of self-worth. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. The activities and experiences

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 provided are exceptionally well matched to children's needs and interests. Children engage in a wide range of meaningful activities with great enthusiasm because staff have a firm understanding of the Foundation Stage Guidance. Children are challenged by the detailed planning and staff’s high expectations of what they can achieve. Assessment is rigorous and the information gained is used very effectively to guide planning, for example creating individual forward plans. Consequently, children are making excellent progress in all areas of learning. Children have an excellent attitude to learning. They are happy, settled and they purposefully engage during their time at the nursery. Children become extremely confident and self-disciplined working and playing effectively on their own or with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

others. During play children are able to make decisions about what they would like to do next and the environment and resources are organised to ensure this. For example two children exploring how to make a ramp, moved around the room finding items which could make the ramp higher as well as support the vehicles. Staff watched what was happening but allowed the children time to experiment in their own way. Children are highly skilled communicators who are able to listen to others and are confident in contributing their own ideas. Children can describe what they are thinking as they play and can suggest alternative ways of doing things. They know the names and sounds of many letters of the alphabet and are beginning to write. Their interest in writing is stimulated by writing opportunities being provided at all activities, their emergent writing is displayed throughout the nursery and are valued by the staff.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children really enjoy story times and this generates much discussion. They frequently use the book area on their own and in pairs, they read stories to each other and to staff. Children are developing excellent fine motor skills as they use a wide range of tools and malleable materials with increasing confidence, for example rolling pins, scissors, brushes and tweezers. They are developing an in-depth understanding of healthy living through different themes such as, healthy and unhealthy foods and the daily routine Children's counting and recognition of written numbers is very secure. Many children recognise numbers up to 10 and above. Children enjoy calculating as part of daily activities; for example, how much space is needed for everyone to be included in the circle. They explore size, shape and measure as they build and while using the Montessori equipment. They use technology such as tape recorders and are gaining

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy, they are eager to attend, and they enjoy close, trusting relationships with the staff. Children are very confident and independent, staff actively encourage this. Wherever possible, children share responsibility for decisions about the provision, for example some of the children felt that their play room wall was a "bit dull" as a result the children were involved in deciding how the wall could

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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 be decorated. Relationships are excellent on all levels and children gain a high level of self-control. Staff do not intervene too quickly, giving children time to work out if they can do things for themselves. Children, their ideas and views are very well respected by the staff. Children’s behaviour is excellent, they are kind to each other and are forging strong friendships. They take opportunities during the day to help each other and are proud when they are rewarded for their good deeds. They express their needs appropriately, learn to negotiate conflict and become sensitive and respectful in their interactions with others. When staff intervention is needed their main focus is on equipping children to deal with conflict, as well as assessing what may have caused the incident.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a very positive self-image and are learning to value those with different ways of life. Staff know the children and their families well and include activities which reflect events in the children’s life. Children have excellent opportunities to find out about their own culture and beliefs of other people as they celebrate different festivals with parents help, for example, Chinese New Year. They have access to an excellent range of toys and resources which promote equal opportunities such as, dressing-up, play people and different types of music. Children enjoy quiet and relaxing times as they listen to stories and they have very many opportunities to explore using their senses, for example, smelling, feeling and listening. The named special educational needs coordinator show a passion and commitment for her work. She has attended relevant training and she shares her knowledge with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the team. As a result the staff are able to identify concerns relating to children's development and they know the correct procedures to follow. Children benefit from the way staff work closely with parents and outside professionals, they are willing to adapt the service in order to meet the individual needs of the children who attend. Partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. The superb relationship between parents and staff further enhance children's experience at the nursery. Parents are involved at every level: helping in the group rooms and bringing in resources from home as well as sharing their knowledge with other parents. Children take pride in the contributions their parents make; for example, one child talked excitedly about how her Mum was going to ice cakes with her and her friends. Parents are fully involved in their children's learning, for example termly forward plans for each child

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are given to parents at the beginning of the term. Parents may add to these plans and at the end of the term parents are provided with an assessment of how the plan went with the forward plan for the following term. Parents praise staff for the efforts made to include them in the nursery and in particular in the use of forward plans which offer suggestions for how parents can follow up what children are learning at nursery. This positive approach fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development very effectively.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The organisation is outstanding. Children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the outstanding leadership, management and excellent organisation at the nursery. Children are confident and have enthusiasm to learn due to the high quality of teaching. Staff really enjoy what they do and children flourish in their care. The staff team, led by the owner, have high standards and are very secure in their knowledge and understanding of the curriculum provided. This includes the Montessori curriculum, Foundation stage guidance and Birth to three matters framework; these documents underpin staff’s good practice. Children are making excellent progress in all areas of learning and are enabled to move on to school with high self-esteem and a hunger for further learning. The environment and resources both indoors and in the garden are extremely well

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Organisation

organised and set out in ways that maximise children's learning. Clear, comprehensive documentation and sound monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to ensure that children's health, safety and wellbeing is safeguarded. Superb links are made with other agencies such as the local authority to further enhance the provision. The children benefit immensely from the combined skills and knowledge of the staff team. Regular network meetings with other nurseries enable staff to pass on their good practice and to learn from others. The needs of the range of children that attend are met extremely well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that good hygiene practices were consistently applied when changing children's nappies. As a result a new policy was put into place and up-to-date guidance given to staff. As a result staff are clear about how to prevent cross infection during nappy changing, these changes have had a positive impact on the care provided.

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

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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 nursery education

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

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 nursery education

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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