Parbold Douglas Church of England Primary School

Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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119494 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2007 Inspection date Patricia Mary Champion Inspector

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32 Crossfield Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 4LS Setting Address

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01702 612445 Telephone number leballonrougemontessori@aol.com E-mail Regine Regan Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Full day care 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 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 good. 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 good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery is privately owned. It was founded in 1996 in Thorpe Bay and moved to the current premises in Southchurch, Southend-on-Sea in 1998. The nursery operates from a converted training college situated within walking distance of local shops and schools. All children share access to a secure, enclosed, outdoor play area. A maximum of 50 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery opens five days a week all year round. Closing bank holidays, Christmas and Easter. Opening times are from 08:00 until 18:00.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery also provides an after school French club on Mondays for children aged up to eight years. A holiday play scheme operates during the school holidays for children aged from two to eight years. The holiday scheme operates from 09:15 until 13:45.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 108 children aged from two to eight years on roll. Of these, 65 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend for a variety of sessions or full day care. The nursery serves the local community and surrounding areas. The setting supports a small number of children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities or who have English as an additional language.

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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 The nursery employs 18 staff, of whom 15 of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. There are seven staff currently working towards higher recognised early years qualifications. There are also specialist dance and music teachers that work with the children. The nursery receives support from the local authority.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The teaching staff support the children's learning using the Montessori principles alongside traditional teaching methods.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop a good awareness of hygiene through the daily routines. They wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating or prior to taking part in cooking activities. Children are independent in reaching the hand basins, soap dispenser and paper towels as everything is placed within reach. Toothbrushes are provided so that children can clean their teeth after meal times. Children learn about the need to remove germs when they help staff by washing the cups and plates after snack time.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because staff follow well-established hygiene routines. Staff wear disposable gloves and aprons when changing nappies and surfaces are regularly cleaned with anti-bacterial spray. Children are protected from infection because there is a very clear sickness policy and information about communicable illness and exclusion periods is displayed. The majority of staff hold a relevant paediatric first aid certificate. There are first aid boxes in every room and any accidents are diligently recorded. There is a rigorous procedure for administering medicine so that children are safe. Staff are extremely well aware of any allergies or special dietary requirements and the majority have had anaphylaxis training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children make healthy choices at snack time. They enjoy trying different fruit or raw vegetables. Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day or children can choose to drink milk at snack time. This ensures that they do not become thirsty or dehydrated. Parents are encouraged to provide healthy options for children in their lunch boxes. Perishable items are stored appropriately. Children sit and eat their midday meal in small social groups. They learn to manage food and drinks containers and unwrap their sandwiches. Much discussion about likes and dislikes takes place over the meal tables. Children talk about the food that is good for you and understand how this relates to their healthy bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to be in the fresh air and take part in energetic exercise. The outdoor area has an all-weather play surface and is used throughout the year. Children are protected from the elements. In winter they wrap up warm and in warmer weather they wear hats and sun screen. Children look forward to going outside to play. They enthusiastically ride bicycles or small cars, developing coordination as they steer and pedal carefully to avoid obstacles. Children have great fun climbing over and through the climbing apparatus and safely use the slide. They practise ball skills as they throw the basket ball through the hoop.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children explore a wider range of movements in the weekly dance classes. They take pleasure jumping, twisting and expressively moving in rhythm to the music. Children develop an understanding of how exercise affects their bodies when they recognise that they breathe faster after energetic movements. An extensive range of activities are provided that help children develop their finer manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination. For example, they take part

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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 in practical life experiences such as pouring, folding, threading or sweeping. Staff recognise when children become tired. They are offered cuddles and there are cosy areas within each playroom where children can relax or play quietly.

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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 premises which are secure, well organised and generally safe. The rooms are bright and colourful with a wide array of posters and examples of the children's artwork. Each room is clearly laid out allowing children to move freely and safely between activities. Additional safety features such as door finger protectors have been fitted since the last inspection. Children play in a secure environment and are protected from people who have not been vetted. There is a CCTV system in operation and rigorous collection procedures ensure that children are only released to authorised adults. Entrance doors remain locked and any visitors to the premises are closely monitored. The staff protect children by undertaking risk assessment of the playrooms and the equipment each day. Accident records are rigorously monitored and evaluated to ensure that any patterns can be addressed. However, the toilet

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

areas are not always included in the formal daily checks. Children's safety is potentially compromised because sometimes the water used for hand washing is extremely hot.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about their own personal safety. Activities are planned relating to road safety and fire drills are regularly practised so that children learn how to evacuate the premises in an emergency. Children are kept safe on outings as staff undertake risk assessment relating to transporting and supervising children when they are away from the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a broad range of stimulating resources in each room. An inventory has been produced and the storage is well organised to ensure that play materials remain in good condition. A great deal of thought is put into new purchases to ensure that they are safe and enhance the children's enjoyment and development. Toys and equipment are regularly checked for damage and cleanliness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the staff have a good understanding of their child protection responsibilities. The new guideline book from the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) is easily accessible and there is a very clear child protection policy. This ensures that staff know the procedures if they have concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and eagerly join in a vibrant and challenging range of indoor and outdoor activities. They separate confidently from parents to join familiar staff who greet the children enthusiastically. Children are highly motivated and very eager to learn. They confidently select their own activities at the beginning of each session and then have excellent opportunities to work in small groups or with one-to-one attention from staff. Children of all ages communicate with confidence. They animatedly tell staff their news and explain to visitors their actions as they play. Staff use very effective questioning techniques to encourage children to think and give interesting answers. The staff give regard to the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning activities for the youngest children attending the nursery. They have carefully linked the components of the framework to the stepping stones in order to ensure a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

smooth transition as staff identify the children's next steps within the Foundation Stage.

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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 Children attending the holiday scheme have fun and play together harmoniously. A calm, busy atmosphere extends through the nursery. A wide range of play and learning experiences are offered. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as they take part in cooking activities. They are fascinated by the changes that happen during the cooking processes, for example, as they watch the chocolate melt. On one afternoon each week children learn French through enjoyable games, rhymes, songs and role play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Staff have a very good knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage. A broad range of purposeful and stimulating activities are provided which build on children's natural curiosity as learners. Staff are clear about the purpose of activities and what the children are intended to learn. Teaching methods are influenced by the Montessori methods. These are varied and very appropriate to the situation. Activities are adapted to offer relevant support and challenge to help children achieve as much as they can. Children are extremely motivated to learn, able to resist distractions and persevere with activities of their own choosing. Each play room is organised to provide a stimulating learning environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals, given their starting points and capabilities. Staff have developed highly effective systems for recording individual children's achievements and use these to inform planning for their next steps in learning. Planning is flexible and is adapted to meet the needs and interests of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's independence skills are developing well. On arrival they put on their plimsolls and fill their flasks with drinking water. They enjoy choosing and mixing the paints they wish to use and help mix and knead the play dough. Children are fully aware of the need for responsible behaviour and enjoy helping the staff wash up or act as line leader or weather monitor.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children sit and listen attentively at group times. Staff encourage them to put forward their ideas, thoughts and feelings. They are developing a real love of books and staff skilfully share stories using props from the wide range of story sacks. Children become involved, show great excitement and enjoy anticipating what is going to happen next. Displays throughout the nursery are connected to children's favourite books. There are plenty of labels in the environment so that younger children start to recognise simple words. The older children in the nursery link letters to sounds and have started to read early books from a recognised reading scheme. Plenty of opportunities are provided for children to practise pencil control and form letters correctly. However, children are not consistently offered opportunities to practise their emergent writing within their role play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are competent at counting and calculate and solve simple number problems. They use language such as 'more or less than' when counting and sorting objects. Children name and describe shapes. They recreate and discuss pictures of the park using the pre-cut shapes they recognise. Children understand about money and count as they give change from the till when they serve in the shop.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children effectively develop their knowledge and understanding of the world as they take part in a wide variety of activities linked to the topics and themes. They carefully plant flowers into containers and understand that they need to keep them well watered so that the plants will flourish and grow. Children play purposefully with the Montessori equipment. They show high levels of curiosity as they investigate natural materials with magnifiers or spend time absorbed

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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 while pouring water from jugs into containers. They use magnetic construction toys to build intricate models. There are excellent opportunities for the children to learn about technology. Children use a range of educational software and adeptly use the mouse to control movements on screen.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in imaginative role play based on their own experiences. The role play areas within each room are regularly changed and linked to themes. Children dress up and act out stories from books, for example, they recreate the tale of 'Percy the Park Keeper'. Children explore their creatively through a range of media. They either follow ideas given by staff or express themselves without needing a pre-determined end result. This gives children the time and security in which to fully explore and experiment with their own ideas. Children show great pride in their achievements by sharing pictures they have made with staff and visitors. Children enthusiastically listen to and respond to music and enjoy singing. Visiting dance and music teachers enhance the children's creative opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have very good relationships with staff and each other. Their behaviour is exemplary. They eagerly share play equipment and show respect and concern for each other. The older children enjoy supporting the younger children as they play and take pleasure in celebrating each others' birthdays. Each day children have opportunities to become monitors and help staff with simple tasks around the nursery. This raises confidence and self-esteem and gives them a sense of belonging. Plenty of praise and encouragement is given. Certificates and stickers are offered as rewards and recognition for good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are warmly welcomed and fully included. Children's individual needs are well known and respected. Staff are experienced in devising strategies to encourage all children to learn and develop. Children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well cared for and well supported. The special educational needs coordinator plans appropriately and seeks additional advice from outside agencies. Children with English as an additional language are supported as staff liaise with parents to find out key words to aid the children's communication and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered. Good opportunities are provided for children to learn about themselves, each other and the wider community. Festivals and traditional events from the cultural calendar are celebrated and children play with toys or look at books that portray positive images of diversity. Children take part in charitable fundraising events and parents help sponsor children living in Africa. Links are forged with the local community as during the summer children go on outings and trips, for example, they visit the library or fire station.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. This excellent partnership contributes significantly to the children's well-being within the nursery. Parents receive very good informative daily verbal feedback from key staff in all rooms. Daily contact books are completed for all children and additional written material is displayed so that parents are fully aware of the activities each day. Newsletters that are individual to each room are routinely shared and well-presented notices ensure that parents are kept fully informed about important events regarding the running of the nursery. Termly reports are shared so that all parents are kept fully informed of their child's progress and achievements. Parents are actively involved in their child's learning. A book share scheme operates and parents are encouraged to help their children

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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 with shape and sound recognition. Open days are held each term and questionnaires are sent out so that parents can feedback their views on the nursery. Parents make complementary comments about the care and education their children receive and are extremely appreciative of the efforts of the supportive staff team.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment. The nursery's indoor and outdoor facilities are used effectively throughout the day. The well qualified staff work extremely well as a team. They are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities and the day runs smoothly. Effective staffing levels ensure that the children are well supported. Rigorous recruitment procedures ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. Induction is thorough with each new member of staff receiving a comprehensive handbook.

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Organisation

All the essential documentation is in place. Regard is given to confidentiality as paperwork is securely stored. Well written policies and procedures contribute to the children's health, safety and welfare. Although the record of attendance is always completed, the method of recording session times or arrival and departure times was adapted to meet the requirements of the National Standards during this inspection.

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Organisation

The leadership and management of the nursery education is good. The newly appointed manager has been acting as deputy for six years and has a positive commitment to making improvements that benefit the children and their parents. The owner and the manager have thoroughly reviewed how the nursery meets the National Standards and have linked aims to outcomes relating to Every Child Matters. There are effective systems to evaluate the provision for nursery education. Activities are routinely evaluated, staff appraisals are held and parents' views are sought. Staff continually reflect, monitor and improve their practice as they attend weekly staff meetings and are receptive to support from the local authority agencies. A wealth of training opportunities are offered to the staff team. Desk space and a computer has been provided so that staff can study while on the nursery premises.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to update policies and procedures to meet the National Standards. The behaviour management policy now includes reference to bullying and the child protection policy includes all the relevant and necessary information. Consequently, children's welfare and safety has been enhanced.

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Improvements since the last inspection

One point for consideration was raised at the last inspection for nursery education. The staff now plan outdoor activities linked to all areas of learning. Consequently, when children play in the outdoor area, their enjoyment and learning experiences have been enhanced.

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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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Complaints 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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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 good. 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 good.

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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): • assess the risks to children in relation to the hot water in the toilet area and take action to minimise these.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that children consistently have access to writing materials within their role play.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 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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