Eilmar Montessori Day Nursery

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Eilmar Montessori Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY314710 Inspection date 03/03/2009 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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Setting address Sidmouth Drive, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 0DA

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Telephone number 01895 635796 Email eilmarmontessori@hotmail.co.uk Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Eilmar Montessori Day Nursery is privately owned by Swans Day Nurseries Limited. It opened in 2005 and operates from a purpose built building in Ruislip Gardens, in the London borough of Hillingdon. A maximum of 64 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07:30 to 18:00 for 50 weeks of the year. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the setting

There are currently 100 children aged from six months to under five years on roll, some in part-time places. The setting is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education to children aged three and four years. The setting is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the setting

The nursery employs 20 staff, of whom 16 hold appropriate early years qualifications and three staff are working towards a qualification. The nursery follows the Montessori teaching method.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in clean and safe surroundings where they are valued and respected as individuals. They make good progress in their learning and development through the provision of fun and stimulating play experiences. The provider/manager evaluates the work of the setting and recognises the importance of continuously building on the existing good practice for the benefit of the children.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop a clear system of observing, assessing and planning to demonstrate each child's starting point in their learning journey and the progress made  organise mealtimes to enable children's independence to be fully promoted.

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provision

The detailed risk assessments, daily safety checks and regular fire drills all contribute towards safeguarding the well-being of the children. In addition, the provider/manager and her staff have a clear understanding of child protection matters including the procedure to follow to report concerns.

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provision

The nursery works effectively in partnership with parents. All relevant information is gathered from parents about their child before they join the nursery to ensure the care given is appropriate and consistent. Staff complete daily information This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sheets to give to parents to keep them informed about how their child has spent the day. Verbal feedback is also given. The monthly newsletters produced in hard copy or sent via email ensure parents are aware of any changes or forthcoming events in the life of the nursery.

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provision

The provider/manager understands the importance of continuously evaluating her provision to ensure she provides an effective service for all children and parents. She has implemented a recommendation made at the last inspection by offering parents more opportunity to express their views. For example, she recently conducted an online survey to enable parents to voice their opinions anonymously. The responses were collated and issues addressed. For example, the amount of information available for parents and how it is imparted to them, is now prioritised to ensure they are not overloaded with items that have less importance. However, parents are still able to access a wide variety of information on request.

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provision

As well as also canvassing staff as part of the self-evaluation process, the provider/manager asked the children what they liked about the nursery and what they would like to have introduced. Their ideas and wishes were also addressed, as additional play equipment is being purchased. In addition, a further recommendation made at the last inspection in relation to enabling children to have more opportunities for physical play outdoors has not only been addressed, but is being developed further. For example, as well as playing outside on a daily basis, older children join in a sports session each week. An instructor helps them develop bodily control by using a variety of apparatus and developing ball skills. The provider/manager is also devising plans to develop the use of the garden area.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for with warmth and kindness. Young babies benefit from having a key-person allocated to them. When a new child joins the nursery, the key-person works closely with the parent to achieve a smooth settling in period for the benefit of all parties. Younger children are nurtured in a welcoming environment, where staff are attentive to the needs of all the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children enjoy a rich variety of play experiences that effectively combine Montessori teaching methods with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Staff have a detailed understanding of the six areas of learning, and plan activities that promote each area well and enable children to make good progress in their learning and development. Children are observed in their play and the information gained is used to plan the next step in their individual learning journey. However, the system used for observation and assessment is complex, and does not easily demonstrate the starting point for each child or the progress made.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children become independent learners as they confidently select play resources they wish to use. They show curiosity and an interest to learn. Children also initiate their own imaginative games, such as ‘going to Lego Land’, and form friendships with their peers as they act them out. During play sessions, the atmosphere is energetic and lively as each child fully engages in meaningful activities of their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 choice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy freshly cooked meals that are served in ample quantities and take account of their individual dietary needs and preferences. For example, an alternative is offered if a child dislikes a particular item. The menu comprises a healthy and nutritious selection of meals, which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Meal times are relaxed, social occasions, which afford the older children the opportunity to chat calmly to their friends around the table. Although the older children collect their cutlery, find their place setting and pour their own water, staff plate-up the meals from a central trolley. Therefore, children do not have the opportunity to serve themselves which means that their independence is not fully promoted.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s health is well promoted at the nursery. As well as the healthy diet and opportunities for physical exercise, the building is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. The area used by the youngest children is a designated ‘no shoe’ area. This means that babies can crawl and play on the floor with no obvious risk to their health. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high qua lity Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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