Preston St Matthew's Church of England Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/03/2004 Inspector Name Angela Ramsey

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Pillar Box Montessori Nursery Setting Address 107 Bow Road Bow London E3 2AN

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Pillar Box Nurseries Ltd. 4260776

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Pillar Box Nurseries Ltd. Address 49 Fairfield Road London E3 2QA

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

p.2

Information about the setting

Pillar Box Montessori Nursery opened in 1995. It operates from a five storey Victorian house situated on the Bow Road in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The premises is used solely for childcare. There are currently 45 children from 2 to 8 years on roll. This includes 14 funded 3 year olds and 4 funded 4 year olds. It is open 5 days a week 49 weeks of the year and sessions are from 08.00 until 18:55. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group employs 1 part-time member of staff and 7 full time staff to work with the children. All the staff have an early years child care qualification and 4 are additionally trained to provide the Montessori method of education. The setting receives support from a mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Pillar Box Montessori Nursery provides good quality care for children. The nursery is warm and welcoming and staff form good relationships with children to make them feel secure and help them learn. There are clear policies and procedures in place, which promote the efficient running of the nursery. Space is organised well to promote children's independence when accessing and using the resources available for their learning. The nursery has a good range of toys and equipment although resources that reflect positive images of disabilities are limited. The younger children are provided with traditional resources whilst the older children are provided with resources, which are in keeping with the Montessori method of teaching. Staff provide a stimulating range of age appropriate activities to encourage children to explore, investigate and practice what they have learnt. Children respond well to the support of staff.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The staff at Pillar Box Montessori Nursery develop good relationships with parents, which supports the care of children. There are good systems in place to monitor children's progress and development and this information is shared with parents. Parents are also given daily feedback of their child's day. Although comments from parents questionnaires are positive some commented on the limited information staff

p.2

How good is the Day 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 provide on the daily feedback of their child's day. The manager has agreed to address this.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

Improvements since the last inspection have been satisfactory overall. The manager has now updated her child care qualifications and there are now six members of staff who hold a first aid qualification.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

Railings have been fitted in the garden to ensure safety, dangerous substances are now kept out of reach of the children and the radiator cover in red room has now been made safe. The groups' complaint procedure now includes the details of Ofsted and the groups written child protection policy is based on the Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The setting is well organised and there is sufficient amount of trained staff working directly with the children. • There is a good range of equipment and educational materials which staff use well to support children's progress in all areas of learning. • The recording of discriminatory incidents, the aim of which is for staff to provide support and comfort, to challenge, to educate and follow up any incidents. • Clear boundaries are established which enables children to know what is expected of them. • The providing of comprehensive policies and procedures and the supportive relationship between staff and parents helps to provide for children's individual needs and interests.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• The providing of resources depicting those with special needs. • The arrangements for ensuring that each child has the sole use of blankets and sheets. • The ensuring that the drain is made inaccessible.

p.3

Outcome of the 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

p.3

CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Drain to be made inaccessible. 7 The arrangements for ensuring that each child has sole use of blankets and sheets. 9 Ensure that positive images of disability in books and toys are available.

p.4

by the time of the next 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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

p.5

STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

p.5

STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

p.5

STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

p.5

STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

p.5

STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

p.5

STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

p.5

STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

p.6

STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

p.6

STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

p.6

STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

p.6

STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.6