Prima Montessori Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 11/11/2003 Inspector Name Jacqueline Fryer

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Prima Montessori Ltd Setting Address Elm Court Capstone Road Gillingham Kent ME7 3JQ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care in accordance with the National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding; and that the nursery education for funded three and four year old children is of an acceptable quality. Inspection of nursery education also identifies strengths and weaknesses so that providers can improve the quality of educational provision and help children to achieve the early learning goals (elgs) by the end of the Foundation Stage. This inspection report must be made available to all parents. If the setting has been inspected previously, an action plan will have been drawn up to tackle issues identified. This inspection, therefore, must also assess what progress has been made in the implementation of this plan.

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Information about the setting

Prima Montessori Day Nursery opened in 2002. The nursery operates from six rooms in a purpose built building, in Gillingham. The nursery serves the local and wider community. The setting opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07.00 to 19.00. There are currently 73 children from birth to 5 years on roll. This includes 21 funded 3 and 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. One child has special needs and the group currently supports no children who speak English as an additional language. 24 staff work with the children. 21 have early years qualifications. 3 staff are currently on training courses. The setting follows the Montessori method of teaching. The setting receives support from a teacher and mentor from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). It is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

Prima Montessori Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The group offers a warm and welcoming environment where children and parents are greeted at the door. The provider and staff have suitable qualifications and experience to offer warm and consistent care to children. Staff are police checked and most hold current first aid certificates. The provider offers staff good training opportunities and staff frequently attend relevant courses. The premises are secure and staff show a good understanding of the safety requirements within the building. The staff show a good understanding of how children learn. Activities are planned to take children's individual needs into account. The building is bright and well presented. The staff team show an understanding of equality of opportunity which

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 fosters children's independence. The group need to continue to increase resources reflecting positive images of race, culture, disability and religious diversity. The group make good use of the outdoor play area. They try to allow children to use this on a daily basis. The provider shows a good awareness of children's dietary needs. The group employ a cook who offers children a variety of hot and cold meals and snacks. The provider discusses, with parents, any religious or cultural needs of the family. The provider is pro-active in promoting health and hygiene within the nursery and ensuring her staff are good role models. Staff use a consistent approach towards children's behaviour which allows children to play within clear boundaries. The children's behaviour is very good. The provider

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How good is the Day Care?

and staff build up good relationships with children and parents. Parents receive good information about the setting and their child's progress. An open door policy allows staff and parents to share any concerns they may have. The nursery has good documentation in place that is clear, well presented and shared with parents. This continues to be reviewed and updated.

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What is being done well?

• The provider is professional and business-like. All documentation is well maintained and shared with the parents. The group informs parents about their child's progress and achievements. • The group have a selection of good quality toys and equipment. They use these to plan stimulating and exciting activities for the children. The children are happy and engaged in their play. • The provider ensures the premises are safe and secure for children. The children move around freely making effective use of the space to extend their play. • The staff use positive and consistent strategies to manage children's behaviour. The children feel secure and play within clear boundaries. • The children respond well to the staff's clear guidance and praise. They eagerly take part in planned activities, help tidy toys and are well behaved.

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What needs to be improved?

• the position of the parents' notice board so that information such as weekly menus is shared with parents • confidentiality for parents signing the accident book • information to share with students and volunteers regarding their roles and

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 responsibilities • the recording of arrival and departure times of the children.

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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.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 9 Ensure children have an appropriate range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and reflect diversity. 13 Develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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How effective is the nursery education?

Prima Montessori Nursery Ltd offers generally good quality nursery education. The children are making progress towards the early learning goals. However, there are some weaknesses in the area of mathematical development. The quality of teaching is generally good. Some of the staff are trained in the Montessori method of teaching. Most of the staff have a secure knowledge of the foundation stage, which enables them to plan a range of interesting activities. However, there is room for staff to plan and provide additional practical tasks for the children. Staff interact well with the children, talking and listening to them constantly. They use observations well and are beginning to link these to planning for children's individual needs. There are occasions where staff miss opportunities to allow children to develop their mathematical and writing skills further. There is limited use of everyday equipment to help children learn about modern technology.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Children behave well in response to the staff's high expectations. The staff are good role models, making the environment calm and respectful. Children are considerate, confident and secure. More opportunities could be provided for children to learn about other people's backgrounds. There are systems in place to provide support for children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. Leadership and management is very good. Staff have regular opportunities to update their childcare knowledge. Management and staff are committed to improving the care and education for all children. The management regularly reviews the setting's strengths and weaknesses. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Parents are informed about the provision, but additional regular information would ensure parents are kept informed about their children's progress and development.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have generally good knowledge and understanding of the foundation stage and how young children learn. • Staff interact well with the children, talking and listening to them constantly. • Children respond well to staff's high expectations of their behaviour. • Children's personal, social and emotional development is progressing well. Children are confident and secure. • There are opportunities for children to learn through sensorial activities. • Leadership and management is very good. Staff are well supported in the care and education they provide for young children.

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 • The setting is continuing to develop good relationships with parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities to help children develop their skills in the everyday use of technology • the resources to extend children's learning about other people's beliefs, cultures and abilities • the opportunities for children to solve simple practical problems • the range and availability of activities for children • the information for parents about their children's progress and development.

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What has improved 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children form good relationships with their peers and adults. Their behaviour is good and they are able to consider the effect of their words and actions. Children are able to negotiate with each other. However, there are limited opportunities for children to experience positive images of the differences in our society. Some resources are limited in quantity, reducing children's opportunity to select their own activity.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children speak very well and interact with others confidently. They are able to recognise and write their name with pride. Children use books confidently. However, there are some missed opportunities for children to mark-make in everyday situations and for children to sing rhymes.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children use language well when counting and looking at shapes. There are missed opportunities for children to be able to solve simple practical problems and use numbers in everyday situations. Further resources for children would help develop their skills in weighing and measuring.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able to investigate, explore and talk about a range of natural objects and materials. They can experience and talk about different events, people, and their local environment. There are some missed opportunities for children to develop skills using everyday technology and objects.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children have access to large physical play on a daily basis, either in the hall or outdoors. They can move confidently and safely around the nursery. There are missed opportunities for children to further develop their large and small muscle co-ordination skills, using a wider range of activities.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children respond confidently and well to what they experience through practical life and sensorial activities. They are able to explore different textures, shapes and colours using a wide range of material and objects. There is a missed opportunity to display children's creative work.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of good quality overall. Children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The next inspection will take place in three to four years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• expand the range and availability of resources, to ensure all children have regular opportunities to extend their understanding and skills, particularly in technology, cultural beliefs, numbers and measuring • provide more regular information for parents regarding their children's progress and development.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

The provider must draw up an action plan within 40 working days of receipt of this report showing how the key issues detailed above will be addressed. The action plan must be made available to all parents and to the Local Authority if required. An evaluation of the action taken will form part of the next inspection of funded nursery education.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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