The Old School House Montessori Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 30/01/2004 Inspector Name Teresa Colburn

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Old School House Nursery Setting Address The Old School House De Montfort Road Lewes East Sussex BN7 1SP

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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

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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. 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.

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Information about the setting

The Old School House nursery first opened in January 2003, it is a privately owned facility. It is registered to provide full day care for 26 children aged under five years and over two years. The nursery is open Monday through Friday 8.00 to 6.00 all year. The nursery is situated in the county town of Lewes. The nursery is accommodated in a renovated school building close to the town centre. The building comprises of a large hall, smaller side rooms, a kitchen and toilet facilities. There is limited facilities for nappy changing. There is two safe, secure outdoor play areas. To the front of the building there is a large enclosed play area consisting of a large concreted area with a fixed, timber climbing frame with a safety surface. To the rear of the building there is a small enclosed garden. The nursery currently has 36 children on roll, of these 18 are funded three and four year olds. The nursery has good provision for children identified as having special

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Information about the setting

educational needs and for whom English is an additional language. Including the manager there are six members of staff of whom three hold relevant childcare qualifications the other three are all currently undertaking relevant training. Staff receive support from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. Children attending are representative of the local community.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Old School House Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The provision creatively provides a warm welcoming, relaxed environment, however the heating in the ICT room and toilets requires monitoring. Children's work is displayed throughout the nursery which provides a bright and colourful environment. Staff have developed good relationships with the children, they are happy, confident and well settled. The management has implemented numerous policies and procedures to ensure staff have consistent approach to their work. Relevant paperwork is in place, although sometimes lacks the necessary detail. A clear awareness of safety is acknowledged by staff and precautions are in place to safeguard the children. Hygiene regimes are in place to ensure that children's health and well-being are promoted. The nursery has a strong emphasis on promoting equal opportunities, ensuring children's individual needs are dealt with sensitively

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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 Daily routines are in place for rest, play, mealtimes and snacks, however staff deployment is not always effective to ensure that children are given support and guidance during large group activities. The nursery plans an interesting range of worthwhile activities which promote children's development and early learning. Children are able to choose for themselves from the range of toys and resources easily accessible. The nursery has professional relationships with the parents. They share information about the children and regularly discuss the days activities and children's progress. Staff provide parents with weekly link communication books.

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What is being done well?

• The interesting range of worthwhile planned activities help children to develop in all area's of learning. • Children are interested and motivated to learn. They are given ample time to complete activities. • The nursery makes good use of incidental activities to enable children to explore and investigate every day play. • Staff have a good relationship with children. The children are very happy, confident and well settled. • The nursery fosters good relationships with parents. • Comprehensive policies, procedures and risk assessments in place. • The Provider is committed and dedicated to the nursery, and provides strong support to staff.

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What needs to be improved?

• monitor and maintain sufficient heating temperatures; • deployment of staff during large group activities; • ensure confidentiality is maintained when recording accidents; • all parents to sign medication administered.

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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

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 4 ensure that the ICT room and bathroom are maintained at an adequate and comfortable temperature 29/01/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 ensure staff are deployed effectively so that children are supported during large group activities 7 ensure all medicines given to children is signed by parents, and confidentially is maintained when recording accidents

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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

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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 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

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