Parbold Douglas Church of England Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/07/2004 Inspector Name Patricia Mary Champion

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Group Setting Address 32 Crossfield Road Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 4LS

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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

Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery was founded in 1996 in Thorpe Bay. It moved to the current premises in Southchurch, Southend-on-Sea in 1998. The nursery operates from a large converted training college, within walking distance of schools and shops. The nursery serves the local community and surrounding areas. There are currently 120 children from 2 to 8 years on roll. This includes 32 funded 3 year olds and 18 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions or full day care. The setting supports a small number of children who have special needs or who have English as an additional language. 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. In addition the nursery also provides an after school French club on a Monday for children aged up to eight years and a holiday play scheme operates during the

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Information about the setting

school holidays for children aged from two to eight years. The scheme operates from 09:15 until 13:45. Twenty members of staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2, 3 or higher. Five staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification and two staff are working towards higher qualifications. The nursery receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and the Pre School Learning Alliance (PSLA). The teaching staff support the children's learning using the Montessori principles.

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How good is the Day Care?

Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. There are very clear procedures for appointing and vetting staff. Effective use is made of space and resources within the attractive child-centred environment. The outdoor area has recently been renovated and the interior has been reorganised to

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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 enhance the access for children to the Montessori equipment. Children are sensitively cared for in groups according to age and development; out of school care is provided on one afternoon during term times and also during school holidays. Documentation is well organised, although not all policies have yet been reviewed in line with the revised National Standards. All staff consistently apply comprehensive safety procedures. They sensitively promote good hygiene procedures and provide healthy snacks with regard given to children with allergies or special diets. Children bring lunch boxes and eat their mid-day meal in small social groups. The staff know the children well and show care and concern for their individual needs. They are aware of their child protection

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How good is the Day Care?

responsibilities. Children follow a planned programme of fun activities designed to help them make progress in their learning. There are opportunities for children to select and make choices about their play. The staff interact well with the children and actively encourage good behaviour. The policies regarding equality of opportunity and special needs cover all aspects of the nursery's work. Children are secure and happy in their surroundings. There is a friendly partnership with parents; information is shared and verbal feedback is given at the end of a day. Several parents were spoken to; they are all very happy with the care their children receive in the setting.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has successfully addressed the action following the last inspection. The registered provider was asked to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. All necessary consent details are now included on registration forms.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery is well resourced and the premises is imaginatively set out with play equipment to provide a welcoming and stimulating environment for children. • Children are involved in an exciting range of activities, which support their language, mathematical thinking, imagination and creativity. Excellent props and role-play scenarios such as an indoor aeroplane enhance the children's learning. The staff work directly with the children, introducing new words and asking questions to make them think. • Children's welfare and safety is a paramount consideration and staff undertake comprehensive risk assessments inside and outside the premises and on outings. Staff and children all know about fire safety procedures and access to the provision is monitored by CCTV to keep children safe. • There are clear policies and procedures that promote good health and hygiene. Staff consistently protect children from illness and infection and

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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 there are first aid boxes within each room. Children clean their teeth after meals and understand the need to wash their hands regularly. • There is an effective system in place to support children with special needs. The owner/manager acts as the appointed Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and is enthusiastic about her role. She actively seeks out advice and training for her staff. Children are fully included in the nursery's activities. • The parents are made to feel very welcome. They are well informed about the setting through written information and close contact with the staff. • High quality documentation required for the efficient and safe management of the nursery is in place. An extensive operational plan has been devised and

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What is being done well?

the records kept promoting the welfare, care and learning of all children are well maintained.

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What needs to be improved?

• the policies and procedures to ensure that they are in line with the revised National Standards.

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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 14 Update policies and procedures to meet the National Standards (this refers to standards 11 and 13.)

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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?

Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery offers high quality education, which helps children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff develop warm, trusting relationships with the children and effectively promote their confidence, independence and social skills. Staff plan well to provide an exciting and stimulating environment for children's learning, although this has not yet been extended to include the newly refurbished outdoor area. Planning has a Montessori base, extended by other activities, which include effective role play areas. Children can access the equipment and resources easily; they know exactly where to find things and help to tidy away at the end of sessions. The staff have a sound understanding of the Foundation Stage. They observe children, record their progress and use this information to inform the next steps of learning for the children. Effective systems are in place to support children with

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How effective is the nursery education?

special needs. Leadership and management are very good. The manager and deputy have worked hard to develop a strong staff team. Training is actively encouraged and all staff are very clear about their responsibilities. Staff appraisals and evaluation of activities are undertaken and there are clear links with outside agencies and professionals. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are provided with extensive information about the nursery and the curriculum. They also receive regular informative newsletters, reports informing them of their child's progress and invitations to attend parent consultation afternoons.

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What is being done well?

• Children are making very good progress in all areas of learning. They are confident, independent learners, able to choose and initiate their own activities and explore new experiences. • Resources are utilised extremely effectively. Excellent use of graded Montessori equipment helps children to understand concepts of number, shape, size and sequences. Children develop excellent hand-eye co-ordination from skilfully transferring liquids from one jug to another using a pipette. Basic skills in writing and reading are developed through the use of sandpaper letters. • Excellent use is made of the studio for indoor physical play, drama and music and movement. It is extremely beneficial to the children that this space is available as an addition to the minimum space requirements. • The children's knowledge and understanding of the world is developed

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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 through the wide range of themes and topics. Outings are made and visitors come into the nursery. Recent outings include trips to Southchurch Park Museum and Colchester Zoo. A visit to the nursery was made by Viggo the Viking to link in with a medieval theme. • Partnership with parents is clearly valued with opportunities for parents to link into the topics through the fortnightly newsletters. Children are invited to contribute objects towards the interest table each day and parents can share their expertise. The nursery monitors the effectiveness and quality of care and education by distributing questionnaires and acts quickly on any suggestions or comments made by parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• the activity planning for the outdoor area.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has made very good progress following the last inspection. Sessions have been monitored and improved to provide a more appropriate balance of activities that are initiated by children or directed by staff. There are free choice sessions where children can freely select from the resources stored on open shelves and engage in craft or role-play.

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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: Very Good Children show curiosity and are keen to take part in new activities. They demonstrate high levels of concentration when completing their tasks and confidence in their self-care by freely choosing their activities, putting on shoes, or independently pouring drinks and washing up cups. Children are building strong relationships with the staff and show care and concern for each other. They share equipment, take turns and act as break or weather monitors to help the staff.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children confidently communicate with staff, visitors and each other. They talk about their experiences and are building up a vocabulary that reflects the breadth of their experiences. Children recognise letters and link sounds to letters in simple words. They write or engage in mark making during their everyday play and can recognise and write their names. Books are available for enjoyment and children learn about authors and illustrators and respond enthusiastically to stories read to them.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children can confidently count to ten and some can count beyond this. They recognise numerals on resources in their everyday play and through the nursery routine. Good use is made of resources to develop an awareness of addition, subtraction and positional language through practical activity. They use mathematical language to describe, sort and compare size, shape and quantity. During planned activities they learn about number problems, patterns and symmetry.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children's investigative and exploratory skills are well used as they explore the properties of sand and water, observe the growth of sunflowers or cook popcorn. Many opportunities are available for children to make models using construction toys or recycled materials. Children have access to a computer and other technology such as remote control cars. They develop ideas of the past, a sense of place and awareness of other cultures from the stimulating range of themes and topics.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show a good awareness of space as they move around inside or outdoors. Challenges are offered so that children can practice and refine their skills using small and large equipment. They enjoy using the parachute and manoeuvring sit and ride toys. Children can handle and explore tools, objects and malleable materials effectively and with safety. Health and bodily awareness is discussed; children learn about healthy food and the need to clean their teeth through the daily routine.

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PHYSICAL 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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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children enthusiastically explore colour, shape and texture in both two and three dimensions through stimulating craft activities. Children express their imagination through role-play with the excellent range of puppets and props. They effectively use their senses when using a memory box and capture experiences by making observational drawings. There are opportunities to play with musical instruments and children respond expressively to sound in music and movement activities.

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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 high quality. Children are making very 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

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • There are no significant weaknesses to report, but consideration should be given to improving the following: • consider how the activities in the new outdoor area can be planned to maximise the children's learning experiences in all areas.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

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

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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