The Education Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/03/2005 Inspector Name Sandra Hornsby

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Creche Day Care, Sessional Day Care Setting Name Start Right Montessori Nursery School Setting Address Church House 1 The Green London N14 7EG

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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

Start Right Montessori Nursery operates in a church hall in Southgate in the London borough of Enfield. The nursery operates on a Monday, Tuesday, and Friday between the hours of 8.30am-3.00pm, and on Wednesday and Thursday between 8.30am-12.15pm, term-time only. 32 children between 2-5 years can attend at any one time. There were five members of staff working, and the majority qualified to a level 111, in childcare NVQ, NNEB and Montessori teaching. There were 23 children present during the inspection. The nursery support children with special needs. The group use a blend of Montessori, Piaget and the foundation stage, early learning goals in the way they teach the children.

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How good is the Day Care?

The nursery offers good care for the children. All staff have a relevant childcare qualification, which includes Montessori teaching and the NNEB, a recruitment procedure is in place. The staff interacted very well with the children, they sat with children and supported their activities, and gave praise and encouragement appropriately. The staff demonstrated a good understanding about the children in their care and what their individual needs are. The nursery is well organised into two different learning areas which the children can freely move between. The blend of Montessori, Piaget and the foundation stage, early learning goals enables the children to choose the way they learn, and will suit most children's styles and characters. It has policies and procedures which help the smooth running of the nursery. The physical environment is made interesting, warm and welcoming by free standing posters, activities, equipment and children's art work.

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How good is the Day Care?

There is a varied range of toys and equipment available to the children at all times, during free play and organised activities, including Montessori exercises. The staff use the equipment effectively to promote the children's development. All regulatory documentation is in place, but storage of confidential information needs to be reviewed. Staff have sound knowledge of managing behaviour, and working with children who may have special needs. There are designated staff who co-ordinate work in these areas. Some staffs' understanding of child protection was limited and recording of information needs to be reviewed. Food is supplied by parents, including snacks, but staff are aware of children who may have special diets and monitor what children have.

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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 The staff offered the children a stimulating play environment, and outside play is encouraged. Feedback from parents indicate a good working relationship. Parents are informed daily how their children have been.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no actions made at the last inspection.

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What is being done well?

• A varied range of activities were offered to the children, they are able to make choices and move freely between the two learning areas. There was very good staff/child interaction, staff sitting at activities and supporting the children's learning. (Standard 3, 5, 9) • The premises are made welcoming and interesting for the children by the way staff change the large church hall into two safe, busy, stimulating learning areas with free standing posters, children's art work and accessibility of activities. (Standard 4,6) • Initially staff work with parents to get to know child, inclusion of children is supported by staff, and children were treated respectfully, and staff demonstrated a good understanding about the children and what their individual needs were. Unacceptable behaviour was dealt with discreetly. (Standard9)

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What needs to be improved?

• knowledge and understanding about child protection, recording of concerns and storage of information. (Standard 13, 14)

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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 8 storage of children's packed lunches. 13 develop all staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. 13 develop understanding about recording and distinguishing the difference between, an accident, incident and existing injury. 14 ensure all records are stored inaccessibly and securely at all times.

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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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