Keser Torah Boys' School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/11/2003 Inspector Name Annette, Marie Carter

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Littlewick Green Montessori School Setting Address School Lane Littlewick Green Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 3QY

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name L G Montessori School Ltd Address C/O Littlewick Green Montessori School School Lane, Littlewick Green Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 3QY

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

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 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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Littlewick Green Montessori Day Nursery has been registered for many years. The current owner took over in 1999. It is a privately run nursery situated in an original school house in the village of Littlewick Green. The nursery serves the local community. There are currently 82 children from two to five years on roll. This includes 18 funded three year olds and 15 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery currently supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week for 48 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 08:00 until 17:45. Twelve staff work with the children which includes four part-time and seven full time staff. Five members of staff are qualified Montessori teachers and all of the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. One staff member is currently studying NVQ level 3 in childcare, and two students are currently completing their

p.2

Information about the setting

Montessori placements. The nursery also employ a cook and a cleaner. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Littlewick Green Montessori provides satisfactory care for children. The environment is warm and welcoming to both children and parents. The children's work is displayed creatively throughout the setting, and notice boards contain relevant and useful information for parents. Staff make good use of the space and the organisation of the setting encourages children to develop independence. The staff follow set policies and procedures but some of the existing documentation is lacking the required detail.

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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 The group takes positive steps to promote hygiene by raising children's awareness and encouraging children to develop independence in their personal care. The majority of staff have attended relevant first aid training. However no staff have had appropriate training needed to administer specialist medication which some individuals require. Many of the necessary safety precautions have been taken to minimise potential hazards, but some still remain to be addressed. Staff are aware of child protection procedures and the appropriate steps to be taken if concerned about a child's welfare. The staff organise and plan a good range of interesting and stimulating opportunities for the children, and promote the Montessori method of learning. The children have

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

access to a wide range of resources which provides suitable challenges for a range of abilities. Children with special needs are well supported and all children are treated with equal concern. Policies and procedures are effectively shared with parents, and the setting has also produced a regular newsletter and parents file, which contains useful local information. Staff give brief verbal feedback to parents when they collect their child, and progress meetings are provided termly at the parents request.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The resources are organised effectively to create an accessible and stimulating environment. • The provision is warm and welcoming to both parents and children. • The children's learning and play are well supported by staff, and sufficient challenges and stimulation are provided. • Staff encourage children's independence during basic hygiene routines. • Staff have a good understanding of the children's individual needs, which they cater for appropriately.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the safety precautions, to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to minimise potential hazards identified at inspection; • the staff training, to ensure a suitable number of staff receive appropriate training from a qualified health professional, to equip them to administer individual specialist treatment/medication which requires technical/medical

p.3

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 knowledge; • the complaints procedure which is accessible to parents, to include the address and telephone number of the regulator; • the child protection policy, to include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer;

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 ensure reasonable steps are taken to minimise potential hazards identified at inspection; 7 ensure a suitable number of staff receive appropriate training from a qualified health professional, to equip them to administer individual specialist treatment/medication; 12 ensure the complaints procedure, includes the address and telephone number of the regulator; 13 ensure the child protection policy includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer;

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

p.4

How effective is the nursery education?

Littlewick Green Montessori School offers good quality provision which helps children make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The provision for personal, social and emotional development, knowledge and understanding of the world and creative development is very good. Teaching is generally good with some very good aspects. Staff's sound knowledge of the early learning goals enables them to provide an interesting and appropriate range of practical activities which are linked to the Montessori Ethos. There is a good assessment system in place which is used to check and record children's progress towards the early learning goals. Some staff are effective in their use of explanation and questioning to encourage children's thinking. Opportunities are missed for children to write, count and calculate in everyday situations. Children behave well in response to the high expectations and support of staff. There are

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

effective systems in place to support children with special needs and those who have English as an additional language. Leadership and management is very good. There is a good staff team is in place who provide a well planned stimulating environment where children learn through a wide range of activities. Good opportunities are provided for staff training and development and staff are committed to the improvement and quality of care and education. Partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Staff have good relationships with the parents and carers. They are informed about the activities and routines via newsletters, notice board and prospectus. Systems are in place to inform parents of children's progress however some parents do not find this is communicated effectively or on a regular basis.

p.5

What is being done well?

• Children's personal, social and emotional development is very good. They develop very good relationships with staff and each other. They are developing very good independence skills and show good levels of concentration when working together and independently. Children behave well and respond positively to the praise and encouragement offered by staff. • Staff create a well planned stimulating environment were children learn through a wide range of activities. • Leadership and management is very good. Staff work well as a team and are committed to the improvement of nursery education.

p.5

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 • opportunities for children to practice their emergent writing in a variety of everyday practical situations; • opportunities to challenge children to explore number and simple calculation through everyday practical situations; • communication, to ensure parents receive regular feedback regarding their child's progress.

p.5

What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting has made generally good progress since the last inspection and most weaknesses have been addressed. However feedback on children's progress still needs to be addressed.

p.6

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

p.6

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children develop very good relationships with staff and others. They are developing very good independence skills and show good levels of concentration when working together and independently. Children behave well and respond positively to the praise and encouragement offered by staff.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children communicate and listen well to each other and staff. They are learning that print carries meaning and is read from left to right. Children are confident in recognising letters and sounds. There are missed opportunities for children to practice emergent writing in everyday situations however planned activities to promote writing skills were appropriate.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Most children can count confidently to ten and beyond. They are beginning to recognise numerals between one and nine, in and out of sequence. However opportunities are missed for simple calculation and counting in everyday practical situations. Children have opportunities to explore shape and size through a range of practical activities.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident users of the computer and cassette players. They have developed a good understanding of time and talk confidently about events in their own lives and know the nursery routines well. Children have a growing awareness of other cultures and traditions.

p.7

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children have the opportunity to use a range of tools and activities to enhance their physical development. Children show good co-ordination and special awareness. They move with control in movement activities and along balancing beams. Many children are confident in their use of tools which develop fine motor skills; scissors, peg boards, tongs.

p.7

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

p.7

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children enjoy and participate enthusiastically in group singing time and music and movement sessions. They have opportunities to express themselves freely in art and craft activities. Children are able to express their imagination in a variety of situations and staff provide opportunities for them to act out scenarios; space ship.

p.8

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

p.8

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.

p.9

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• increase opportunities for children to practice emergent writing in a variety of everyday practical situations. • increase challenges for children to explore number and simple calculation through everyday activities. • improve systems to share information effectively and regularly with parents. 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.

p.9

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

p.9

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.10

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.10

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.

p.10

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.11

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.11

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.11

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.11

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

p.11