St Matthew's Montessori School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/09/2004 Inspector Name Vanessa Wood

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Allington Day Nursery (Kinder Groups Ltd) Setting Address Ash Grove Maidstone Kent ME16 0AB

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Kinder Groups Ltd Address Kinder House Solomon Road, Rainham Gillingham Kent ME8 8EB

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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

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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

Allington Day Nursery (Kinder Group Ltd) opened in 1997. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 66 children from three months to five years on roll and 68 children aged from five years to eleven years for the Out of School Club. The children attending the nursery includes 36 funded three year olds and one funded four year old. children attend for a variety of sessions. No children attend with special needs and no children attend who have English as a second language. The nursery and out of school club open five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07:30 to 18:00. Sixteen staff work with the children. Ten are qualified and one is currently on a training programme. The group receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Practice. The group is currently working towards the Kent Kite Mark Quality Assurance Scheme.

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How good is the Day Care?

Allington Day Nursery, Kinder Group Ltd, provides good quality of care for children. The group is well managed and there is a clear staffing structure. Staff are deployed effectively and are aware of their individual roles and responsibilities. They provide a warm, welcoming environment to enable children to feel secure. There is a wide range of activities, arranged in an attractive way that offer stimulating play opportunities to meet the needs of developing children. Children celebrate cultural festivals and have access to multi cultural toys. Furniture is child size and appropriate. Staff develop good relationships with children and manage behaviour well. They are sensitive to the individual needs of all children. Children are happy and approach staff with confidence. Staff are vigilant in ensuring children's safety. A risk assessment of the premises is

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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 completed on a regular basis and staff ensure the rooms are clean and all hazards have been made safe. Children are provided with a hot meal every day. A menu is planned for the week showing the healthy, nutritional meals available to the children. Staff have a good relationship with parents and take time to talk to parents when they collect children. Policies and procedures are in place but some lack the necessary detail.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery now provides a consent form for parents to sign giving staff permission to put sun cream on their children before going into the garden.

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What is being done well?

• A clear staffing structure is in place and staff work well as a team. • Organisation of the nursery is good ensuring children are well cared for. • Activities are planned to provide an interesting and stimulating balance of activities to promote children's development and leaning. • Staff are consistent in managing behaviour and value and encourage good behaviour. • A good working relationship is fostered with parents and all information is shared.

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What needs to be improved?

• the policies and procedures for the nursery; to ensure they reflect current legislation with regard to equal opportunities and child protection

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE 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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 14 Continue to update the policies for the nursery, ensuring the policy for equal opportunities and child protection reflect current legislation.

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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?

The provision for nursery education at Allington Day Nursery (Kinder Group) is acceptable and of high quality overall. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff have a good understanding of the foundation stage and know how to involve all children in activities. They arrange space imaginatively to encourage the children to make decisions and to be independent learners. Staff plan well balanced opportunities for the children to practise previously acquired skills, and help them to develop new ones. They explain things clearly and use questions that encourage children to think. There is a good balance of adult directed and child initiated activities in all areas. Staff are deployed well and use their time effectively to support children in their learning. They are skilled in observing and recording children's progress. They draw on these

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How effective is the nursery education?

assessments in planning what children need to learn next. The leadership and management of the nursery is very good. It is an established group where staff are committed to providing a high quality of care and education for all children. Staff understand their roles and responsibilities and work well as a team. They support each other well. Organisation and deployment of staff is good to ensure children are supported in their play. Staff review their practice regularly and attend courses to up date their knowledge. Partnership with parents is good. Parents are given regular information about the group through newsletters and all information is shared. They are encouraged to share any specific skills they have with the children at the nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Parents are welcomed into the group and encouraged to take an active role in their children's learning and make contributions to the children's assessments. • Staff use excellent strategies to promote good behaviour and consideration for others. They give children clear and consistent boundaries and help them understand the impact of unacceptable behaviour on others. • The curriculum is well planned and provides challenge for all children. Staff promote children's learning by providing good practical activities. There is a good balance of adult directed and child initiated activities. • Leadership and Management is strong with a commitment to provide a high standard of education and care for all 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

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What needs to be improved?

• the planning of large group sessions to ensure children are fully engaged.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has made very good progress since the last inspection when no significant weaknesses were found, but consideration should be given to improving the already good provision for mathematics by using routine activities, such as snack time to encourage children to solve problems. The group decided to ask more challenging questions during children's play activities and daily routines to encourage children to think about numbers and solving simple problems.

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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's confidence and self esteem are built up by staff who are sensitive to their needs and know them well. Behaviour management is good, children learn to co-operate with each other and learn from positive examples set by staff. Children are given clear information to make choices and are encouraged to be independent.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are keen to communicate with staff. They listen to stories and enjoy sharing books with staff. Children recognise their name and are able to explore opportunities to write with a variety of imaginative props. The nursery follows a recognised system to promote the understanding of the sounds and shapes of letters.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children can confidently count to five and some beyond. Their understanding of numbers is reinforced as they take part in routine tasks and play. Children show a developing understanding of shape and measuring and can use the correct language. Children have the potential to explore weight and capacity through resources such as sand and water.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are given the opportunity to construct from junk material and by using construction play materials. They have access to good resources for imaginative play which encourages them to understand the world they live in. There are good opportunities to learn about the natural world through themed topics. They have the opportunity to grow and nurture plants in the garden.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children enjoy access to a good range of equipment and well organised and planned outdoor play. The large and small play equipment is used imaginatively to encourage children to develop coordination, balance and a sense of space. Children also take part in well planned musical movement sessions.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Painting, music, art and craft provide children with excellent opportunities to use their imagination and build on their knowledge. Children learn about music through singing songs and rhymes and the use of musical instruments is built into the planned programme of activities.

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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 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: • continue with the commitment to evaluating the quality of teaching, especially with large group session to ensure all children are fully engaged.

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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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