Clapham Montessori

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/11/2004 Inspector Name Arda Halls

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Clapham Montessori Setting Address St Paul's Community Centre St. Paul's Church, Rectory Grove London SW4 0DX

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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

Clapham Montessori operates on the first floor of St Paul's Community Hall, in the London Borough of Lambeth. The nursery comprises of a first floor room plus a large hall on the ground floor which is used for physical and musical activities. The kitchen, dining area and children's toilets are also situated on the ground floor. The children have access to an adjacent garden area. The group operates from 09.15 to 15.45, Monday to Friday, term time only. Both part time and full time places are offered. The nursery cares for up to 20 children. There are currently on roll nine funded 3 and 4-year-olds. Some of these children speak English as an additional language. There are currently no funded children with identified special educational needs. Four staff work with the children. They adhere to Montessori teaching principals and hold Montessori teaching qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Clapham Montessori provides satisfactory care for children aged 2-5 years. The Nursery is organised with qualified Montessori teachers with a high ratio of staff to children. Children are not grouped, but encouraged to be independent and work at their own pace. The physical environment offers access to the necessary facilities for a range of Montessori activities to promote development. There are sufficient materials conducive to this teaching method creating an accessible and stimulating environment. Records are accessible and stored in a secure setting and there are effective arrangements to share records with parents at a mutually convenient time.

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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 Children are safe and well cared for. Positive steps are taken to address safety issues within the setting. Staff promote good health and hygiene by appropriate hand washing although some attention is needed in the kitchen and adjoining area used by children for lunch and physical play. Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities to meet their needs. The staff actively promote equality of opportunity and differences of children are acknowledged and valued. The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and takes steps to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting. Effective child protection procedures are in place to make staff aware of child protection issues. Activities contribute to children's development. A range of Montessori activities help

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How good is the Day Care?

children progress in all areas of their development. The teaching system is particularly suitable to reflect positive images of different cultures, ethnicity, gender and disability. The environment is adapted to help any child, whatever his or her ability to take part in activities. Strategies for dealing with children's behaviour are appropriate and consistently applied. There is a partnership with parents with effective arrangements to share children's records.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Details of daily attendance. Security of the nursery. Written procedures to ensure children's safety when using the adjacent church grounds. Safe radiators.

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What is being done well?

• There is sufficient childcare staff allowing adults time to work directly with the children. • Materials are stored at a level which allows equipment to be accessed easily. • The availability of food and drink meets individual children's needs at all times. • Materials and resources are adaptable to ensure the special needs of children are met.

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What needs to be improved?

• The door to the children's toilets. • Edges of rug to be secure.

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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

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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 6 Ensure kitchen and ground floor hall are cleaned to a satisfactory standard and electric wires made safe / inaccessible to children. 6 Ensure children are escorted on stairways at all times. 6 Ensure door to toilet is made safe.

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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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