Malvern, the Grove Infants' School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/02/2004 Inspector Name Josephine Rayner

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Sunshine Montessori School Setting Address Downley Memorial Hall High Street,Downley High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 5XG

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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

Sunshine Montessori School opened in August 1997. It is a privately owned provision. It operates from the Downley memorial hall with use of the main hall, a small lobby, a walk in storage area, toilet facilities and a small enclosed outdoor play area. It serves the local community and surrounding villages. There are currently 48 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 30 funded 3 and 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens Monday to Friday during school term times. Sessions are from 09:00 until 12:00 and 12:15 until 14:45. Eight part-time and full-time staff work with the children. Half of the staff have early years qualifications to level 2 or 3. Other staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Sunshine Montessori School provides good quality care for children. Good use is made of the space available and the provision is warm and welcoming to children. The school is well organised. Effective use is made of the staff and resources to ensure all the children are well cared for. Staff ensure that resources are available to enable children to take part in a wide variety of activities. There is a range of procedures and safety measures in place to ensure children are protected, safe and the premises do not pose a hazard. Staff follow good hygiene practices and encourage children to learn personal hygiene habits. Healthy eating is promoted through the snacks and drinks provided; these are available at all times. The staff provide a good balance between child-initiated and adult-led activities. Creative and imaginative play is enjoyed and opportunities for physical play are offered. The staff know the children well and take into account their individual needs.

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How good is the Day Care?

The children respond well to praise and encouragement. The staff manage children's behaviour well and develop children's confidence and independence. There is a good partnership with parents. They are kept well informed about the

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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 daily activities and are very happy with the care provided. All required polices, procedures and parental consents are in place but sometimes lack the necessary details.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to: review the complaints procedure to include Ofsted's contact details; familiarise herself with the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures and for staff to undertake child protection training; undertake risk assessments; provided a medication record book; and ensure that instant hot water heaters are installed. The complaints policy has been reviewed, but still lacks detail. The provider has obtained guidance to the ACPC procedures and some staff have undertaken child protection training; others are about to complete this training. Risk assessments are undertaken. All medication given is now recorded and hot water heaters have been installed.

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What is being done well?

• The physical environment has been organised with due regard for children's health and safety. Good use is made of space, resources, and equipment to give children a stimulating and interesting range of activities. • Staff interact well with the children and take time to talk, listen and ask them questions. The children eagerly take part in activities and the staff keep useful observational records. • Children's behaviour is managed in consistent and age-appropriate ways. The children are well occupied. They are given plenty of praise and encouragement and respond well to staff's requests, for example, to share and clear away toys. • The children enjoy the freedom to choose when to eat and drink the healthy snacks offered. • Parents are kept well informed about the setting through the parent's notice board, regular newsletters and weekly activity plans. Children's achievements are recorded and staff are available to talk to parents at the beginning and

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What is being done well?

end of each session. Termly parents meetings are held.

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What needs to be improved?

• policies and procedures, so that the complaints policy makes clear Ofsted's role as the regulator and provides details of how parents may contact Ofsted, and the child protection policy is revised to set out the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member • documentation, to ensure an accurate record is kept of children's arrival and departure times and of when visitors are present.

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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 14 Keep an accurate record of children’s arrival and departure times and of visitors. 14 Update the procedure to be followed in the event an allegation of abuse being made against a staff member and make sure the complaints policy details how parents may contact Ofsted if they have a concern.

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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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