Little Learners

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/02/2005 Inspector Name Julie Biddle

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Learners Montessori Nursery House Setting Address 45 Whitchurch Gardens Edgware Middlesex HA8 6PF

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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

Little Learners Montessori Nursery opened in 2004. It operates from one room in a residential home. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 13 children on roll. This includes funded three and four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery opens 5 days a week for 48 weeks a year. Sessions are from 08.00 until 18.00. A kitchen and laundry are on site. There is a safe secure garden available for outside play. Three staff work with the children, this includes the manager/owner. All the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The nursery works within the Montessori framework. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Learners Montessori nursery provides good care for children.

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How good is the Day Care?

The setting is well staffed with staff holding relevant childcare qualifications, the manager has a commitment to further training and encouraging staff to access training. The staff have an understanding of ensuring the children's safety both inside and outside the nursery, however risk assessments are not recorded. Staffing levels ensure children are effectively supervised at all times. Staff have a good understanding of health and hygiene practices within the nursery environment to prevent the spread of infection. Staff have current first aid training.

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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 Plans ensure children have opportunities to access a range of resources and play equipment that are stimulating and fun. The range of activities provided offer an appropriate level of challenge to children and encourage independence. Effective procedures are in place to ensure the individual needs of the child are recorded and met. Staff are focussed and interested in working directly with the children. Positive interaction with children is evident throughout the setting. Policies and procedures are thorough, and consistently applied throughout the setting. A range of resources and activities are aimed at promoting positive images of culture, gender, religion and disability. Staff have food hygiene qualifications, food prepared on site is varied nutritious and meets the dietary needs of all the children.

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How good is the Day Care?

Manager and staff have a positive attitude to caring for children with special needs. Manager and staff are consistent when managing children's behaviour, all children are praised. Parents are included in issues regarding behaviour management. Parents receive good information about the setting and their children progress. They are actively encouraged to take part in nursery activities.

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What is being done well?

• Staff plan activities that are fun and stimulating. • Children are happy and confident in the setting. • Hygiene practices in place prevent the spread of infection. •• Parents are included and encouraged to be part of the life of the nursery. • The behaviour policy is appropriate for the ages in the setting, staff are consistent with children giving lots of praise.

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What needs to be improved?

• the maintenance and written documentation of risk assessments • the provision of fire exit labels, in line with advice given by the Fire Safety Officer.

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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 risk assessments on the premises identify and record actions to be taken to minimize identified risks. 6 Make sure fire exit is labelled in line with advice given by the Fire Safety Officer.

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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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