The Montessori Children's House

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/12/2003 Inspector Name Christine Coleman

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Montessori Children's House Setting Address 34 Robin Hood Lane Sutton Surrey SM1 2RG

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of The Montessori Children's House

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Montessori Children's House Address 34 Robin Hood Lane Sutton Surrey SM1 2RG

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

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. 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.

p.2

Information about the setting

The Montessori Children's House opened in January 2003. It operates from a church hall with access to toilets and a kitchen. There are nappy-changing facilities. There is disabled access into the hall via a ramp and chair lift. There is a fully enclosed outdoor garden and play area. It is situated in a central area and serves the local community. There are currently seven children who are three or four years old on roll. This includes three funded three year-olds and one funded four year-old. Children attend for either the morning or afternoon session, or both sessions bringing a packed lunch. There is an effective system in place to support children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week during term-time from 09:00 to 16:00. Two full-time staff who have early years qualifications work with the children. The main focus is a Montessori curriculum, which is underpinned with the foundation

p.2

Information about the setting

stage curriculum. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The Montessori Children's House provides good care for children. The nursery provides a well-organised yet flexible routine to the day. Play activities are planned to provide a stimulating environment encouraging children's learning and development. The staff are trained and experienced. The staff to children ratio is good. Comprehensive written policies and procedures, which are being added to, underpin the day to day running. The nursery operates from a large hall which is divided into different play areas. There are suitable facilities for sleep and meals. The nursery provides a warm, welcoming and safe environment for children, and there are good standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The individual needs of children are attended to, equal opportunities are promoted, and any concerns about their welfare are discussed with parents. Any dietary restrictions are respected.

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 The nursery has a wide range of play resources and equipment, and items are regularly added to. Resources include items reflecting positive images of ethnicity, gender and disability. Activities are planned and include regular themes which children are encouraged to participate in creatively. Behaviour is managed well using consistent and positive methods. The nursery encourages a good relationship with parents and regular communication.

p.2

What is being done well?

• The Montessori Children's House provides a good ratio of staff to children with a high priority given to staff training. • The Montessori Children's House provides a flexible routine with a wide variety of activities to stimulate learning and development in a bright and welcoming environment. There are good play resources and equipment with suitable items made accessible to children in a planned way. • The Montessori Children's House provides a safe and hygienic environment with clear written policies and procedures ensuring efficient organisation. • The Montessori Children's House uses positive behaviour management methods which are shared with parents. • The Montessori Children's House encourages partnership with parents by having regular written and verbal communications with parents about their child's learning and development.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the written complaints procedure. • written procedures to include lost children.

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.3

CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.3

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 2 Add a written procedure for lost children. 31/01/2004

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 12 Add to the complaints procedure to include the name and telephone number of Ofsted as the regulator.

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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

p.6