Tilsworth Montessori School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 06/07/2004 Inspector Name Lynne Kathleen Talbot

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Tilsworth Montessori School Setting Address The Leys Dunstable Road, Tilsworth Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 9PU

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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

Tilsworth Montessori School is registered to care for 20 children aged 2 to under 5 years of age. The admissions policy states that children are accepted at two years and six months of age. The school is situated within private grounds adjacent and attached to a private residential property. The premises are in the village of Tilsworth and the school serves the local area. Facilities available include one large school room, the sole use of a kitchen and toilets. There is an extensive and fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The group offers five sessions to every child during school term times. Opening hours are 09:15 to 12:15. Afternoon sessions will be offered as numbers and staffing dictates. There are two full time staff working with the children. Both staff members have early years qualifications equivalent to NVQ level three or above. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare

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Information about the setting

Partnership and is registered to receive funded three and four year olds. At present four children attend who receive such funding. The philosophy of the group lies in the Montessori teaching methods.

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How good is the Day Care?

Tilsworth Montessori School provides good quality care for children. They demonstrate that they have a good knowledge of the National Standards and the supporting criteria and they are able to implement them in the best interests of the children. Children are able to develop within a setting that is inviting, stimulating and offering facilities that support development across all areas of the Early Learning Goals. It is well-organised with both space and the materials in line with Montessori philosophy, and other materials, being used imaginatively. A high awareness of risks to children's health and safety is shown with a minor

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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 aspect identified for future consideration. Policies and procedures are understood and have a positive effect on the children attending. Child Protection procedures are understood and planned, continued development of knowledge in this area is identified as a recommendation. The group has clear procedures for ensuring that children's individual needs are recognised and planned for. Continued development of understanding of legislation related to disabilities and the role of a SENCO will further develop the group. Children are making good progress in all aspects of their development. Staff work well as a team, sharing a common purpose and they are fully involved in planning, evaluating and developing practice. Regular observations are completed recognising each child's individuality and

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How good is the Day Care?

sharing ideas for progression with parents. Relationships with parents benefit from clear information sharing and assist the group in building warm and trusting relationships. Invitations to spend time within the group are given to parents with summary comments sheets forming the basis of effective feedback from parents and self-evaluation by the staff group.

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What is being done well?

• Children's learning and play is supported through clear understanding of the Montessori approach and use of materials, clear links are shown with the Stepping Stones and Early Learning Goals. They take part in a wide range of activities where their all-round development is promoted effectively. Children are enabled to explore and discover the meaning in play activities and the world around them through new experiences offered with gentle support from the adults present. • This environment is warm and welcoming to children and parents offering space where children's independence is promoted. Accessible and purpose designed facilities for personal hygiene enable children to develop that independence with limited support needed. Choice, and responsibility for materials and their environment, is supported through a well-organised practical environment . • Positive and comprehensive steps are taken to ensure that safety is

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What is being done well?

maintained throughout all areas used by the group. Staff show good knowledge of the setting's policies and procedures for health and hygiene, and a commitment to adhering to the agreed procedures. Children learn about the importance of personal health and hygiene. They are developing independence in this area and carrying out personal hygiene with little support or prompt needed.

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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 • Tilsworth Montessori School are committed to equality for all children. They have established an environment within which children learn about equality through play activities. They have clearly documented procedures showing a good understanding of the relevant legislation governing this area of care. The provision is carefully organised to ensure that all children have equal access to resources and learn to respect the rights of others. Children's needs as individuals are carefully monitored with methods used to ensure that updated information is obtained regularly enabling them to meet those needs.

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What needs to be improved?

• the training for staff in first aid to ensure that a staff member is always available • the information sources on legislation regarding the Disability Discrimination Act and staff knowledge of the role of the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) • the further understanding of staff regarding child protection procedures in line with the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC).

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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 10 continue to develop the role of a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and knowledge of staff in the care for children with special needs 10 ensure that appropriate action can be taken when a child has been identified as having special needs - refers to procedures relating to special educational needs and disabilities 13 continue to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection

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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 issues 7 develop a plan to ensure that at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate will be on the premises at all times to cover for any staff absence

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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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