Ryecroft Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/10/2004 Inspector Name Anne Fox

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Beehive Montessori School Setting Address St Michaels Church Hall Sycamore Road Amersham Buckinghamshire HP6 5DR

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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

The Beehive Montessori School has been established since 1990. It moved to the current premises in 2001. It operates from a large hall and two smaller rooms in St Michael’s Church Hall, Amersham. The nursery is privately owned and serves the local area. There are currently 25 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 17 funded three-year-olds and 2 funded four-year-olds. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:15 until 12:15 with extended sessions on Wednesday and Friday until 14:45. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language and have systems in place to support children with special needs. Children are organised and educated according to the principles of the Montessori teaching method. There are 7 staff who work with the children. Over half the staff have Montessori

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Information about the setting

teaching qualifications equivalent to level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

The Beehive Montessori School offers good quality care for the children. Staff work well together as a team and high ratios of staff ensure children have good support and individual attention' if required. Staff organise space effectively providing a warm and welcoming environment. Most relevant documentation is in place although some lack the necessary detail. Staff are aware of safety issues and suitable precautions are taken to safeguard children both inside and outdoors. Staff encourage the children to be aware of personal hygiene and develop independence in their personal care. All staff are first aid trained, however they have not received training in the administration of emergency medication. Staff promote good standards of health and hygiene in their work and children are encouraged to become independent in their personal care. A good range of healthy meals and snacks are on offer throughout the session to

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How good is the Day Care?

encourage children's independence. Staff are aware of the children's individual

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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 needs and respond to them appropriately. Staff understand their responsibility to protect children and the appropriate procedures to follow if concerned about a child. There is a large range of good quality toys and activities easily accessible to the children. Staff use these effectively to support children's development in all areas of learning. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and praise and encouragement are used effectively to promote independence and good behaviour. There are effective procedures in place to share information with parents. Staff develop good relationships with the parents and are available at the beginning and end of sessions to give verbal feedback if required. Parents report they are happy with the care their children receive.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide a warm, welcoming and secure environment for the children and their parents; good use is made of both the indoor and outdoor areas by staff, the children move freely and with confidence. • Staff provide a range of activities and experiences for the children which are stimulating, interesting and help to promote all areas of development and learning. • Staff respond appropriately to children's individual needs, children are happy and settled in their environment, they are valued and respected. • Staff are experienced at managing the behaviour of children in this age group; children behave well, learn to be kind to others, and develop good social skills. • Staff develop good relationships with the parents, the parents are happy with the care and education their child receives, any information and concerns are shared.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation, so that written authorisation is obtained for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and permission is obtained from parents for all outings • training, so that a member of staff is on the premises who has received professional training in the administration of emergency medication • organisation, so that an accurate register is maintained of all persons on the premises and a list showing the full names of all staff is displayed on the parents notice board.

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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 7 ensure procedure in place for the administration of emergency medication 14 obtain written authorisation from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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