Colebrooke Pupil Referral Unit

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/07/2004 Inspector Name Marcia Robinson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name St Andrews Montessori Setting Address Little Acorn Nursery Schools Ltd St Andrews Church,Thornhill Square,Islington London N1 1BQ

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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

St Andrew's Montessori is a private led organisation that has been registered since 1999. It is situated in St Andrew's Church in Thornhill Square in Islington. The nursery operates from a church hall that is divided into five classrooms. They also have access to a smaller hall, kitchen, office, separate toilet facilities for children and staff and a fully enclosed outside play area. The setting serves the local community. There are currently 50 children from 2 and a half to 5 years on roll. This includes 22 funded three year olds and 18 funded four year olds. The setting supports 2 children with special educational needs and 1 child for whom English is an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week, for either morning, afternoon or full day sessions. Morning sessions are from 08:45am to 12noon and afternoons sessions are from 13:00 to 15:00, except on Fridays when afternoon sessions are not

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Information about the setting

available. Six members of staff including the Principal and the Head Of Nursery are employed. All staff hold the Montessori Diploma and the Head of school holds the advanced Montessori diploma. The group is a Montessori accredited nursery and are members of Montessori Education UK.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Andrews Montessori offers good quality care for children. The setting employs a committed team of experienced and qualified staff. Children's play areas are well organised and set up to allow staff to work directly with the children. The environment is welcoming and used to its full potential to meet the children's needs. A good variety of age appropriate play materials and stimulating activities are creatively displayed and easily accessible to children. All records, policies and procedures are in place and well organised, however the register and equal opportunities policy lacks detail. The arrangements for health and safety are good in most areas with one minor weakness. Children are able to help themselves to fresh drinking water throughout the session. Staff provide children with a well balanced range of snacks but they do not currently hold food hygiene certificates. Children are allowed equal access to all

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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 the provision and practice within the nursery reflects a commitment to equal opportunities. The group has effective systems in place to support children with special needs and child protection procedures are implemented well and understood by staff. The range and quality of activities offered is good. Staff use effective planning and observational techniques to ensure that activities are stimulating and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. There is a balance between children choosing their own activities and those being directed by staff. Staff are responsive towards the needs of the children. They spend time playing, talking and listening to the children who in turn appear to be happy, settled and respond well to staff guidance. The partnership with parents and carers is good. Parents are made to feel very

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How good is the Day Care?

welcomed in the nursery. They are kept well informed about the provision, what their children are doing and how they are learning through various forms of communication.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the group agreed to update the complaints and equal opportunities policy, obtain a copy of the Code of Practice and the Area Child Protection Committee procedures, appoint a designated person for child protection and the management of behaviour and ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity. Most agreements have been met, further improving the organisation and care of the children. However, the equal opportunities policy needs updating further, therefore this has been raised again.

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What is being done well?

• The environment is welcoming and used to its full potential to meet the children's needs e.g. all play areas are well organised and set up to allow staff to work directly with the children. • A good variety of age appropriate play materials and stimulating activities are creatively displayed and easily accessible to children. • Staff use effective planning and observational techniques to ensure that activities are stimulating and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development, including a good balance between children choosing their own activities and those being directed by staff. • The partnership with parents and carers is good. Staff ensure they are kept well informed about their provision and their children. • Well written policies and procedures are in place and understood and implemented well by staff to ensure the smooth running of the nursery.

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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 • safety, regarding the display of fire procedures at all fire exit points; • health, regarding staff's knowledge and understanding of food hygiene regulations through attaining food hygiene certificates; • the written documentation contained in the daily attendance register for children and staff and the equal opportunities policy to be updated in line with guidance and legislation.

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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 Make sure you comply with recommendations made by the Fire Safety Officer. 7 Meet any recommendations made by the Environmental Health Officer. 14 Ensure written documentation of the daily attendance register for staff and children contains all required details and that the equal opportunities policy is updated in line with guidance and legislation.

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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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