Chichester Montessori Limited

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/01/2004 Inspector Name Kerry Iden

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Chichester Montessori Limited Setting Address Vinnetrow Farm Business Centre Vinnetrow Road, Runcton Chichester West Sussex PO20 1QH

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Chichester Montessori Limited Address Vinnetrow Farm Business Centre Vinnetrow Road, Runcton Chichester West Sussex PO20 1QH

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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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 in accordance with the National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding; and that the nursery education for funded three and four year old children is of an acceptable quality. Inspection of nursery education also identifies strengths and weaknesses so that providers can improve the quality of educational provision and help children to achieve the early learning goals (elgs) by the end of the Foundation Stage. This inspection report must be made available to all parents. If the setting has been inspected previously, an action plan will have been drawn up to tackle issues identified. This inspection, therefore, must also assess what progress has been made in the implementation of this plan.

p.2

Information about the setting

Chichester Montessori Ltd has been registered since 1986 in a specifically designed building located in Runcton, near Chichester, West Sussex. The nursery has had new ownership since April 2002. The facility operates Monday to Friday all year round from 8am -6pm although sessional times are also offered. The nursery is set in a light, bright airy building with lots of space available to the children. There is an enclosed outside play space which includes a covered area and an all weather play surface. There are currently 50 children on roll, there are 23 funded three year old and 4 funded four year olds. There are no children with special needs and 3 children with English as an additional language. There are 6 full time staff and 3 part time staff, 5 of which hold suitable childcare qualifications and 2 of whom are currently working towards their qualifications. All staff either hold a first aid certificate or are booked onto a forthcoming training

p.2

Information about the setting

course. There are 2 staff who are named SENCO's, all staff have attended child protection training and 6 have completed basic food hygiene course. The nursery combines the foundation stage of learning with the Montessori method of teaching. The nursery are working towards the West Susses Kite mark accreditation and receive guidance from the local Early Years Development and Childcare partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The nursery provides good care. The facility is warm, spacious and very welcoming to children and adults. The staffing ratio's are high and staff hold suitable childcare qualifications with a high percentage also trained in first aid and food hygiene. There is an extensive range of play equipment available to the children, which is stored at child height to encourage independance and decision making. Detailed documentation is in place to support the efficient running of the nursery.

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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 Safety is promoted in the provision and emergency plans for fire and accidents are in place. There are suitable procedures in place to promote the well being of the children with good hygiene practices maintained. The nursery offer the children the chance to be independent regarding refreshments. The provider has a clear understanding of her responsibility regarding the protection of children. There is a wide range of play equipment available to the children which covers all the areas of learning. Staff were observed interacting well with the children and were interested in what they had to say. Children were being given the chance to sample many different ways of life with the use of quality play equipment, literature and

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

through group discussion. Behaviour is managed in a positive way to respect and care for each other as well as the nursery. The group works closely with the parents, they value their input within the nursery and keep them well informed of their child's progress. Detailed written information available.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff are suitably qualified, they were well deployed and worked well as a team. • Staff and children interact well with each other, children receive guidance and support when appropriate allowing them to develop self help skills. • Children have access to a large selection of good quality play equipment to cover all areas of learning. • The nursery offers the children a safe, secure environment with good procedures in place to protect the children. • Children are encouraged to become independent with regard to pouring their own drinks and getting their snacks. • There are good resources around the nursery that positively reflect the diversity of society. • Extensive records are made and kept to assist with best possible care and a partnership approach with other agencies to support children with special needs. • There is a calm atmosphere within the nursery, good behaviour is encouraged and children receive praise for their efforts.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Lots of written information given to parents when children start, good ongoing communication with parents. • Very clear, detailed recording in place and securely maintained supports the effective running of the nursery.

p.3

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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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.4

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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

p.4

How effective is the nursery education?

The provision for nursery education at Chichester Montessori is very good. It enables children to make good individual progress in all areas of learning. There is a high standard of teaching, leadership and management, and partnership with parents. Teaching includes many Montessori methods and equipment; staff are knowledgeable, calm and understanding; they communicate appropriately with children at all times. There is excellent planning which covers a broad curriculum and staff expertise is fully utilised. Staff have impeccable skills to manage children's behaviour and good experience of supporting children with special needs. They also strengthen systems of communication for children and parents for whom English is an additional language. The nursery provides valuable in-house training and team support, which contributes towards assessing the provision as a whole. The leadership and management of the nursery is thorough; there is a quiet

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

committed approach which is supportive of staff and parents. There are comprehensive appraisal systems to encourage the professional development of all staff and constructive, hands on involvement in teamwork. There are effective procedures for monitoring the provision, these give focus for future plans as well as helping all children to make progress. Parents and carers are welcomed in the nursery, they are provided with excellent information to support children's play and learning. Staff have a high level of awareness in obtaining accurate details about children to aid their settling in process. They are also innovative in their use of technology and provide parents with snapshots of children's progress; staff contribute individually through a key worker system to ensure that parents and carers are aware of how children understand and learn. Parents have access to an in-house library, they can liaise daily with staff and

p.5

What is being done well?

• Choice and variety of activities; children can access an excellent range of play equipment which includes many Montessori systems for learning, they can freely use all areas within the nursery and the majority of storage is at child height. • Teaching is exceptional throughout the nursery and encourages children's thinking processes; this is incorporated in all areas of learning and in the established independent routines. • Management and teaching is progressive; new experiences are introduced

p.5

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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and enjoyed by staff and children. • The introduction of themes and topics, which are fully extended to maximise children's enthusiasm and learning, and often reinforced by skilful questioning and reminding.

p.5

What has improved since the last 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

p.6

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good The nursery provides regular routines for children which include exceptional opportunities to develop personal independence and self care. Staff are excellent role models; they give individual children their full concentration when required and use calm and gentle explanation. They encourage confidence, self control and sharing in all activities. Effective planning is in place which includes the stepping stones for this area of learning and children's achievements are recorded.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good There are organised Montessori systems for introducing children to language; staff offer a rich variety of games, activities and equipment that enhance children's individual learning. Communication throughout the nursery is of a high quality; children are encouraged to use language for thinking and staff introduce and link new words with themes and topics, there is knowledgeable use of phonetics. There are thorough systems for planning, observation and assessment in this area of learning.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Full use is made of the wide range of Montessori equipment, to give balance and meaning to the basic concept of maths. Staff offer simple instructions and allow children to follow at their own pace when using practical equipment. Good questioning techniques are used to aid children in developing ideas to solve simple problems. Numbers are included in stories and rhymes and are well displayed throughout the nursery. Positive planning and assessment is in place.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good There are thorough opportunities for children to investigate and identify using all senses. Staff are skilful in encouraging children to participate and explore. Planning includes a wide variety of diverse cultural celebrations; the nursery draws on all resources available and provides links with the community. Staff excite and involve children by extending themes imaginatively. There are good records of observation and assessment.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

p.7

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children have ample indoor space for physical movement within daily nursery sessions and music and movement is part of the curriculum. Daily outside play is included and staff are involved in children's physical activities; they use opportunities to extend children's awareness of changes in their own bodies. Children handle all Montessori equipment, large and small; they learn to push, pull and manoeuvre independently. Planning and observation is effective.

p.8

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Staff encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings by providing and extending stimulating experiences; plans link activities with themes and topics. The daily circle time provides an opportunity for interaction, music, singing and rhymes; children are engaged and reminded, and learning is reinforced. Tools and materials to assist children in developing creative ideas are continually available.

p.8

Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

p.8

OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. The next inspection will take place in three to four years time.

p.9

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • Not applicable The provider must draw up an action plan within 40 working days of receipt of this report showing how the key issues detailed above will be addressed. The action plan must be made available to all parents and to the Local Authority if required. An evaluation of the action taken will form part of the next inspection of funded nursery education.

p.9

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

p.9

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.10

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.10

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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 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.10

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.11

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.11

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.11

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.11

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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

p.11