St Michael's Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/06/2003 Inspector Name Denise Rosemary Olsson-Hildick

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Michael's Nursery School Setting Address Elm Bank Gardens Barnes London SW13 0NX

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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. Michael's School is a Montessori nursery offering sessional care term time only. The majority of the children attending the school live in the local community of Barnes. The school is located in a church hall and has sole use of the premises during nursery hours. The school is registered for 40 children aged 2 and a half to 5 years of age although the majority of the children are aged 3 to 5 years. All qualified staff have Montessori training and teaching and learning is based on the Montessori method.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Michael's Nursery provides a good standard of care. The environment is spacious, clean, warm, well maintained and appropriately furnished. Space is organised to allow children access to the entire premises (except the stage and kitchen) and the outside play space. The routine allows children opportunities for play, relaxation, outings and refreshments. Children are given nutritional snacks and care is taken to comply with parent's wishes. Their individual dietary needs are catered for in a sensitive manner and they are able to help themselves to a drink throughout the session. Staff ensure the environment is safe, however there is a need to carry out risk assessments in relation to the toilet areas and potential hazards within the children's reach. Children are kept safe on outings by the implementation of a policy that reflects good practice. Children understand and practice good hygiene procedures

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How good is the Day Care?

and staff are vigilant in addressing health matters. Staff have an understanding of child protection issues and their responsibilities relating to this, however a copy of the local child protection guidelines was not available on site. All staff has a warm relationship with children. All children are made welcome, their differences valued and their needs met regardless of gender, ethnic origin, background, ability, religion or language. The group ensures play materials reflect a positive image of people from minority groups. An equal opportunities policy is in place, but lacks some detail in relation to practice. Children with a disability or special need are warmly welcomed into and involved in the group. Staff manage 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 aspects of children's behaviour in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. Children understand and comply with clear, sensible boundaries. Parents are made welcome and invited to become involved in nursery life. Records and policies are up to date and reviewed regularly.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspections the action set were to ensure that children did not have access to fire safety equipment and to have a system in place to record incidents if required. Fire extinguishers are now stored out of children's reach and a system is in place to record incidents.

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What is being done well?

• The support and encouragement given to children to participate in activities of their choice. Learning is play based and takes place at the child's individual pace (standard 3). • The provision of an extensive quantity and range of toys that are safe varied and easily accessed. Materials and activities are suitable for children's ages, interests and abilities (standard 5). • The care taken to ensure all aspects relating to good health and hygiene are in place and staff are conscientious in promoting these (standard 7). • The provision of snacks, which are nutritious and varied, accommodating children's individual dietary needs. Care is taken to comply with parent's wishes (standard 8). • The commitment to the provision of play materials and activities, which are selected to reflect a positive image of culture, ethnic origin, gender and disability (standard 9). • The sensitive and age appropriate manner in which children's behaviour is

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What is being done well?

dealt with emphasising an empathy with others (standard 11). • The development of a warm, mutually respectful relationship with parents (standard 12).

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What needs to be improved?

• the arrangements to ensure children cannot lock themselves into the toilets (Standard 4); • the safety precautions relating to the kitchen and cleaning materials (Standard 6); • the need to extend the policy relating to Equal Opportunities (Standard 9); • the need to acquire a copy of the local child protection guidelines. (Standard 13).

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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 4 Ensure children are unable to lock themselves into the toilets. 6 Ensure children do not have access to cleaning materials and that heavy furniture does not pose a hazard. 13 Acquire a copy of the local Child Protection guidelines. 9 Develop the Equal Opportunity policy to include information relating to practice.

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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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