Seedlings Montessori at Moorlands

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/01/2004 Inspector Name Judith Margaret Reed

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Seedlings Montessori at Moorlands School Setting Address Kesteven Way Southampton Hampshire SO18 5RJ

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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

Seedlings Montessori @ Moorlands opened in 2001. The day nursery and after school club runs from two rooms within Moorlands Infants school, in Bitterne, Southampton. There are currently 64 children from two years to nine years on roll. This includes 28 funded three year olds, and eight funded four year olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs, as well a one who speaks English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week for 48 weeks a year. The setting is open from 08.00 until 18.00 daily, and children attend for a variety of sessions. Six full time and part time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have Montessori qualifications or early years training, and one member of staff is working towards a recognised Montessori qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years

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How good is the Day Care?

The day nursery and after school club provides good quality full day care, and after school care for children. The staff have relevant training and experience in child care, and effective induction procedures are in place. The premises are accessible to all and well organised to meet the needs of the children. There are sufficient toys and equipment to promote children's learning in accordance with the Montessori philosophy. Records and documentation are maintained in a confidential manner. The setting is safe and secure. Staff have good awareness of safety issues, and risk assessments are reviewed regularly. Staff promote good hygiene routines. Children are offered snacks and drinks during the sessions, and staff need to ensure the nutritional value of all foods. The setting is able to accommodate children with special dietary needs, as well as those with special needs. Staff have a good knowledge of child protection procedures.

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How good is the Day Care?

Children are given freedom to choose activities. staff sensitively guide children to

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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 solve problems themselves, and children are encouraged to be independent learners. Staff treat children with respect as individuals, and are good role models. This promotes positive behaviour. Information is given to parents concerning their children, and the setting in regular news letters and open evenings.

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What is being done well?

• All staff have relevant skills and experience in caring for children, and the person in charge is particularly well qualified as well as very experienced. The organisational plan, and record keeping systems are accessible and informative. The space is sufficient for the numbers of children, and is organised to meet their needs, with facilities for disabled persons. Storage is accessible. Toys and equipment are stimulating and provide challenge to the different age groups of children. • The nursery environment is calm and harmonious. Staff set clear reasonable boundaries, children are well behaved and helpful. Children are able to move freely throughout the nursery. They are able to choose activities which are well prepared, and laid out on low shelving. Staff allow children time to focus on the process of learning rather than the end product. They sit alongside children and sensitively guide them, enabling them to solve problems for

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What is being done well?

themselves. The Montessori equipment allows children to work independently and they are able to sustain concentration without interruption. • Children are offered a stimulating range of accessible activities, that help them progress in all areas of their development. • The nursery and after school care are safe and secure, and staff review safety arrangements regularly. Access to the premises is monitored to ensure the safety of the children, and staff. Management have good understanding of child protection procedures. Good hygiene routines are encouraged and children are encouraged to keep the environment clean and tidy at all times. The nursery and after school care are able to cater for children with individual dietary requirements, and drinks are available throughout the sessions. Staff arrange the environment to enable all children to take part in the activities, and children are valued as individuals.

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What is being done well?

• Parents are kept informed about the provision through the regular newsletters as well as open evenings and policy information sheets.

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What needs to be improved?

• nutritional value of snacks provided for after school children.

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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 8 Ensure all snacks served to children are of good nutritional value.

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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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