Little Elms Montessori Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/10/2004 Inspector Name Anneliese Fox-Jones

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Little Elms Montessori Nursery Setting Address Elms Court Mutton Lane Potters Bar Herts EN6 2EN

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Little Elms Montessori Nursery

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Little Elms Montessori Nursery Address Elm Court Mutton Lane Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 3BP

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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

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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

Little Elms Montessori Nursery opened in 2004. It operates from Elm Court Youth and Community Centre. This is a large building accessed by many people living within the local neighbourhood, thus the nursery does have sole use of the building. The nursery have access to their own room which is light and airy, they also have direct access to a very large outside play area. The nursery serves both the local area and beyond, in particular Brookmans Park, Cuffley and Northaw and fosters the Montessori Educational approach, however they also provide more traditional methods of play, alongside this. There are currently 15 children on roll from 2 to under 5 years. This includes 4 funded three year olds and 2 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports a small number of children with special needs and English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during term time only. Sessions are from 09:20

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Information about the setting

until 12:00. A lunch club is provided from 12:00 until 12:50. A Mother and Toddler group is also offered on a Monday from 13:30 until 15:00. The Proprietors of the nursery both have early years training and experience of working with children in various settings. Two part time and 2 full time staff work with the children. The setting receives support from the Pre-school Learning Alliance (PSLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Elms Montessori Nursery provides good quality care for children. There is a bright, inviting and welcoming environment where children are happy and settled. Space is used effectively, with dedicated areas for different aspects of play and learning. The nursery provides a stimulating range of activities that promote the children's learning in all areas. Children involve themselves in conversations and relate well to each other and to adults in the setting. Staff ensure there is a busy and calm atmosphere. There is a good balance of adult-directed and child initiated activities, as well as opportunities for small and large group work. Adults interact well and engage themselves in the children's play, they show interest, encouragement and

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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 support. Children's individual needs are respected and accommodated, ensuring all children feel valued. Staff are attentive to health and safety issues, although two recommendations have been identified for improvement. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious snacks. Children also bring in and share various foods of their choice. However, drinking water is not available at all times. The nursery has an extensive range of polices and procedures and maintains the necessary documentation required to ensure the provision runs smoothly. Some documentation lacks up to date detail. Parents receive good information about the nursery and are made to feel welcome. Time is made available to speak to parents, as well as at the end of term to share children's achievements. Feedback is positive

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has completed the issues identified during their registration visit, which included the proprietors qualification certificates being sent to Ofsted, ensuring the toilet doors and sockets were made safe and providing suitable first aid equipment. All staff have completed an approved first aid course for young children and infants, there are operational procedures in place for the safe conduct of outings and evacuation procedures and fire log book maintained.

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What is being done well?

• Daily activities are well planned. Opportunities exist for children to explore Music, French and Yoga with peripatetic teachers. Children are also able to access equipment and resources independently. Montessori equipment is used to very good effect in this regard. Staff are well deployed, they work alongside the children offering support, encouraging discussion and developing their language. • Children are secure and happy within the calm environment. They fully engage themselves within the activities of singing and making musical instruments. Children know the routines well. Staff act as good role models, this in turn ensures children relate positively with each other and staff. • The setting is welcoming and inviting to all children and their families. Staff are caring and approachable. Parents speak positively of the group and are happy with the care and education that their child receives. • Children are provided with a good range of healthy and nutritious snacks.

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What is being done well?

Children's individual diets are taken into account. Children also have the opportunity to bring in and share different foods of their choice, enabling children to try a variety of foods which they may not be familiar with.

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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 • policies for uncollected children and special needs • procedures for recording visitors • the arrangements for making available; drinking water and fire evacuation procedures.

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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 2 Review the procedure for uncollected children and recording when visitors are present. 6 Ensure the procedures to be followed in event of a fire are clearly displayed at all times. 8 Ensure drinking water is readily available at all times. 10 Review the special needs policy, ensuring it is consistent with current legislation and guidance.

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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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