Chapel Grange Montessori Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/10/2003 Inspector Name Rachel Ruth Britten

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name CHAPEL GRANGE MONTESSORI NURSERY Setting Address Chapelstead, Dean Row Road Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 2BU

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name . Chapel Grange Montessori Nursery Ltd

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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

Chapel Grange Montessori Nursery is a 28 place day care facility for children aged two to five years, which is run according to the Montessori philosophy. The nursery is open from 08:00 until 18:00 and is split into an a.m. and a p.m. session. Children may attend from three sessions per week up to full time. The building used is a former chapel which has been converted to provide one main activity room, and a smaller activity room used by the younger group for individual work. There is also an entrance/cloakroom; a toilets and changing room; an office; and a kitchen. There is a fenced and gated rear and side play area, and the staff frequently escort children into the fields for discovery trips. The nursery has some funded places and uses the step by step profiles alongside Montessori progress sheets. It is able to meet the requiremnets of the Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum, as well as offering a different basis and approach

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Information about the setting

to learning according to the Montessori methods. Most of the staff employed in the Nursery have NNEB or national child care qualifications, as well as the Montessori Diploma.

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How good is the Day Care?

Overall the day is judged to be good. The organisation of the day care is good, with comprehensive policies and procedures which adhere fully to the National Standards. The daily register system generally works well, although the parents signing in system is not completely reliable. The setting is welcoming and well set out, with high equipment levels and accessibility of all activities to the children. New items of domestic toys will soon be purchased, and improvements to the outside play area are envisaged. The office remains cramped and there are no other staff room facilities, although office systems remain well organised.

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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 safety and care of children is generally good, with an emphasis upon children being involved in maintaining themselves and their environment in a clean, safe and tidy condition. Hygiene and health matters are also part of the curriculum, and supported by good hygiene promotion by the staff. Meals are nutritious, and drinks available continuously, with special diets catered for in an inconspicuous way. Nominated staff have made special needs and child protection a specialism and have undertaken appropriate training in these areas. The range and quality of activities are good and children appear to be progressing well having opportunities to participate in all parts of the daily routine, as well as in choosing their learning activities. Behaviour is generally good, reinforced by clear

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How good is the Day Care?

instructions and help from staff for children to deal with the consequences of their actions. Children with special needs are welcomed into the setting, and the individual approach means that they will have equal opportunities to access the full range of activities. Partnership with parents appears strong, with relevant information being exchanged both verbally and in writing. Parents are encouraged to feedback views on the topics covered and the effects on their children, as well as getting regular written reports.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Eight actions were raised at the last inspection which have been satisfactorily acted upon: Records of vehicles and drivers have been made, so that children are safely transported. Fire drills are carried out monthly so that all children and staff are familiar with the evacuation process. Minimum staff ratios are kept to so that children are adequately supervised and kept safe. Incidents of physical intervention by staff will be recorded on an accident/incident sheet, so that parents are made aware and there is a record if a staff member has had to restrain a child to prevent a danger or emergency. A no smoking policy has been specified in the policy document so that all persons are clear that there shall be no smoking. The complaints procedure gives the contact address and phone number for the regulator so that parents are sure where they would take a complaint to if not satisfied by the internal system.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Parental permission has been obtained for the seeking of emergency treatment through the addition to the consent form so that this is ready for use if the need should arise. Up to date child protection advice has been obtained so that staff are properly

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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 informed in this area.

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What is being done well?

• staff are well qualified in child care, Montessori, and First Aid, and have undertaken relevant training to become more specialised in areas such as special needs and child protection • policies, procedures, and activity planning are well developed and comprehensive so that the nursery runs smoothly and is safe • children make decisions, explore, and investigate, relate to others and their environment, and are interested and enjoy their play • the environment is welcoming and ordered, with all children being able to access all toys, materials, equipment and activities • health and safety are well attended to by staff who involve children in maintaining themselves and their environment in a clean and tidy way • food and drinks are healthy and nutritious, with special diets very well catered for, and a high degree of independence afforded to children in serving, eating, and clearing away after themselves.

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What is being done well?

• good behaviour is valued and encouraged, with children learning to deal with the consequences of their actions according to their age and understanding, this may be when being helped to clear up any mess if they drop something on the floor

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What needs to be improved?

• the system for keeping accurate arrival and departure times for children so that they are always correct in case of emergency or dispute • the contact information for staff, so that it is readily available in case of emergency • the accident record system so that parent signatures are always obtained on the day of an accident • the recording of complaints so that a log is kept

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Outcome of the 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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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 consider ways to ensure that arrival and departure times are correctly maintained for children attending the nursery in case of emergency. 3 ensure that contact information for staff members is stored somewhere where it could be available in an emergency. 7 ensure that parents are notified about any accidents on the day and that the forms are signed promptly. 12 ensure that a record is kept of complaints

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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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