The Oval Montessori Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/07/2003 Inspector Name Debra Davey

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name The Oval Montessori Nusery Setting Address Vauxall Park Fentiman Road London SW8

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Jane Louise Norwood Address 8 Russell Grove London SW9 6HS

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

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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 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.

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Information about the setting

Oval Montessori opened in the current premises in May 2002. It operates from a single storey building on the edge of Vauxhall. There are two classroom areas, free art area, home corner area, reception/office, children/adult toilet and washing facilities, mini kitchen and an enclosed outdoor play area. Oval Montessori is registered for a maximum of twenty children aged two to under five years old. This nursery receives funding for three and four year olds. They use the Montessori teaching methods in line with the Early Learning Goals. There are no funded children attending with additional needs or English as an additional language. The operational hours are from 09.15 to 16.30 (16.15 after the Autumn half term to Spring half term, to coincide with the park early closure) Monday to Friday term time only. Staff are fully qualified in Montessori teaching and early years childcare and education.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Oval Montessori Nursery provides good quality day care for children aged 2 - 5 years. The nursery is warm and welcoming and staff form good relationships with children to make them feel secure and help them learn. Children respond well to the high expectations of staff and behaviour is good. The approach to nursery education is using the Montessori method of learning and staff provide a stimulating range of activities that encourage children explore, investigate and practice what they have learnt. Parents are welcomed in to the nursery and encouraged to become involved in their

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 child's learning through a range of planned activities, newsletters and the regular exchange of information about their child's progress. Staff give high priority to ensuring children are safe both inside and outside the nursery. They consistently carry out the procedures outlined in the comprehensive safety policies.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first annual inspection since the provision was newly registered at these premises.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide caring and positive role models for children and communicate effectively. They engage in fruitful discussions with children in an environment where all are encouraged to participate and have fun. • Children respond well to the praise and encouragement of staff in an environment where rules are clearly understood and they are expected to behave well. Children are taught to communicate and negotiate with one another, enabling them to become confident learners with minimal disruption • Staff work well in partnership with parents by providing regular newsletters that detail activities, written progress reports and inviting parents into the nursery to see what happens during the session.

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What needs to be improved?

• the range of play materials that help children develop positive images of disability and race

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE 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

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 9 develop range of materials to promote disability and race.

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

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How effective is the nursery education?

The Oval Montessori Nursery offers good quality provision, which helps children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good and staff demonstrate a sound understanding of the foundation stage making particularly good use of time and resources to support children's learning. Staff plan with good effect and provide a challenging and valuable child centred approach to teaching resulting in children who are confident and motivated to learn. Teaching is led by children's individual needs and abilities and informed through regular assessments. This allows a steady progression through the stepping stones towards the early learning goals. Leadership and management is very good and the two staff members are a committed team who perform well. They have worked hard to ensure that the group remains small in number to devote time and attention to each child. They work with

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How effective is the nursery education?

Lambeth EYDCP in a process of self -evaluation and intend to take advantage of training opportunities to update their skills. The partnership with parents and carers is very good and contributes to children's progress towards the early learning goals. Parents are well informed about the nursery activities and routines. They share their knowledge of their child with staff through parents' evenings and open days and regularly discuss their child's progress. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child's learning through the excellent range of topics and themes that form a link between home and nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide a child centred environment, which challenges the children and allows them to build on what they know and can already do. Staff know children well and the ethos of the nursery reflects and celebrates children's individual experiences and interests. • Leadership is very strong and the teachers consistently monitor and evaluate the provision for nursery education. • Staff develop good partnership with parents by providing ongoing information about nursery activities and regular feedback about their child's achievements.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for children to develop their large motor skills, practice running, hopping and skipping, balancing and spatial awareness. • opportunities for children to use their imagination in everyday activities and

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

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Improvements since the last inspection have been generally good. The challenging and child centred environment, which staff have nurtured, encourages the children to build on what they know and can do. Staff know the children well and keep regular records of their progress to extend their abilities and interests. Staff have high expectations of the children and are not afraid to tackle difficult concepts. They regularly involve children in fruitful discussions and ask appropriate questions to encourage them to think, estimate and work through problems. There have been some improvements made in the provision of an imaginative play area for children to encourage role play although progress is still being made to ensure that it is seen as an area of learning rather than recreation. There is a clear action plan in place to ensure that the outdoor area is included in the planning for children's physical

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What has improved since the last inspection?

development. However, because the nursery is now situated in a park, staff are sensitive as to the impact this may have on other park users.

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

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in personal, social and emotional development in a child centred environment where children are confident learners, form strong friendships and treat one another with care and respect.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in communication, language and literacy. They communicate well and are supported by accessible materials and a range of purposeful activities, which encourage them to think through and communicate ideas. Staff use phonics consistently well to help children understand the sounds that letters make.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in mathematical development using a range of cross curricular activities which strengthen their ability to problem solve and consolidate ideas about number operations, quantity and space.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children make generally good progress in knowledge and understanding of the world through well planned projects and activities to stimulate their interest and develop their understanding of the world around them. However, there are sometimes, too few opportunities for children to access technological resources, construct and build.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children make generally good progress in physical development using a range of challenging equipment to develop their fine motor skills. There are fewer planned activities for children to develop their large motor skills.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children make generally good progress in creative development and are able to express themselves through mixed media and sensory activities. There are sometimes too few opportunities for children to use their imagination through role play and pretend activities.

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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

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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.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • Improve planning for physical play to ensure that children make progress in their large motor skills. • Use the range of freely chosen activities to develop and consolidate children's creativity and imagination.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

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.

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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

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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; 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.

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

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