Hidelow Grange School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/12/2004 Inspector Name Chris Banks

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care Setting Name Streatham Montessori Nursery & Day Care Setting Address 66 Blairderry Road London SW2 4SB

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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

Streatham Montessori Nursery for children aged between 2 and 5 years was registered in 1998. It occupies two floors of a converted residential property in the Streatham Hill area of SW2 and serves families from a wide catchment area. Children have access to four activity rooms and a garden play area. The nursery operates 5 days a week from 08:00 - 18:00 and is open 49 weeks a year. Children can attend a variety of sessions. There are currently 34 children on roll. This includes 15 children aged 3 years and 3 children aged 4 years who receive a Nursery Education Grant. The setting supports children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. 6 staff work with the children. All staff have suitable qualifications in Montessori teaching and early years childcare. 4 staff also hold valid First Aid certificates.

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How good is the Day Care?

Streatham Montessori Nursery and Day Care provides a good standard of care for children. It is a well organised service provided by a motivated and experienced staff team who create a very warm and welcoming atmosphere for children. The converted residential premises are bright, secure and well maintained with good standards of hygiene throughout. Since the last inspection, facilities for children have improved. Additional space has been created, enabling staff to use rooms in a more creative way. There are comprehensive and clearly documented policies and procedures relating to children's health and safety. These are effectively put into practice by staff who place high priority on protecting the welfare of children they care for. Staff know the children very well and foster warm and supportive relationships with them. Information is effectively gathered and recorded about their individual needs and

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How good is the Day Care?

daily routines are sensitively planned. Children's learning and development is well supported by staff who facilitate a

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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 stimulating and challenging range of activities for children of all ages. There are good opportunities for children to play and learn in small adult led groups as well as engaging in freely chosen play activities. A satisfactory range of easily accessible Montessori and mainstream early learning toys and equipment are made available but they are not sufficiently diverse. Partnerships with parents are good. They are actively encouraged to become involved with the nursery and effective information sharing arrangements help ensure they are kept well informed about their child's progress. Written information provided to new parents is very comprehensive but does not include details about the Nursery's role in protecting the welfare of children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

record keeping arrangements in relation to children's attendance. Daily arrival and departure times are now noted. Registers are also better maintained.

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What is being done well?

• all staff engage with children in a sensitive and caring way. They demonstrate good communication and listening skills and guide children's behaviour well. • there are improved arrangements for providing meals. A fully equipped kitchen enables staff to now prepare nutritious, well balanced meals on the premises.

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What needs to be improved?

• the range of anti discriminatory early learning toys and equipment to ensure they better reflect diversity • systems to ensure parents are informed about the Nursery's role in protecting the welfare of children

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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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