The Ark Montessori Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/12/2003 Inspector Name Lisa-Marie Jones

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Ark Day Nursery Setting Address 37 County Road Thornton Heath Surrey CR7 8HN

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

The Ark day nursery has been registered since December 01. It operates from a sports club and provides full day care. The group serves the local community. The Ark is located close to bus links within a residential area of Norbury. There are currently 28 children from two to four years on roll, this includes 11 funded three year olds and 3 funded four year olds. They currently support 14 children who speak English as an additional language. Children can attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery is currently open five days a week. Sessions are from 09:00 -15:00 all year round. Eight full time staff work with the children all have an early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). The Ark specialises in Montessori teaching methods.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The Ark Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children aged 2 to 5 years. Staff ensure children are safe both inside and outside by following risk assessments and health and safety guidelines, however cleaning substances were seen to be accessible to children in the bathroom as were electrical sockets. No written procedures were available for outings, child protection, special educational needs. Also, fire drill records were not seen. Staff work well as a team and therefore are able to carry out duties efficiently to enable the smooth running of the group. However staff are not ready to receive children when they first arrive in the morning. The setting is very calm and children are well behaved, but there is no system in place for recording physical restraint should the situation arise. Children's attendance is recorded, but does not show arrival and departure times. Children are given a snack and drink during the session but do not have access to fresh drinking

p.2

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 Children have access to a large hall. Staff relate to the children well and take part in activities with the children and encourage and praise the children when appropriate. Children have good relationships with each other and share well when taking part in activities. Children have access to a range of well maintained resources, but those for imaginative and creative development and anti-discriminatory practice are limited. Children with English as an additional language are well supported and many staff speak additional languages. Parental Questionnaires reflect that they have good relationships with the staff, and staff are very professional and promote confidentiality at all times. There are clear procedures and policies that are adhered to by both parents and children, however not all parents have signed to give consent for seeking emergency

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

medical treatment. Parents are not aware of the regulators contact details should they need to make a complaint.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

This was the nursery's first inspection since registration.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Children with English as an additional language are well supported. • Children have opportunity to learn Arabic and French.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• The content if the daily register and the records for any incident of physical restraint • The readiness of staff, to greet incoming children and parents • The range of planned activities and play opportunities • The content of the special educational needs, outings, equal opportunities policies and procedures • The safety of cleaning substances and electrical sockets • The availability of fire drill records • The consent forms for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • The availability of drinking water • The range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • The information given to parents about the complaints procedures • The child protection policy and procedures

p.3

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

p.3

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.

p.4

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 13 Ensure that a written child protection statement is based on the procedures in 'What To Do If You Are Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary', and in accordance with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures 01/01/2003

p.4

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

13 Develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. 01/01/2003

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 14 Devise and implement written policies and procedures for children with special educational needs, outings and equal opportunites, and ensure that fire drill records are available for inspection at all times. 3 Plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children’s creative and imaginative development and ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. 14 Record arrival and departure times (in the daily register), and record any incident of physical restraint. 6 Make sure that cleaning substances and electrical sockets are inaccessible to the children. 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment for all children. 8 Ensure that children have access to fresh drinking water at all times. 12 Provide parents with a written statement of the procedure to be followed if

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

they have a complaint including the regulators contact details.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6