St John's CofE Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/11/2003 Inspector Name Arda Halls

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Sweethearts Montessori School Setting Address St Saviours Church Hall Warwick Avenue London W9 2PT

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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

Little Sweethearts Montessori Nursery School is situated in a Church Hall in W9. There is full Day Care : 8.55 am - 4.15pm and sessional Care : Morning Session 8.55am - 12pm and an afternoon Session : 1.15pm - 3.45pm. The premises are located in the lower ground floor of a Church Hall in Maida Vale. The play space consists of a large hall, classroom, kitchen, office, staff room and toilets. There is no outside play space at this setting. Children are taken out on a regular basis to nearby parks and to a local school which provides a private play space for a set time each day. There are funded 3 and 4 year olds attending the nursery with support from the Early Years Advisory team. Children attend who have English as an additional language. There are 12 members of staff including the proprietor who is ex- ratio. There are 7 Montessori trained staff, one NNEB, one PSLA, one with a Teaching Diploma from South America and two untrained staff.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Little Sweethearts Montessori provides a good standard of care to the children in attendance. The school is very well organised. The school is run by a well trained staff team. There are effective procedures for appointing and vetting staff. A good adult to child ratio is maintained with systems in place to deputise effectively when the head is not available. The physical environment is warm and welcoming making good use of the large play spaces available. Children's toys are stimulating, promoting learning in all areas and easily accessible to the children. Record keeping is well organised and informative. The children are safe and well cared for. Positive steps are taken to promote safety within the setting although some issues of safety needed to be addressed following the inspection. Staff promote good health by actively encouraging children to wash hands, brush teeth and to eat healthy foods. Staff promote equality of opportunity

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How good is the Day Care?

through recognition of different backgrounds and celebrations of different festivals. Staff are proactive in ensuring that children's individual needs are met and seek the

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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 co-operation and involvement of parents when special needs are identified. The level of awareness of child protection ensures all adults are able to put procedures into practice if needed. Activities contribute to children's development. Children can choose from a broad range of resources which include Montessori materials. Activities are planned to meet the needs of all the children, whatever their difference is. Children are valued and included, and their special needs taken into consideration to allow them to achieve their best. Children's behaviour is well managed which enables them to be enthusiastic and play confidently with each other. Staff work closely with parents extending a well organised school into the home environment. Staff are especially supportive of the family at times of change such as

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What has improved since the last inspection?

A copy of the Area Child Protection Procedures has been obtained. Staff records are kept on premises.

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What is being done well?

• The environment is warm and welcoming with a large space for • children to take part in activities. • A good variety of toys and equipment is available for free play and Montessori teaching. • Staff actively promote good health and hygiene throughout the day. • Staff have a good awareness of children's dietary needs. • Children's differences are acknowledged and valued in an environment reflecting positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. • A partnership with parents is actively promoted with the use of newsletters, parent's conference sheets and regular meetings.

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What needs to be improved?

• Fire safety concerns need to be addressed. Fire exits need to be kept clear and Fire Doors need to be kept shut.

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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 6 Take advice from Enviromental Health Department on the reheating of food at lunchtime. 6 Ensure all doors in nursery close and fit properly and are in working order. 8 Ensure that water in low level basin in playroom is labelled as non-drinking water. 6 Ensure fire exits are kept clear and fire doors are kept shut.

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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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