Richmond House Kindergarten

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/03/2005 Inspector Name Chris Scully

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Richmond House Kindergarten Setting Address 222 Ashley Road, Hale Altrincham Cheshire WA15 9SR

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Atherton House Nurseries Ltd 4960346

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Atherton House Nurseries Ltd Address Atherton House School 6 Alexandra Road, Crosby Liverpool Merseyside L23 7TF

p.1

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

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

Richmond House Kindergarten is one of two settings run by Atherton House Group and one of three settings run by Alice & Tim Apel. It opened in 2004 and operates from nine rooms on three floors in a converted semi-detached house in Hale, Cheshire. A maximum of 60 children may attend the Kindergarten at any one time. The kindergarten is open each weekday from 08:00 till 18:00 all year round. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 40 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. Of these 17 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend from the local community. The nursery supports children with special educational needs and for whom English is an additional language. The nursery employs 13 staff. Of these 8, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting follows the Montessori teaching methods with the children and 2 staff hold the Diploma in Montessori teaching, 3 staff are to attend

p.2

Information about the setting

training courses for this qualification in September. The setting also receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Richmond House kindergarten provides good care to children. Staff develop warm relationships with children that enable them to feel secure. The setting provides a child centred environment in which children can play and develop. Children's individual needs are met very well. Children enjoy high levels of staff interaction. The setting is well organised and good use is made of space. Records and documentation are maintain though there are some minor omissions within policies. The premises are maintained to a high standard and safe. Staff complete daily risk assessments to maintain children's safety and management have identified ways of further improving safety on the stairs. Staff demonstrate good hygiene practices in daily routines enabling children to understand the need for good personal hygiene. Staff are attentive to individual dietary and medical needs. Drinks are readily provided, children enjoy a range of healthy nutritious snacks. Staff are aware of child

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

protection and action that may need to be taken. Staff provide good care to children who speak English as an additional language or who have special educational needs. The organisation of the setting complements the clear boundaries in place for behaviour management and is demonstrated by the well behaved children.

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 The setting follows the Montessori teaching methods with the children. Children are provided with a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities. Children are engaged in a range of purposeful play and learning activities and receive high levels of support from the staff. Staff are attentive to children's needs and meet these well. Staff enjoy a very positive relationship with the parents. Parents are provided with good quality written information about the setting. Staff engage in daily exchanges with parents. Parents comment upon the positive approach to care and education. The partnership with parents is highly valued by the setting.

p.2

What is being done well?

• Children benefit from a well planned curriculum that provides exciting and stimulating learning experiences delivered by skilled educators. Children are eager to participate in activities such as growth, looking at frogspawn. Staff are knowledgeable about the Montessori teaching methods and use this effectively in practice. Staff prompt questions that enable children to think and solve problems. The organisation of the setting enables children to select from the range of high quality resources and where to play. • The committed staff group are dedicated to providing good quality care and education to all children. Staff are keen to attend training courses to further extend their skills and knowledge to enable them to improve upon the provision for children. • The partnership with parents is highly valued by staff. Parents are encouraged to attend a range of events throughout the year such as concerts

p.3

What is being done well?

and open days. They are provided with good quality written information about their child and their progress. • Good support is provided to children who speak English as an additional language. Staff have obtained books in children's first language and have shared these with other children. Staff create a range of picture clues to enable children to communicate and to learn a new language. Effective systems are in place for supporting children who have special educational needs. • Staff are attentive to safety issues within the setting. Effective systems, such as visitors signing in, are in place for protecting children from unvetted persons. Staff are proactive in reducing potential hazards. • Children are provided range of healthy snacks. Children enjoy a calm relaxed atmosphere at meal times where they socialise with friends and staff. Children are encouraged to serve themselves at snack time and to pour their

p.3

What is being done well?

own drink staff provide good support to younger children. Good information is provided to parents regarding the storage of lunch boxes.

p.3

What is being done well?

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

What needs to be improved?

• the development of existing safety measures for the children on the stairs • the revising of the complaints and child protection policies

p.4

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

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Consider further improving the children's safety when using the staircase from the first floor. 14 Consider revising the child protection policy following recent training to ensure it conforms to the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures (ACPC) and the complaints policy to include information on contacting Ofsted.

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