Stanmore Montessori

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/01/2005 Inspector Name Kay Rutter

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Stanmore Montessori Setting Address The Micklem Hall Church House Old Church Lane Stanmore Middlesex HA7 2QU

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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

Stanmore Montessori opened in 2004. It operates from the Micklem Hall, Church House Cottage in Stanmore. The setting is a single storey building with access to a large outdoor area. It is situated within walking distance of Stanmore station and bus routes, parking restrictions operate in the area. Parks and shops are easily accessible. The setting is registered to provide care for a maximum of 26 children from 2 to 5 years of age. There are currently 26 children on roll, this includes 21 funded children. Children attend each day. The setting supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days per week during school term time. Sessions are from 09:30 to 12:15, a lunch club also operates until 13:30. Four full time and two part time staff work with the children. Three staff have recognised early years qualifications, either Montessori or National Vocational

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Information about the setting

Qualification (NVQ) level three. One staff member is working towards a Montessori qualification. The setting has links with the Early Years Childcare Partnership (EYCP) and are members of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PSLA). The setting follows Montessori teaching methods and the Foundation Stage of Learning.

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How good is the Day Care?

Stanmore Montessori provides good care for children. Suitably qualified and experienced staff are recruited, they have regular access to training to ensure their skills and knowledge remain current. Staff are well deployed, enabling them to offer lots of support and attention to children. They have good communication systems and work well as a team. A well organised range of policies, procedures and records are in place to ensure the efficient and safe running of the group, promote the welfare of children and keep parents informed. Staff make good use of display and dedicated areas to create a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment. Positive steps have been taken to protect children; there are good safety and security measures in place, health and hygiene is promoted well and staff have a sound knowledge of child protection, recording and reporting procedures.

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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 Staff and children have good relationships. Staff act as positive role models showing children kindness and respect, which is mirrored by the children. This creates a positive learning environment where children are widely praised and develop good self esteem. The group has a Montessori ethos. Montessori materials and other resources are used to promote all areas of children's development and enable them to make progress towards the early learning goals. Effective planning and good knowledge of children as individuals ensures their individual learning and care needs are well met. Children enjoy a varied range of stimulating resources and experiences, they have good independent access to equipment and are encouraged to make decisions and choices about what they play with.

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How good is the Day Care?

Partnership with parents is good. Parents are warmly welcomed and can access information about the setting and the curriculum. Regular communication and meetings between staff and parents informs adults about children's progress and development. Parents completing questionnaires comment positively.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

N.A This is the first inspection since registration.

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What is being done well?

• The comprehensive operational plan works well in practice; staff are well deployed, have clear responsibilities, communicate well and work well as a team. This contributes to the smooth day to day running of the setting and a well organised but flexible routine for the children. • Effective planning ensures children experience a broad range of stimulating activities to promote learning and development in all areas. Ongoing observations and assessments of children by all team members informs planning and goal setting for individual children. Attractive scrap books show children's progress through samples of work and photographs. • Children have good opportunities to make decisions and choices about what they play with, select their own activities and work independently or as part of a small group with adult support. They are occupied and interested by the wide range of activities available to them and have plenty of scope to explore

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What is being done well?

their own ideas, with good encouragement from adults. • Adults and children have good relationships, children receive sufficient attention to enable them to feel secure and confident. Staff act as positive role models, showing children respect and kindness - children mirror this behaviour, creating a calm and positive learning environment. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement. • Partnership with parents is good. Parents are welcome to visit the group, participate in activities and visit meetings to find out about Montessori methods and the foundation stage. Parents who completed questionnaires are happy with the service they receive.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• There are no significant areas of weakness to report. • The provider intends to continue to ensure staff members have good opportunities for professional development and are able to access regular training to keep their skills and knowledge current, this promotes good teaching and high standards of care.

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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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