Inspection report for early years provision

Unique Reference Number	EY313859
Inspection date	20 March 2006
Inspector	Lesley Anne Cannon

Setting Address	9 Gatland Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8PJ
Telephone number	01622 201028
E-mail
Registered person	Maidstone Steiner Kindergarten Initiative
Type of inspection	Childcare
Type of care	Sessional care

 

About this inspection

 

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage.

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality

Good: this aspect of the provision is strong

Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound

Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

 

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

 

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Cobnuts Steiner Kindergarten opened in 2005. The Kindergarten follows the Steiner Waldorf philosophy. The Kindergarten is situated in a residential area on the outskirts of Maidstone. They operate from one main playroom on the ground floor of a detached house, where children have access to a secure outdoor play area. They currently provide care for children from 3 to 5 years. They are registered to provide care for 16 children and currently have 7 on roll. Children attend from a wide geographical area.

The kindergarten offers support to those who have special educational needs and those who have English as an additional language.

The group is currently open three days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:15 until 12:45.

There are two qualified members of staff who work with the children, and one volunteer.

 

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

 

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. Older children are encouraged to be independent, using the toilet and washing hands without reminders. Effective procedures are in place to prevent cross infection by keeping parents informed via group policies and up-dates in news letters. Any medical needs the children have are correctly monitored and parents informed helping to provide continuity of care for the children.

Children benefit from outdoor activities every day, and use a variety of equipment; they are able to make decisions about what they want to play with. This helps children to extend their gross motor skills and encourages the development of a healthy life style.

Children recognise when they are thirsty and are encouraged to be independent by helping themselves to their drink. Children benefit from healthy snacks, this can be home made bread, home made soup, with fruit and rice cakes. This is a very social time for the group, staff and children share the meal time, giving the children opportunity to share in discussion. Children learn new skills when helping with the preparation of snack. This is an effective way of encouraging children to make healthy options whilst maintaining a balanced diet.

 

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure atmosphere where children settle well. Staff create a bright and stimulating environment where children are able to move around safely. Children have access to resources and furniture that are at their level, giving them opportunity to take risks and face new challenges in safe surroundings. This helps children to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe.

Staff have secure systems in place for the registration and collection of children, ensuring children’s safety.

Resources are checked regularly to ensure they are fit for the children’s use and daily risk assessments are carried out, including the garden. However, the outcome of the risk assessment is not monitored to ensure the on going safety and welfare of the children. Staff are aware of there fire procedures that ensure the safe evacuation of the premises.

The staff have a good understanding of child protection and there is a policy in line with local authority procedures. They make parents aware of their responsibility to safe guard children in their care. They have completed the relevant training and demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities.

 

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive happily at the Kindergarten and are eager to join in with activities that are made available during the session. The children enjoy close relationships with the staff and receive positive interaction, enabling them to feel secure and settled within the environment. Children are given opportunities to be involved in quiet and active play, both inside and out side and are confident to try new experiences. The children enjoy playing and sharing activities together. They select from a range of resources which are easily accessible and provide stimulation. Children find the wide range of natural resources motivating and benefit from the space and time to use them creatively. They have time to concentrate on their chosen activity where staff are available to help and encourage children with their creations. Children enjoy participating in creative activities, such as painting, cutting, sticking or modelling. This helps develop their imagination and hand eye coordination. This enables children to build on new skills. Children are enthusiastic and happy when playing outside. They share in planting and growing flowers and soon will be harvesting their own vegetables. This helps children to explore and investigate natural processes in the world around them.

 

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. Staff have a positive attitude towards diversity, however, the range of resources is limited so children's knowledge in this area is not extended. Children are treated as individuals and are encouraged to learn about themselves and others around them through play and conversation. This helps children to gain understanding of themselves and develop a sense of belonging.

Children behave well and staff act as good role models, giving children praise for good behaviour. Children are aware of the expectations and understand the need to take turns and work together, for example, two children were playing an imaginative game when another child joined them, and the child was offered a similar tool so they could all play together.

Parents are invited to open evenings where they have individual time to discuss their child’s progress. Parents receive regular news letters and there is a notice board where current information is posted. Staff have daily discussions with parents to keep them up to date. Parents are actively involved with their child's learning and projects around the premises. These methods of communication benefit the children and help maintain continuity of care.

 

Organisation

The organisation is good. The staff are experienced and the majority hold a relevant child care qualification. All staff have been vetted and hold Criminal Record Bureau checks. The staff work well together as a team, the operational plan gives them clear guidance and procedures allowing them to provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children. The children benefit from the organisation of the environment where the facilities are maximised by careful selection of equipment and furniture. Staff keeps all information and documents up to date, which helps maintain continuity of care for the children.

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

 

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable.

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

 

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

 

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

• develop a written risk assessment to identify hazards to children and monitor any action taken

 

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