Little Ann Day Nursery

Little Ann Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Little Ann Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY314260 Inspection date 01 June 2006 Inspector Pamela Bailey

p.1

Little Ann Day Nursery

Setting Address First Floor, St Albans Church Hall, 1 Whitehorse Lane, London, SE25 6RD Telephone number 07984094453

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Malarrosa Murugaiah Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

p.1

E-mail

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 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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Little Ann Day nursery opened in 2005 and operates from a first floor church hall. The nursery is situated in Thornton Heath and located within the London Borough of Croydon. A maximum of nine children may attend at any one time. The nursery opens each week day from 07:00 to 18:00 for 50 weeks per year. There are currently 10 children under three years on roll. The nursery employs seven staff, of whom four, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications and two staff are working towards a qualification.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that enable them to rest and be active according to their individual needs. They enjoy a range of energetic physical activities that contributes to a healthy life style. For example, indoor and outdoor activities provide good opportunities for children to develop their physical skills, such as children use a suitable range of wheeled toys, climbing equipment and take daily walks to the park or local community. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy nutritiously balanced meals that are freshly prepared on the premises and meet their individual dietary needs. A number of staff, including the cook have appropriate training in food handling and effective procedures are in place to ensure foods are served at the correct temperature and food storage facilities are monitored. However, the fridge and freezer are not regulated to the correct temperature to prevent food from spoiling.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Babies and young children are regularly offered drinks and water throughout the day to ensure none remain thirsty. Staff follows babies' individual routines for eating and sleeping and monitor their food intake and nappy changing. This ensures continuity of care, contributes to their physical well being and ensures children remain healthy. Young children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene through activities and daily routines from an early age. They wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before handling food and many of the staff's own practices prevents the spread of infection. For example, staff follow clear hygiene routines such as wearing disposable gloves and aprons when nappy changing, although inappropriate hand drying facilities are used in the kitchen. Staff gather all relevant information regarding children's health and ensure that records are appropriately maintained. There are sufficient staff that hold a current first

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

aid certificate. This ensures they can give appropriate care if there is an accident and children's medical needs are met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young children are cared for in a bright and attractive, well maintained environment. Their art work and lots of information for parents and carers are displayed. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment which allows mobile and non mobile babies to move around freely and play safely. Soft furnishings allow babies to crawl and learn to walk in a safe environment. They have easy access to a wide range of quality toys and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development and encourages independence. Staff give high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Good routines and gentle reminders help children learn about safety inside and outside the setting. For example, children and staff practice emergency evacuation procedures on a regular basis. This helps children become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency. Many children are familiar with the use of safety straps when using nappy changing facilities and going out. Staff constantly talk to young children about safety indoors and outdoors. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures. They enjoy their play in an extremely safe and secure environment where staff are vigilant and carryout daily health and safety checks of the premises. They use risk assessments well to enable them to identify and quickly address any potential risks and hazards to the children

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

both inside and on outings. Sleeping children are monitored and supervised at all times. All safety checks relating to the premises are regularly maintained and effective fire safety requirements are in place. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted well. Staff have very secure knowledge and understanding of the child protection policy and understand the procedures to be followed if they have a concern. There are good systems in place for the safe arrival and departure of children and preventing unwanted visitors gaining access. Clear policies and staff's good understanding of the procedures for outings, uncollected children and the procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost ensures children's safety and supports their welfare.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children under three are cared for in a warm stimulating environment and gain much from being together. Babies and young children develop sound, trusting relationships with staff who are responsive to their needs and children receive lots of warmth and affection. This supports their emotional well being and gives them confidence to explore new experiences. Babies and young children explore and experiment through a range of activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. Their creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, listening to music, singing, dressing up and role play. For example, the children and staff talk to each other using telephones and dress up in different cultural or professional attire during role play. They have some sensory experiences such as finger, hand and foot painting, wet and dry sand, water play and use materials such as pasta, fabrics,

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

paper and pencils during creative activities which encourages them to represent their experiences, feelings and ideas. Young children are becoming confident communicators. They are able to make themselves understood through language and actions. They enjoy listening to stories and are encouraged to join in. They learn about the meaning of words through staff's expressive reading and join in with action songs that help develop their language and coordination. Staff are beginning to use the Birth to three matters framework to improve their practice. However, the lack of evaluation of children's achievements and activities means that staff do not have a secure basis on which to plan future

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 activities in order to move children on in their development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Young children are developing a positive attitude to others and gaining an understanding of the wider world and community through planned activities, outings and as they celebrate some festivals. They have access to a satisfactory range of play resources which reflects positive images of culture, gender and disability. This encourages children to develop a positive attitude towards diversity. The nursery has effective arrangements to care for children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language although none attend. Children are generally well behaved and respond positively to praise and encouragement. They are beginning to understand right from wrong through consistent boundaries and develop positive self esteem. Staff use age appropriate methods to manage behaviour such as demonstration, distraction and clear explanations. Children benefit from a two way sharing of information between parents and staff to

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure their care and health needs are met. Parents contribute to an initial assessment of their child. Staff give daily written and verbal feedback to parents about their child's day such as activities, food intake and sleep. This ensures staff have good knowledge of individual needs, provide children with consistency and continuity of care. Parents receive information on the Birth to three matters framework and children's progress. This ensures parents understand that play has an important role in developing children's skills for the next stage of learning. Parents are provided with sufficient information about the complaints policy and effective procedures are in place for recording complaints from parents and informing them of the outcome within the required time limit.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well organised environment. The room is well laid out and children receive good support to help them feel secure. Effective recruitment procedures ensures that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. Induction training ensures staff understand the policies and procedures and work together well to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. However, plans lack details, management has not yet developed a system to monitor and evaluate children's response to activities and experiences to provide the basis for the next stage in planning. There are satisfactory contingency arrangements and sufficient staff in place to cover absences and ensure that children always have appropriate supervision. Staff are actively encouraged to undertake ongoing training, some staff are currently working

p.5

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 towards a recognised childcare qualification and many have attended training on the Birth to three matters framework, child protection, behaviour management and food handling. All documentation required for the safe and effective management of the nursery is accurately maintained and are regularly reviewed and updated in line with current regulations. These are regularly monitored by management and contributes to the safety and welfare of the children. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration Ofsted has received two complaints. The complaint relating to National Standard 2:Organisation, National Standard 3:Care learning and play, National standard 7: Health and National Standard 8: Food and drink related to staffing ratios, the inappropriate treatment of children and staff and untrained staff preparing meals. Ofsted carried out an investigation in February 2006. No evidence was found that the proprietor was not complying with the National Standards and no further action was taken. The provider remains qualified for registration. The complaint relating to National standard 2: organisation, National Standard 4: Physical environment and National Standard 7:Health related to ratios not being met when children are taken to the toilet and not enough sinks to remain hygienic. Ofsted carried out an investigation March 2006 and two actions were raised not relating to original concerns. Ensure Ofsted is informed of the appointed manager and prepare

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

an induction programme for all staff to ensure that they are aware of policies on health and safety and child protection. From information received and measures taken, Ofsted took no further action. The provider remains qualified for registration. The provider has made a record of the complaints in their complaints record. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE 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

p.6

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): • ensure that there are appropriate hand drying facilities in the kitchen • ensure that the fridge and freezer are regulated and maintained to the correct temperatures • improve planning to provide a clearer link between the long term and short term plans and develop a system to monitor and evaluate children's response to activities to provide the basis for the next stage in planning

p.7

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.7

The quality and standards of the 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

p.7