Collyhurst Nursery School and Children's Centre

Collyhurst Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Collyhurst Nursery School

Unique Reference Number EY309882 Inspection date 09 May 2006 Inspector Patricia Graham

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Collyhurst Nursery School

Setting Address Teignmouth Avenue, Collyhurst, Manchester, Lancashire, M40 7QD Telephone number 0161 2051744

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E-mail

Registered person The Governors of Collyhurst Nursery School Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care, Out of School care

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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

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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.

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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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Collyhurst Children's Centre has been registered since September 2005. It is located in the Collyhurst area of Manchester. It operates from a single storey property. Children are cared for in two base rooms and have access to the main hall. In addition there are three children's bathrooms, a laundry and changing areas. Children have access to enclosed outdoor play areas. Collyhurst Children's Centre is open from 08.00 to 18.00 all year round with the exception of two weeks during the summer holidays, Christmas and bank holidays. A maximum of 12 children from 6 months to under 3 years may attend at any one time.

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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 There are currently 32 children on roll. The centre also supports children with special educational needs and children who speak English as an additional language. A playmscheme, which was not operating at the time of inspection, is registered for 24 children and operates in the school holidays. The centre serves the local community and surrounding areas. The centre employs 13 staff. There is a suitably qualified manager and 8 qualified members of staff working directly with the children. The centre receives the support of Sure Start.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because they are cared for in a setting, which is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. Staff follow the stringent health and hygiene guidelines, which help to protect children from cross infection. For example, aprons and disposable gloves are worn when changing nappies. Children are developing a good understanding of personal hygiene as staff encourage them to wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap before mealtimes. Staff are suitably qualified to administer first aid, which ensures children's well-being in the event of an accident, and good procedures are in place for administering medication. Children benefit from healthy eating as they are provided with nutritious foods, such as meat, cheese, pasta and vegetable dishes, which are well balanced. They learn the importance of healthy eating through discussions and activities. For example, they make fruit salads and are given choices of healthy fillings as they make their

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Helping children to be healthy

own sandwiches. Children's individual dietary needs and stages of weaning are accommodated well to ensure that meals and snacks are suitable for individual children. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contributes to their good health. They benefit from fresh air and exercise as they engage in regular outdoor play activities. Children run freely, whilst others refine their coordination skills as they manoeuvre wheeled toys around the designated bike track. They have good opportunities to climb the large apparatus, balance on the beams and play cooperatively with their friends using a large parachute. Children are able to relax according to their individual needs and make good use of the comfortable seating to unwind and rest their bodies. Children are continuously hydrated as drinks are offered at regular intervals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a centre, which is safe, clean and well maintained. Children and their parents are made to feel welcome as the centre is warm and welcoming. The centre is beautifully displayed throughout with valuable information for parents,

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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 which is complemented by photographs and children's work. This creates a visual interest to parents and increases children's sense of belonging. Children benefit from the excellent range of quality resources, which are suitable for all ages and abilities. A broad selection of toys are easily accessible to all children, at floor or low level, which means even the younger children can select activities of their own choosing. The children's rooms are bright and airy with lots of natural light. They benefit from the child-centred environment, which is well organised to meet their care needs. Consequently, children are extremely settled and move around with confidence. Staff give high priority to keeping children safe and secure. They ensure children are supervised at all times, which promotes their safety. Potential hazards are identified

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and minimised through the completion of daily risk assessments of toys, equipment and play areas. Children develop a clear understanding about safety in the setting. For example, they practise regular evacuation procedures to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. Older children share responsibility for keeping their environment clean as they help to tidy up. Children are well protected because clear guidelines and procedures are in place. All staff have a good understanding of child protection issues through relevant training and staff induction. They are fully aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and designated members of staff take responsibility for liaising with child protection agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and well settled in the care of the supportive staff team. The staff are very experienced and highly knowledgeable about child development and provide stimulating opportunities for children to develop their skills. As a result, children are enthusiastic and interested in their play. They thoroughly enjoy their time in the centre as they explore and play with the extensive range of toys and resources available. For example, some children are engrossed as they make puppets with various collage materials, whilst others develop their creativity as they play imaginatively with their friends in the well resourced home area. Children easily access toys and resources stored at their level, which successfully promotes their growing independence and helps them make choices. They confidently move around the setting both indoors and outdoors secure in the knowledge that a member of staff

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

is there ready to support them in their chosen activity. All staff are experienced using the Birth to three matters framework. They use the framework effectively to provide new experiences for babies and toddlers. For example, toddlers thoroughly enjoy smelling and exploring the texture of play dough. They refine their physical skills as they climb and balance on large equipment and babies have ample opportunity to crawl around the setting and pull themselves to standing using sturdy furniture. All children benefit from having sensory experiences, such as sand, water, paint and natural materials, which are beautifully presented at all times, to provide stimulation and interest. Outcomes for children are excellent as the staff use their extensive knowledge of the

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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 Birth to three matters framework to provide a balanced range of targeted and free play activities for the children. Consequently, children make very good progress in all areas. Staff use effective planning and assessment systems. This includes detailed observations which are used to inform planning for individual children to ensure their developmental milestones are successfully met. Staff have a very good understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum, which is incorporated in their planning to ensure children are fully prepared for their transition into the foundation classroom.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are individually welcomed into the setting. They are all fully included in the activities provided and individual needs are successfully met. Children are extremely happy and content because they are able to make choices in their play and access a wide range of toys and resources. They become aware of the wider society through access to good resources that promote positive images, such as books, activities, jigsaws and displays. Children value their own customs and beliefs and learn those of others as they acknowledge different festivals and celebrations, such as Christmas, Carnival and Divali, and as they taste different foods from around the world. This promotes their self-esteem and strengthens their awareness of diversity. Children behave extremely well in the setting because they are given meaningful praise and encouragement. Their opinions are valued and respected as staff actively

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Helping children make a positive contribution

listen to what they say, which increases their self-confidence. They share toys and resources with each other and respond well to distraction techniques as staff put the behaviour management policy into practice. Children follow the good role models of staff. For example, they help to tidy toys away, show courtesy to others and play cooperatively with their peers. There are effective systems in place to support children with special needs. Staff work closely with parents and outside agencies to organise and plan appropriate activities to ensure the children's needs are fully met. Children also benefit as staff have a wealth of knowledge through relevant training and experience. They use good strategies, for example, a picture exchange system, to effectively support children with language and communication skills. Inclusion of all children is promoted through the detailed records of children's individual needs, which records all aspects of their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

care and progress. Staff and parents work well together to meet the children's needs. Parents are confident in approaching staff and receive a wealth of information about the provision for their child. This ensures continuity of care for children. Parents have free access to their child's development file and they receive good quality information about the Birth to three matters framework. Plans and activities are clearly displayed, which ensures that parents know what their children do and how they are cared for. Parents’ comments are invited; although a system for recording complaints has not yet been updated in line with recent changes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is successfully organised to ensure that they are safe and well cared for. The staff to child ratio effectively supports the care of the children. For example, children are cared for in appropriate age groups, which means they play together with their peers and are cared for by staff who know them well. The manager is extremely committed and is a strong leader who effectively involves all staff in the organisation of the centre. Consequently, the staff team work harmoniously together and are effectively deployed, which ensures children are well supported in their play and development. Children are fully protected as robust systems are in place to ensure initial and continuing suitability of staff and volunteers caring for children. All members of staff are suitably qualified and students are supervised at all times. The staff team benefit

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Organisation

from enthusiasm and commitment to continually improve the quality of childcare provided. They attend regular training and have a good knowledge of childcare, which they use to provide stimulating activities for children. Relevant documentation is in place, in line with the requirements of the National Standards. This positively supports children's health, safety and well-being. A detailed range of policies and procedures are understood by the staff and are consistently applied to ensure the centre operates smoothly and efficiently. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • make available to parents a revised written statement that provides details of the procedures to be followed if they have a complaint.

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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

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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

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