Boundstone Nursery School

Boundstone Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Boundstone Nursery School

Unique Reference Number EY294497 Inspection date 25 May 2006 Inspector Jacqueline Crawford

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Boundstone Nursery School

Setting Address Upper Boundstone Lane, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9QX

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E-mail

Registered person Boundstone Nursery School Governing Body Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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?

Boundstone Nursery School day care unit opened in October 2004 and is managed by a governing body. The day care unit operates from a purpose built area of Boundstone Nursery School in Lancing, West Sussex. A maximum of 30 children may attend the day care unit at any one time. The provision is open each weekday from 08.00 to 06.00 for 50 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 50 children aged from five months to under five years on roll. Children come from a wide catchment area. The nursery currently supports a number

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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 of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The day care unit employs seven staff. All of the staff, including the nursery co-ordinator hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and wellbeing is effectively promoted and given high priority by all staff. Children are protected from infection and well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill, because practitioners follow appropriate guidelines and well implemented procedures. Children learn the importance of good health and hygiene practices through effective routines, for example, washing hands after messy activities and before meals. Staff ensure good practice is followed when caring for babies and during nappy changing routines to prevent the spread of cross infection. Children are developing their independence and understanding of their personal care extremely well. Staff work effectively with parents and keep appropriate records to ensure children's individual health and dietary requirements are fully met. Children and babies receive regular drinks throughout the day. They enjoy an

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Helping children to be healthy

extremely good range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which include a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Menus are displayed in the nursery and parents receive copies. Nursery meals are prepared by an outside catering organisation and provide a range of meals to suit children's individual dietary requirements. Meal times are happy, social occasions where children and staff sit together. Good provision is made for children and babies to rest and sleep according to their needs in comfortable surroundings. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and regular physical activity throughout the year. They learn about wearing suitable clothing, such as waterproof suits in damp weather and enjoy the freedom of play and learning within a stimulating outdoor environment. Children explore and learn about spatial awareness, they test and learn to gain control of their bodies using a good range of age appropriate play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are extremely well cared for in a secure and safe indoor and outdoor nursery environment. Staff are vigilant at monitoring the provision both indoors and outdoors. They are alert to the children's movements around the extensive outdoor area in which free flow play and learning is promoted. Staff use daily checks, risk assessments and well-implemented policies and procedures to ensure children are safe and well protected from harm. Access to the premises is well managed to prevent unauthorised entry and all visitors are clearly recorded. Good procedures are in place for the safe arrival and collection of children.

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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 Children are effectively protected because appropriate safety equipment is in place and suitable provision is made for babies. Children become aware of emergency procedures, as fire drills are regularly practiced. They learn about keeping themselves safe as they move between the different areas of the nursery environment. Staff provide a good balance of freedom within safe limits and help children to learn about using play equipment appropriately. Children and babies enjoy a good range of high quality toys and play equipment which are organised effectively to meet children's developing needs. Staff ensure children's health and safety by ensuring toys and equipment are maintained in a clean and safe condition. Toys and resources are accessible, suitably stored and age appropriate for babies

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and young children. Children's welfare is safeguarded as staff fully understand their role in child protection. All staff attend training, they have knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a stimulating and vibrant child centred environment, in which they have fun with friends and enjoy learning through play. Children arrive happy, quickly settle and separate easily from their parents and carers. Children benefit from the warm relationships they have with the staff and the extremely good interaction they enjoy with adults and other children supporting their early communication skills. Children have excellent opportunities for flexible choice and are eager to participate in the well planned activities and daily routines. Children develop their independence, confidence and self-esteem extremely well as they move freely around the nursery. Children and babies become competent learners as they begin to find out about the world around them and have opportunities to express their feelings and ideas. For example, children participate in creative play, using fingers and hands to paint and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

different tools for mark making to create and experiment with their own symbols. Children enjoy role play both indoors and outdoors and show delight when joining in with familiar action songs and rhymes and sharing books. Babies develop their manipulative and sensory skills through a variety of play experiences, using resources which interest them, such as treasure baskets, mirrors and soft play areas. Staff have an extremely good understanding of child development and provide a stimulating range of learning experiences for babies and young children. Staff use guidance such as Birth to three matters to plan activities and monitor children's development, recognising their individual needs and abilities, strengths and interests. Staff keep individual children's learning journals which show children's journey from when they first start nursery. The journals provide an excellent record to identify children's progress. They are shared with parents and link to the provision of nursery

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

education when children move into the nursery school.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Throughout the provision all children are extremely well cared for by staff who work effectively with parents to meet individual their needs. Staff ensure all children are valued and made welcome. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are extremely well supported and included fully in the life of the setting. This ensures all children receive a unique package of care to meet their needs. Children and their parents receive a warm welcome into the nursery by friendly and approachable staff. Parents are kept fully informed about provision and their children's daily care and progress. For example, through discussions with key workers, consultation meetings, regular newsletters, notices and daily information sheets which have recently been introduced for babies. Children benefit from excellent settling in procedures in which home visits are made and information is gathered to effectively support children when

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they join the nursery. Parents appreciate the information provided, they are extremely pleased with the nursery provision and the progress their children are making. Children feel a true sense of belonging and understand their contribution is valued and makes a difference. For example, children are proud of the displays of their work and enjoy helping with simple tasks and daily routines. Children are excited about bringing their daddy, granddad, uncle or a friend to nursery with them to celebrate Father's Day. Children learn to understand responsible behaviour and play harmoniously with others developing friendships. Staff are skilled and sensitive in managing children's behaviour and act as extremely good role models. They use age appropriate strategies which are within children's understanding and are shared with parents. Children have excellent opportunities to develop their independence and personal

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Helping children make a positive contribution

care. The free flow movement around the provision, allows children to make choices, take decisions and access an extremely good range of suitable resources. Babies also benefit from free choice and delight in stimulating activities in the safety of the baby area. There is an excellent balance of age appropriate, adult led and child-initiated indoor and outdoor activities. Children are becoming aware of their own needs and the needs of others as they play and learn together and through the excellent support they receive from staff. Children are becoming aware of diversity within a wider society and different forms of communication such as the use of sign language. The inclusive environment, extremely good resources, displays and positive images around the setting, increase children's understanding and promote equality of opportunity throughout the nursery.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. The vigorous recruitment and vetting procedures in place ensure children are well protected and cared for by staff with a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. The excellent deployment of staff and good use of time and space, ensures children receive high levels of support. Staff refer to guidance such as Birth to three matters

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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 to plan stimulating play and learning activities for the children which are fun. Management has a high regard for staff and they work extremely well as a team. Staff training needs are identified and further training and development is encouraged. All of the legally required documentation is clearly maintained and in place, with good record keeping systems to ensure children's wellbeing. Policies and procedures are implemented well by staff and work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and their ability to make a positive contribution. However some policies and procedures need to be revised and a complaints log needs to be introduced. Management is aware the regulator needs to be informed of any changes to persons in charge of the day care provision. Management has a clear sense of

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Organisation

purpose and commitment to continual improvement. Effective methods are used to monitor and evaluate the quality of care and the provision in the nursery. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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.

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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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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 the regulator is informed of any changes in the person in charge of the day care provision • provide a complaints log

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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 • review and revise policies and procedures

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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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