Elephant Moon Day Nursery Cheltenham

Monkey Puzzle

Inspection report for early years provision

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Monkey Puzzle

Unique Reference Number EY320769 Inspection date 09 August 2006 Inspector Ruth Tharme

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Monkey Puzzle

Setting Address Ivanhoe House, St. James Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3QG Telephone number 01442 878887

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E-mail

Registered person Amanda Jane Khaira 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery opened in 2006. It operates from a three-storey building close to the centre of Cheltenham. The nursery has base room for the toddlers and the pre-school children. There is a separate baby unit on the top floor with two playrooms and a sleep room. There is an enclosed outdoor play area available. The nursery is open for 51 weeks of the year. Opening times are from 07.30 until 18.30 on week days, except for Bank Holidays. There are currently 16 children on the roll. Funded nursery education is offered for children aged three and four years. Staff working directly with the children hold a variety of relevant child-care qualifications.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's accidents and the administration of medication are accurately recorded. Documentation is clear and up-to-date. Hygiene standards are good so children's health is actively promoted. Hand-washing and nappy-changing procedures minimise the risk of infection. Medication is stored safely so it is out of children's reach. The non-smoking policy and regular access to the fresh air and exercise also promote children's wellbeing. Children are cared for appropriately following any minor accidents or illness. Staff hold relevant first aid qualifications, a well stocked first-aid box is readily available and parents have been asked to give prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. An exclusion policy for children who are ill reduces the risk of infection spreading. Children have regular access to drinks. Water is available for children throughout the day and staff are pro-active in ensuring that drinks are taken on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a warm and welcoming environment. Playrooms are attractively presented. All areas are well maintained but displays and pictures are often presented at adult height which makes them difficult for children to see. The large playrooms provide ample space for the numbers of children attending. They move around freely and in safety. Space is well organised so children have quiet areas to rest, and access to appropriate toilet and changing facilities. There are safe toys, furniture and equipment available to all age ranges. Playrooms are well equipped to meet children's needs. There is a good range of toys and child-sized furniture in each room. Low-level shelving and furniture means that children can reach their toys easily. There are sound policies and procedures in place to ensure children's health and safety. Staff take precautions such as using socket covers, cupboard locks and stair

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

gates to keep children safe. Staff are effectively deployed so children are appropriately supervised. There is a basic risk-assessment programme in place so staff are able to identify and address potential hazards. Fire alarms are tested regularly and there are plans to practise escape procedures to reduce any danger from fire. The premises are kept secure so children cannot leave unsupervised. Doors are kept locked and windows open only a short way for ventilation purposes. There are clear arrangements for the safe collection and drop-off of children and access to the premises is monitored effectively so children are protected. Staff have attended appropriate training so they are able to recognise a child who may be at risk. There are also written procedures in place so staff know what action to take to protect children should they have any concerns about their welfare.

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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 However, there are no procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a member of the team. Staff and parents are not clear about what action to take to protect children in these circumstances.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. A wide range of attractively presented activities are on offer for children in the playrooms. They enjoy role play, craft, dough, water and books. Out-of-doors children make use of a sound range of resources which help them generally to make progress in all areas of their development. Staff are developing a system of observing and recording what children do to help them plan for the next stages in children's play and development. The new system has not yet been fully implemented so staff do not have access to written information about individual children's progress and how they are expected to develop, so they are not always able to support children effectively. Children make decisions for themselves, choosing from the range of activities on offer. They explore and investigate, enjoying sand, water, dough and outdoor play on a daily basis. Children are cared for in small groups which mean that they relate well

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to each other and play happily alongside their friends. Activities are well organised and presented so children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. The key worker system allows children to build firm relationships with staff. Babies are generally changed and fed by a consistent adult.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Staff request detailed information from parents and discuss any specific requirements before care commences so they are suitably informed and are able to meet children's individual needs. They encourage children to make choices for themselves so they all have access to the activities and resources available. However, there are few positive images evident in the setting so children's ability to increase their knowledge and understanding of other faiths and cultures is limited. There is a named Special Needs Co-ordinator and there are clear links with other professionals to ensure that children with learning difficulties or disabilities are suitably supported. Staff know about and implement procedures so children's behaviour is managed effectively. Children are encouraged to behave well as staff model good behaviour and give appropriate praise. Children are generally cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes. Staff spend

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Helping children make a positive contribution

time with parents before care commences and ensure that they are available to speak with parents on a daily basis. They are kept suitably informed about their child's progress through daily diaries. Children benefit from the warm and friendly environment. They are greeted in person by friendly and approachable staff. Parents are provided with clear information on what to do should they have concerns about

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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 the care provided for their child, but there is no complaints log so they do not have access to information about any concerns that may be raised by other parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There are some basic procedures in place to ensure that staff are suitable to work with the children. Some standard checks are completed and qualifications are verified. Those who have not received clearance are supervised at all times to ensure that children are appropriately protected. Staff have relevant experience, skills and ability to care for young children. Minimum qualification levels are met and the Manager holds a level 3 qualification. Generally good use is made of staff, space and resources so children are suitably supported. A comprehensive operational plan and an induction programme provide staff with the policies and procedures needed to provide appropriate care. Children's times of attendance are accurately recorded. The register is kept up-to-date. The certificate is clearly displayed so parents have access to information about the conditions of registration. Records are accessible and are generally stored securely

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Organisation

but children's confidentiality is not always maintained. Medication records are displayed on a notice board where they can be seen by others and more than one entry is made on each page. The setting 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 satisfactory. 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

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): • extend the child protection statement so staff and parents have access to information about how any allegations made against staff will be dealt with • continue to improve the system of observation and planning for all children to ensure that all adults have access to clear information about children's progress and development • review the documentation and storage of medication records to ensure that children's confidentiality is always maintained • ensure that parents have access to information about any complaints that may be made

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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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