Little Pumpkins Nursery LtdOfsted inspection, 8 Jun 2006

Little Pumpkins Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Little Pumpkins Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY316353 Inspection date 08 June 2006 Inspector Beverly Hallett

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Little Pumpkins Nursery

Setting Address 88 Woodyates Road, London, SE12 9JH

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Little Pumpkins Nursery

Telephone number 0208 851 2400 E-mail Deannicol@AOL.COM Registered person Little Pumpkins Nursery Ltd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

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Little Pumpkins Nursery

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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Little Pumpkins Nursery opened in 2005 and operates from a converted semi-detached house in the Lee area of the London Borough of Lewisham. A maximum of 25 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 for 50 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 15 children aged from three months to three years on roll.

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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 The nursery employs four staff; three of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Some appropriate steps are taken to promote children's good health and prevent the spread of infection. For example, staff wear disposable gloves and aprons to feed children and change nappies, and young babies all have their own personal feeder cups which are labelled. However, hygiene and cleaning routines are not always implemented consistently and this means the rooms used by younger children are not always cleaned effectively. For example, floors and play mats have dirt and dust on them, and nappy changing mats are not cleaned after every use, putting children's health at risk. Children enjoy a suitable range of healthy and nutritious foods at snack and lunch times. The weekly menu offers some variety and contains fresh fruit and vegetables as well as some foods which introduce cultural diversity, for example jollaff rice. Children's special diets are catered for and they are offered water to quench their

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Helping children to be healthy

thirst throughout the day. Children enjoy using the garden every day. They benefit from fresh air and develop confidence in their physical abilities as they play ball games on the grass and use the two plastic seesaws.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children play in a bright, airy and suitably stimulating environment, which offers sufficient space for them to participate in an appropriate range of activities. Toys and resources are of a suitable design, in good condition and there are sufficient amounts to occupy the number of children currently attending. Some suitable precautions are taken to prevent accidents within the setting, for example the use of safety gates. However, the garden poses some safety hazards, particularly for babies. Although staff supervise well, and contain children in the grassed area of the garden by playing with them, the grass is very long and unkempt with thistles and hidden tree stumps in it. In addition, the outskirts of the garden contain items such as small rubble, uneven surfaces, and old compost bins and fencing which all pose potential dangers to children. Suitable policies and procedures support staff in protecting children in case of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection concern and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in protecting 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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children and babies enjoy their time at the nursery and are consistently and appropriately stimulated by the activities they are offered. Children are interested and involved in their play. Staff further capture and extend their interest through good interaction; asking questions and encouraging children to participate in activities which appeal to them. Children enjoy a balanced range of activities that include quiet and active play, such as reading stories and painting, most of which are adult initiated. The daily routine slightly restricts older children's opportunities for extended, detailed play, as care routines cut into play times, interrupting it unnecessarily. For example, children come in from the garden and sit to have a song time, then go and wash their hands, play for a short while, then have to stop playing to take the whole group upstairs to change the younger children's nappies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies and young children are becoming skilful communicators as staff share stories, songs and rhymes throughout the day. Children are becoming competent learners as they confidently explore their indoor environment and participate in a fair range of activities which offer opportunities to paint, draw, weigh and experience sand and water play. Children are beginning to use their imagination in pretend play situations such as dressing up and playing in the home area. Staff have a sound knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and use this to observe the interests of younger children and babies, planning further activities to extend their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. A well written policy sets out a positive approach to offering children equal opportunities. Although the toys and resources do not contain many items which offer children positive images of diversity, there are good role models within the staff team and children receive much praise and encouragement, fostering their self esteem, confidence and security within the setting. Children behave well, and staff manage the occasional negative incident appropriately, using gentle interaction and reminders to encourage sharing and turn taking. Detailed information about the setting is available through the parent notice board, regular newsletters, daily record sheets and open evenings, encouraging a positive partnership with parents in which good levels of information are shared.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. The provision does not meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. There are some safety and hygiene issues which pose dangers to children. Although management are aware of these issues and have made plans to make improvements, the delay in carrying out those plans means children's overall health and safety needs are not currently being met. Children are cared for by well deployed, suitably qualified staff who are appropriately vetted, due to effective recruitment procedures. Induction, training, and written policies are in place, supporting appropriate practice within the nursery. Staff have a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and the Birth to three matters framework which enables them to provide suitable play opportunities for

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Organisation

children. Records on individual children are appropriately maintained and shared with parents on a regular basis, supporting consistency of care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions:

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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 • improve cleaning and hygiene practices to ensure children are always cared for in a hygienic environment • ensure the garden is made safe for children These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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