Wendy House Day Nursery

Wendy House Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Wendy House Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number 228987 Inspection date 04 October 2005 Inspector Adelaide Griffiths

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Wendy House Day Nursery

Setting Address 129 George Road, Erdington, Birmingham, West Midlands, B23 7SH Telephone number 0121 377 6927

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E-mail

Registered person Jill Chiles 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?

Wendy House Day Nursery opened in 1986. It operates from a two storey building which is a converted shop overlooking Witton Lake in Erdington, Birmingham. The baby and toddler unit, consisting of two rooms, is located on the first floor. Pre-school children share a playroom situated on the ground floor. A maximum of 20 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07:45 to 17:45 all year round except for bank holidays. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 15 children aged from five months to under five 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 Children come from a wide catchment area as some parents travel past the nursery on their way to work. The nursery supports children with special needs, and also supports children with English as an additional language. The nursery employs four staff. All staff, including the manager, hold early years qualifications. A part-time chef is also employed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are gaining some understanding of hygiene issues. They are supported in washing hands after some activities and after the use of the toilet. Children have their hands and faces wiped with individual flannels following meals. Staff use protective clothing and clean changing mats with antibacterial wipes following each nappy change in order to minimise cross infection. Babies sleep in individually allocated cots at all times and bedding is changed regularly to ensure that hygiene measures are addressed appropriately. Sleeping mats for other children are wiped after sessions and head coverings are changed regularly. Feeding bottles supplied by parents are washed or sterilised as appropriate. Older children are reliably learning about dental health by using individual toothbrushes for brushing teeth daily. Children are cared for in a fairly clean environment. The carpets in the base rooms for all age

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Helping children to be healthy

groups are clean. However, carpets on the landing, stairs and entrance are strewn with bits of debris. In the kitchen a separate sink is used solely for vegetables but the sink used for hand washing is not supplied with soap or towels. The range of measures in place is helping children to gain some understanding of hygiene issues. Children are primarily learning about healthy eating due to the meals provided. A reasonable range of fruit and fresh vegetables are offered daily. Children are served with cereals for breakfast and low sugar drinks on other occasions. Babies have meals supplied by parents or those prepared on the premises. All children are given drinks when required. Jugs of water and individual beakers are kept accessible at all times. Owing to these arrangements children are gaining an acceptable understanding of healthy eating. Children's health is generally safeguarded with consent for medication and

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Helping children to be healthy

emergency treatment. However, parental signatures are not always included on records. Two members of staff hold current first aid certificates and a first aid box is available. An exclusion policy and agreed procedures for collecting children if they become unwell are in place. Adequate arrangements are in place to safeguard children's health. There is adequate space for children to exercise regularly. Babies crawl around or pull up to stand with the assistance of carers or furniture. Older children can move around freely in the pre-school room. Outside, children can play in the garden and they walk to the park on occasions. Individual routines for naps and sleep are in

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 place for all children to provide periods of rest. There is appropriate provision to provide balance between children's vigorous activity and rest periods.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure environment. There is controlled access to the premises and doors are kept locked at all times. The premises are bright with adequate temperature control and ventilation. A range of safety measures are in place to protect children. Windows are at a high level. Safety gates are in place at the top and bottom of stairs and at doors in the baby unit. Room thermometers are in place for monitoring the temperature in rooms used for younger children and babies. In changing areas all cleaning substances are stored out of children's reach. The range of measures ensures that children's safety is adequately protected. Children play in a relatively safe environment. A suitable range of furniture and equipment is provided for all children. Child size chairs, tables and settees are in place for children's comfort and arranged to allow maximum space for play activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All furniture, toys and play resources are purchased from reputable suppliers. They are durable, chosen for age-appropriateness and checked and cleaned on a regular basis. The arrangements in place ensure that chosen furniture and resources maintain children's safety appropriately. Outside, the garden is fully enclosed and the back gate is bolted. Although small bedding plants are safely situated the play area under the back wall is overhung with ivy plants. There is patchy grass cover in the play area therefore play with large equipment is difficult for young children. Although the sand pit is covered the sand is not clean for children's use. A moveable, temporary cover is in place to protect children from the drain. There is some storage for play equipment. Currently, issues in regard to the outside play area affect children's ability to play safely. An appropriate range of fire safety measures is in place. There is a mounted fire

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

blanket in the kitchen. Several fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are located in different parts of the building. All rooms have clearly displayed fire notices. Children are generally learning about fire safety when they participate in regular fire drills which are recorded. Although staff carry out risk assessments of all rooms and the garden a limited amount of information is recorded. Most fire procedures are in place and children are gaining some information about fire safety. Children's welfare is adequately protected due to the child protection policy that is in place. Parents are made aware and staff are kept up to date with procedures. Child protection guidelines with contact numbers of local agencies are available but staff are not informed of procedures in the event of allegations made against them.

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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 Children are cared for in a cheerful environment which is enhanced by an interesting selection of colourful posters and displays. A wide range of soft, musical and flashing toys are available to promote sensory development of babies. There is a vast selection of pop-up toys and bricks to encourage fine muscle development. Push along trolleys and large play equipment help older babies to pull up to stand and to develop balancing skills. There is ample provision to stimulate the development of babies. A stimulating range of activities are planned to promote all aspects of children's development. Free play is balanced by adult-led activities, for example, children are encouraged to self-select toys and resources for their play and adults work with younger children in creating displays. Children are effectively learning to cooperate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

when working in groups. Bright colours used in displays also enhance their recognition skills. In the pre-school room children have opportunities to access many resources which are stored within reach. They are also encouraged to request others as they wish. Children's play is made rewarding through free choice and supported activities. Children in the pre-school room benefit from a range of resources that provide interesting play activities. A vast selection of blocks, stickle bricks and Lego bricks are provided to encourage children's fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. A commendable range of role play equipment and dressing-up clothes support children's imaginative play. Children can engage in activities with arts and craft materials that promote creative self-expression. Board games and jigsaws are used for small group activities and for promoting problem solving skills. A broad selection

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of books are available for all age groups and are used at story time for encouraging listening, concentration and memory skills. Children are benefiting from a range of activities that promote many aspects of their development. Outside, a fair selection of large play equipment including cars, bikes, tractors and slides are available for children to develop large muscle skills. A small seesaw is provided for younger children to learn balancing skills. Children have opportunities to walk to the park where they can run around. Children's physical development is effectively encouraged due to a balance of resources and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and cared for in a supportive environment. Daily routines for babies and young children offer continuity of care as established in the home. Babies have individual blankets which are colour coded to keep all staff informed. All children are encouraged to join in with activities, for example, older children participate in creating group displays. Children's individual work is displayed in rooms. Owing to these measures children's individual needs are met in various ways. Children are cared for in a child-friendly environment. They can access resources independently or with the support of staff. A good selection of resources including books and toys are available to promote equality of opportunities. Posters depicting

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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 different cultures are rotated regularly. Children are gaining some understanding of the wider community. They participate in outings to the nearby lake and park where they learn about the ducks and collect leaves that are mounted. At present there are no children with special needs at the nursery. Staff have experience of supporting children with special needs in agreement with parental wishes and guidance from external agencies. Children are clearly developing understanding of the wider community and diversity. Children are effectively learning self-reliance. Babies feed themselves with spoons and beakers under the staff's supervision. Older children are encouraged to help with the tidying away of play resources. Pre-school children are developing independence in attending to their toileting needs. All children are encouraged to develop self-help

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Helping children make a positive contribution

skills. Children are well behaved and respond positively to requests. In accordance with the behaviour management policy staff use a consistent approach for managing behaviour. Staff describe ground rules and how they encourage children to share. If children engage in unacceptable behaviour a very short time out from activities is implemented and reasons given in accordance with children's stage of development. Children are praised for good behaviour. Staff talk and play freely with children. A consistent approach and good staff interaction encourage children to behave well. There is a good working relationship with parents. A settling-in period including several sessions is available for parents and provides opportunities to agree on aspects of care. Information of children's daily experiences is shared with parents in written diaries and verbally. A policy folder is accessible to parents on a notice board.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

However, a complaints policy with information about the regulator is not included. Most policies and procedures in place ensure that children are well cared for in agreement with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There is reasonable organisation for the care of children. Students on short-term placement are supervised at all times. Two staff are booked on updating course in 'Birth to three matters' and basic food hygiene. Children are organised in groups according to age. Ratios are maintained and procedures in place to ensure that all staff breaks are covered by the provider. Contingency arrangements ensure that staff can be obtained from an agency in the event of emergencies. A certificate of registration is displayed. Suitable organisational arrangements are in place for the care of children. An acceptable range of policies are in place for working with parents. However, some are inconsistently maintained and lack relevant information. All records are securely stored and the provider is adequately informed in regard to procedures for the updating and retention of records. Staff changes with identity clearance have taken

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Organisation

place but Ofsted is not informed. Overall, the needs of the range of children who attend are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to plan, monitor and develop children's activities. Long-term plans including a variety of weekly activities are in place and children's performance is recorded. At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that staff have opportunities for professional development. Staff are booked on to courses including 'Birth to three mattes' and basic food hygiene. At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that staff have child protection training including understanding of procedures in the event of allegations against staff. Staff have received information in regard to child protection procedures. However, understanding of procedures in regard to allegations against staff are due to be addressed.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve hand washing and drying facilities in the kitchen to minimise the spread of infection • ensure that the outdoor areas are made safe • increase the understanding of procedures where an allegation of abuse is made against staff • make sure that the contact details of Ofsted are displayed for parents so that they can contact the regulator if they wish to comment on the childcare provided • ensure that all documentation is maintained appropriately and is up to date including risk assessments and update procedures to ensure Ofsted are notified of staff changes at the earliest opportunity.

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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 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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