Little People Bramley

Little People Bramley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Little People Bramley

Unique Reference Number EY294763 Inspection date 14 July 2006 Inspector Jane Elizabeth O'Callaghan

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Little People Bramley

Setting Address McLaren Fields, Lower Town Street, Bramley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS13 3EN

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E-mail

Registered person Little People Private Day Nursery Ltd Type of inspection Integrated 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Little People Bramley Nursery is privately run and registered in November 2005. It is situated on the outskirts of Leeds. The nursery serves the local and wider community. The nursery is registered for a total of 58 children and is open from 07.30 until 18.00 Monday to Friday, except bank holidays. There are secure outdoor play areas for the children to access.

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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 83 children aged from three months to five years on roll. There are 20 children who receive funding for nursery education. The nursery employs 16 staff. The majority of the staff have appropriate early years qualifications. Other staff are working towards further childcare qualifications and all have experience in childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop a very good understanding of healthy practises through topics and activities, for example, healthy eating. They wash their hands independently after messy play, after using the toilet and before all meals and snacks. Through discussion they understand the need to practise good routines of personal hygiene and the importance of this, for example, 'to get rid of germs'. Children enjoy exercise and develop a positive approach to this through regular opportunities for outdoor physical play. Children test and develop physical skills and control of movement through their access to a good range of experiences and activities. Staff have a sufficient knowledge of child development, to enable all children to be eager to try out new skills and seek support when needed. For example, children enjoy balancing on the obstacle course and manoeuvring bicycles, scooters and hoops outside. Children develop a good awareness of available space.

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Helping children to be healthy

They move around confidently, with control and in a variety of ways, including running, jumping and hopping. Children also competently use a good range of small equipment, which includes scissors, glue spreaders and utensils. Children are able to access water throughout the day and enjoy fresh fruit and other healthy options at snack time. Main meals are varied and nutritious, they comply with children's individual dietary requirements. Sleeping and feeding routines for younger children are monitored and recorded appropriately and discussed with parents. Staff have a good awareness of the Birth to three matters framework, and have attended in-house training. Their knowledge and understanding in this area is evident through the care of children in this age range. For example, babies' food is prepared according to their needs, some is pureed. All children, regardless of their age, are given the same healthy foods.

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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 clean, very well-maintained environment which is effectively organised to enable them to move around freely and safely. They access available resources independently from trays and boxes at their height, and all toys and equipment are maintained in very good condition. Toys and equipment are checked daily and risk assessments completed regularly.

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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 benefit from a good range of safety measures in most areas. The main door has a buzzer entry system, there is an intercom system linking all rooms and fire extinguishers are in place. Risk assessments are carried out regularly and recorded. However, some sockets are unprotected and pose a risk to children. All outdoor areas are safe and are checked for any dangers prior to the children playing out. Fire drills are practised and recorded, each room has a evacuation plan displayed and the older children are fully aware of the need for these. Children develop a good awareness of safety through practising emergency evacuations regularly and discussing the reasons for these with staff. They have a sound understanding about safety in the setting, which are developed through good staff explanations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well-protected by staff, who have good knowledge and understanding of child protection. These are maintained and updated through intense training, both in-house and external. The nursery have in-depth written policies and procedures, which staff read and are fully aware of the steps to take if they have any concerns. This promotes the importance of children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and enjoy coming to the nursery. The staff are keen and interested in the children. They are extending their knowledge and skills for the children under 3 years old and developing their programme of activities. Some staff have attended the Birth to three matters framework training. This is evident in the planning for the younger children and the enjoyable activities provided. The younger children are developing a good sense of self and belonging. Staff in the pre-school have a sound understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum to provide the children with good learning opportunities. Staff provide continuity of care for the children under three-years-old, which ensures their routines and needs are well met overall. Good relationships are established that enhance children's independence and promote their development of well-being appropriately. Nursery Education

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of the teaching and learning is good. The children are keen to learn and participate in the good range of activities offered, which are well-organised and accessible to the children. Staff use an appropriate range of teaching methods with the children to support their learning across the curriculum. Children work well together, follow routines safely, and accept responsibility for their actions. The children have good levels of concentration and imagination, they offer and extend their own ideas through their play. For example, children were painting stripes for tigers and zebras, to include the topic of "jungle". There are displays of the children's work which shows a variety of resources used, such as collage and letters. Children communicate well, both with each other and staff, who encourage the children to share their experiences in what they know and encourage questioning if a child is uncertain. This supports their thinking skills to develop their independence.

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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 However, there are some missed opportunities for children to develop their independence. Children are very well behaved, they share and take turns and they play harmoniously and build good friendships. The children independently select and carry out activities and are co-operative at tidy up time. They form good relationships with adults and peers and show care and concern for others. For example, a child accidentally threw a toy and immediately went round to say sorry and give lots of cuddles and hugs. Children have good opportunities to recognise letters in their names. However, there are limited opportunities for children to practise their writing skills. Children are developing their confidence and use of numbers and counting to five and beyond in their daily activities. For example, children count numbers when singing and at circle

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

time. For example, children sang "5 little men in a flying saucer" and calculated through the song confidently. They are developing and enhancing their mathematical and fine motor skills by the use of some equipment. For example scissors, weighing scales and rolling pins. Children have very good opportunities to explore and investigate their surroundings in the nursery. For example, watching duck eggs hatch, celebrating festivals and through planned focus topics. Physical skills are well-developed and well-balanced throughout the day. Children are confident in their use of both large and small equipment, such as riding bikes, the obstacle course and using scissors and glue spreaders. A good range of creative experiences and resources assist the children to make sense of the world around them. Assessment of the children's learning and progress is managed by the child's key worker. The level of challenges for children are good and children show enthusiasm

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and interest in the activities provided. These activities enable children to make good progress. Evaluation of activities and ongoing plans show new challenges. The planning shows at all stages of development where the children's next step is and where more support is required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals and their individual needs are well met. Children develop a positive attitude to others and foster a good understanding of the wider world and the local community. For example, children celebrate festivals, try cultural foods and have access to a range of resources and activities which show positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. Children behave very well, they are given lots of praise and encouragement and learn to share, take turns and begin to accept the needs of others. They learn to understand right and wrong through the consistent use of boundaries, which are age-appropriate and include explanation and distraction. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Children benefit from effective information sharing with parents through newsletters, daily chats, information sheets and detailed notice boards. However, the policy on the complaint procedure requires

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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 updating. This will ensure that the parents are kept well informed of children's needs. Detailed information on the Foundation Stage curriculum and the Birth to three matters framework is available for parents and this helps them to be involved in children's learning. The setting fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is extremely well-organised, staff know their roles and responsibilities and effectively implement routines to give children a broad range of experiences. Children benefit from well deployed staff, who consistently interact with them and give them support and encouragement and ratios are met. This helps children to feel secure and confident. Children are kept safe and healthy as staff attend and update training regularly, including first aid, Birth to three matters framework, Foundation Stage and child protection. Children are well cared for through effective implementation of most policies and the maintaining of documentation. The leadership and management of the nursery education is good. Staff have attended Foundation Stage training and are involved in planning for the curriculum to help children develop. There are regular evaluations of staff performance and also

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Organisation

appraisals are used to monitor staff development. Assessment records are updated by key workers, who monitor children's achievements and development. These records are detailed and clearly show all areas of learning for each child. Parents are encouraged to read and add to individual assessment records. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted has received complaints since registration relating to National Standard 2 : Organisation. The complaint related to ratios not being maintained. Also to National Standard 12 : Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers; this related to children being upset. Also a complaint relating to National Standard 13 : Child Protection, in conjunction with the complaint against National Standard 12. Ofsted carried out an investigation. Ofsted found no evidence that the provider was not complying with the national standards. Ofsted took no further action and the provider remains qualified for registration. The provider has a record of this complaint to show to prospective parents.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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 all safety measures are in place • develop the complaint procedure meeting new regulations.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide opportunities for children to practise writing for a purpose • provide opportunities for children to develop independence.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 nursery education

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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