Smile Day Nursery & Out of School Club

Club

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Club

Unique Reference Number EY264983 Inspection date 07 August 2006 Inspector Sandra Elizabeth Williams

p.1

Club

Setting Address High Biggins, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 2NP

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Izzy Island Ltd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Smile Day Nursery and Out of School Club was registered in December 2003. It is situated in the small hamlet of High Biggins, which is close to Kirkby Lonsdale. The nursery rooms consist of a baby room, with a separate sleep room, and a playroom for children aged two to five years on the ground floor. On the first floor, there is a play room for children attending the out of school club. There are sufficient toilets on both floors, a kitchen, ample storage space and a laundry. The nursery also has a reception area, an office and staff facilities. All children have access to an outdoor play area.

p.2

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 serves the local area. It is registered to provide care no more than 62 children under eight years at any one time. Older children may also attend the out of school club. There are currently 110 children attending for a variety of sessions, none of whom have learning difficulties or English as a second language. The nursery opens five days a week, all year round, apart from Christmas and Bank Holidays. Sessions are from 07.30 until 18.30. There are nine full time and two part time members of staff who work with the children. All the staff have appropriate early years qualifications. The nursery is a member of the National Day Nursery Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because they are cared for in a warm, clean nursery, where staff meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs competently. Children learn about good hygiene and personal care as they wash their hands with soap before eating their snacks and after using the toilet. Older children know the routine well and follow good hygiene procedures independently. All children bring their toothbrushes to nursery and they enthusiastically brush their teeth after meals. This good practice is reinforced by the staff, who have displayed the words of the song 'This is the way we brush our teeth' above the wash basins. Children know that it is important to brush their teeth in order to keep them bright, shiny and clean. All of the staff are trained in first aid and are able to attend to the children's health and medical requirements effectively. Well equipped first aid kits are located in most rooms within

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

the nursery for easy accessibility in an emergency or accident. Staff implement thorough systems for recording accidents and medication. Children are protected from the risk of infection as the staff operate a sick child policy which prevents children with contagious illnesses attending the nursery until they are better. Children have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills and gain control of their bodies. They confidently pedal their bicycles and tractors around the playground, skilfully manoeuvring around objects. They develop their coordination as they kick and throw balls and climb through tunnels. Some children enjoy planting plants and watching them grow, others choose to sit under the gazebo to read or play with building blocks. They enjoy regular Jo-Jingles movement to music sessions where they develop their sense of rhythm and movement to music. The children also enjoy fresh air and exercise as they go for nature walks in the surrounding

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

countryside. Children thoroughly enjoy a good variety of healthy home-made meals prepared daily by the cook, such as cottage pie, fish cakes, vegetables and fruit salad. Healthy snacks, such as raisins, bread sticks and fresh fruit, as well as water and milk, are also provided. The cook produces menus that ensure the children receive a good balanced diet and which always include fruit and vegetables. The menus are displayed on the wall so that parents are informed as to what the children are eating.

p.3

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 Vegetarian options are readily available. The cook works closely with the staff and often produces meals that are linked with the themed activities, such as Chinese and Indian food, thus extending the children's learning. Children's special dietary requirements are well met. When children have intolerances to certain foods, such as dairy products, the staff work very closely with parents to provide alternative food for the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which is bright and attractively decorated with children's art work and photos. Children's safety is satisfactory as they are cared for in a generally secure and safe environment where most potential hazards are identified and minimised by regular risk assessments. Reasonable steps are taken to ensure that children are protected from most identified hazards. However, the lack of safety devices on the large number of doors in the nursery pose a potential hazard to young children and babies. Also, the security arrangements for the door leading into the playground are not always followed rigorously. Children are provided with well organised play rooms, which provide sufficient space for children to easily and safely access the play equipment, allowing them to make choices and develop their independence. The large room is divided into many

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

different play areas, which are clearly labelled with attractive, colourful posters and are very well equipped. Children enjoy playing with a very good selection of high quality play equipment, which complies with safety standards. Staff check the equipment on a daily basis for any damage or hazards, and they clean the toys regularly, thus keeping children safe. Play equipment is well organised in labelled boxes that are at a low level to ensure that children can access them easily and safely. Children have the use of a very good range of child-sized furniture, which makes the environment very welcoming and comfortable for children. Children learn to keep themselves safe because staff explain acceptable boundaries. For example, children know that they must not run in the setting as they may injure themselves or others. The staff are watchful and vigilant at all times, ensuring that the children are safe as they play. When on outings, children are kept safe as the staff

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

talk to them about road safety and 'stranger danger'. This is also reinforced by visits from the local police officers who talk to the children about staying safe. Children are also aware of the importance of protecting themselves from the sun by wearing sun hats and sun cream. They learn about fire safety as the staff regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedure with them. Children stay safe as the staff recognise their responsibilities to protect young children from harm. They have a sound understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect, also, who they should contact to report any child protection concerns. The staff take prompt action if they feel that a child is at risk of harm.

p.4

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 highly enthusiastic and motivated as they enjoy the interesting selection of activities at the nursery. They enjoy very good relationships with the staff and are greeted warmly by them when they arrive. They are highly motivated and confident as they move about the nursery. They enjoy the good balance between playing independently with the continuous provision equipment, which is well set out, and undertaking adult-led, focused activities, such as matching games and reading stories. Activities are well planned by the staff and are linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children's development and achievements are observed, recorded and assessed against the developmental stages in the 'Birth to three matters' framework. The records of achievement are regularly shared with parents.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a high level of confidence as they make their own choices in the nursery. After lunch, some children decide to sit comfortably on the soft cushions in the reading corner and read their chosen books. Others decide to play a matching card game with their friends and demonstrate that they understand the importance of taking turns and being patient as they wait their turn in the game. Others develop their creative skills as they make pictures using different materials and shapes. The younger children play safely in their own room in the nursery where they have access to a very good range of play equipment, all easily accessible to them. They enjoy sitting at their child-sized tables and practising their mark-making skills and developing brush control as they draw and paint pictures for their parents. They begin to develop their fine motor skills as they make cards for special occasions by

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

choosing different materials and cutting and sticking their own designs on the cards. They also enjoy snuggling up with staff in the comfortable chairs to look at story books and listen to the stories being read to them. Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong as the staff teach them to respect each other and share toys cooperatively with each other.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well known and competently met as staff discuss these in good detail with the parents. Children and parents are welcomed into the nursery and make good use of the settling-in procedure. This means that both children and parents have sufficient opportunity to get used to the staff and nursery before the children start attending on their own. Children develop positive attitudes about a diverse society and learn to value different cultures through the provision of resources; such as, books, dolls, dressing up costumes and various props in the role play area. They also learn about different countries and cultures through a good range of themed activities throughout the year. Children thoroughly enjoy learning about different countries by playing in the role play corner, which is set up as a travel agency with plenty of glossy brochures, posters and maps of the world. The children

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

learn about travelling and have enjoyed making their own passports. The role play corner has previously been set up as a Chinese take-away. Children learn about their local community by regularly going on outings to the library in town and to an open farm and other places of interest. They also learn about people in the community who help us because staff invite visitors to the nursery, such as fire officers, police officers

p.5

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 and vets. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are well supported and, if necessary, are provided with extra support. The staff work closely with the parents and other professionals in order to maximise the support to these children. Support to children is enhanced through the close working relationships between the staff, the parents and the health visitor, who regularly visits to provide advice when necessary. Any behaviour problems are handled sensitively by staff, working closely with parents and other professionals in order to address any problems effectively. Children demonstrate positive behaviour which is encouraged by the staff, who act as good role models and who use praise and encouragement effectively. Children are developing good social manners, that are particularly evident at meal times, when

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

they say 'please' and 'thank you' as they are handed drinks and snacks. Children benefit from the positive partnership the staff have with the parents. The staff work closely with the parents, sharing information on a daily basis to ensure that the children's individual needs are recognised and their welfare promoted. Staff provide regular information to parents about children's progress. They also provide useful information about the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which the nursery staff use effectively to develop children's learning.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is good due to the high level of organisation of the provision. Staff are well qualified and are very aware of the need to attend relevant training courses to enable them to keep up-to-date with current childcare practices, for example, first aid and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Thorough procedures are in place in relation to the recruitment of staff. This means that staff employed in this setting are suitable to meet the needs of children well. Children are relaxed and confident in the environment due to the good organisation of their care and learning. Children's play opportunities are very good as the staff organise the premises well, thus allowing children to move about easily and safely. The play rooms are attractive and have clear areas set up for different activities, such as a writing corner, construction area, art and crafts corner, a role play area, and so

p.6

Organisation

on. Documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is well organised and stored in a systematic and orderly manner. Staff are familiar with the nursery's policies and procedures and these are shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was agreed that the outdoor environment would be made more stimulating and interesting. The outdoor play area now contains a good range

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

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 play equipment suitable for all ages and stages of development, thus improving the environment for children. It was also agreed that the complaints policy be revised and that the uncollected children policy be adhered to. Both of these issues have been satisfactorily addressed, thus improving the level of safety procedures for children.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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.

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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.

p.7

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 the level of safety within the nursery by ensuring that children can not leave the premises unattended and by ensuring that the internal doors are safe and do not pose a hazard to children.

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7