Wheatley Hill Community Nursery Ltd

Wheatley Hill Community Nursery LTD

Inspection report for early years provision

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Wheatley Hill Community Nursery LTD

Unique Reference Number EY330506 Inspection date 31 August 2006 Inspector Jean Wilson

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Wheatley Hill Community Nursery LTD

Setting Address The Family Centre, Jack Lawson Terrace, Wheatley Hill, Durham, DH6 3RT Telephone number 01429 824411 E-mail lisa.gray@durham.gov.uk Registered person Wheatley Hill Community Nursery LTD Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

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Wheatley Hill Community Nursery LTD

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?

Wheatley Hill Community Nursery has been registered since January 2006. It operates from purpose built facilities in Wheatley Hill Family Centre. A maximum of 26 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 22 children aged from one to under five years on roll. The nursery has procedures in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. It serves children from the local and surrounding areas and children can

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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 attend varied days and hours of the week. The nursery employs six members of staff. All hold early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is promoted well as all staff take steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping the premises very clean, regular sterilisation of feeding equipment and safe handling of food. Children are helped to understand that washing their hands prevents the spread of germs and helps keep them healthy. There are good arrangements in place to care for children who become unwell in the setting. All staff are trained in administering first aid and appropriate permissions and records are in place regarding the administration of medication to children. Children’s health is promoted by a wholesome, nutritious and balanced diet. Meals are freshly prepared using fresh fruit and vegetables, some using organic and even home-grown produce from the nursery area. Processed food is not served and food and drinks with high levels of artificial additives and sugar are avoided. Drinking

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Helping children to be healthy

water is always available. The staff are aware of each child’s individual dietary needs and ensures these are met. The cook talks with them during lunch, and explains what any unfamiliar ingredients are. Mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions when children and adults sit together to enjoy their food and each other’s company. The opportunities for children to take part in outdoor activities and use equipment to develop their motor skills and physical abilities are good. A fully enclosed safety-surfaced outdoor play area has been equipped with sturdy outdoor apparatus suitable for children to use all year round. Children confidently use a wide variety of large and small equipment. They have lots of fun playing outside and enjoy activities such as, digging in the large sand-pit, riding bikes and gardening.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and parents are welcome in the nursery. Indoor and outdoor space is organised effectively, creating a child-friendly environment which enables children to explore and take risks while being appropriately supervised. Children's access to hazards is greatly reduced by the safety equipment practitioners have put into place, such as socket covers and the door entry system. They have access to safe, clean and well maintained equipment. Some child accessible storage is in place enabling children to select and replace their playthings. Good toilet facilities are in place and children are taught to access them independently. Staff conduct visual daily checks on equipment to protect children from harm and hazardous materials. However, on occasion, toddlers are not fully safeguarded as chairs are not fitted with a harness and an unsecured window in the under fives room

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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 is hazardous to children. Written risk assessments are not consistently completed in accordance with the nursery's Health and Safety policy. Children learn about fire safety and regularly practise the fire evacuation procedure, helping them understand how to keep safe in the event of an emergency. They are protected because key staff clearly understand their role in child protection and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. The operational procedure for outings is followed and written guidance is in place for staff to follow should a child become lost.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a sufficient range of stimulating activities, helping them to make satisfactory progress in their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. Children under two access a range of sensory toys and equipment in the baby room. They delight when they see themselves in one of the numerous mirrors positioned around the play area and on toys, smiling and chuckling as they develop an awareness of themselves. They have room to learn to crawl and walk. They gain confidence as they explore and have opportunities to take risks, such as climbing steps and crawling through tunnels, with staff close by to keep them safe. Staff sit on the floor and interact with babies, encouraging their curiosity and communication skills. However, the variety of activities offered is restricted. Opportunities are limited for children to experience play with natural materials or express themselves

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

creatively. Staff have some understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, although, this is not yet used in planning or for assessing the children's progress through the developmental stages. Older children enjoy their time in the nursery most of the time. Children freely choose from a suitable range of play resources, including dressing-up costumes and construction toys. A group of children play co-operatively and imaginatively as they create stories with toy cars and trains. Staff interact with the children generally well during activities, to ensure that they share resources and have space to play. However, sufficient plans are not in place, to ensure that a stimulating balance of activities is provided and to help children make progress in all areas of their development. Learning opportunities are missed as staff have not identified the learning potential of resources and activities. For example, books are not displayed

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

attractively to encourage children’s interest and resources for domestic play are limited. Examples of creative work on the walls are small scale, which restricts children's free expression. Throughout the nursery displays are well above the children's eye-level, preventing children from being able to use them to extend their knowledge and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are warmly greeted on arrival and settle quickly to activities. Staff are

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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 affectionate and talk to children in friendly tones. They are knowledgeable about each child and children benefit from the key-worker system. Babies follow their home routines, for instance, a baby is rocked and cuddled going off to sleep, promoting their emotional well-being. Children behave well as staff provide good role models for children by being calm and polite. Praise is given freely to children, ensuring that they develop confidence and self esteem and understand when they have done well. Children are kind and show consideration towards each other. For example, they hold hands and wait patiently for everyone to be ready when going outside to play. Children have good opportunities to observe how things change and grow as they plant and nurture seeds and vegetables in the nursery garden. This further

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Helping children make a positive contribution

contributes to their learning and respect for living things. They learn about diversity and the world they live in through stories and festivals. This is complemented with access to a suitable range of resources with positive images of race and culture. The group's Special Educational Needs policy shows a commitment to inclusive practice for children with additional needs. Key staff have attended relevant training and aim to work closely with parents and other professionals, including those based within the centre to ensure all needs are met. A good relationship with parents contributes considerably to the children's well-being. They receive some written information about the nursery and view the policies and procedures in place. All staff are friendly and approachable. Relevant information is exchanged informally each session and parents with young children are informed about their day through a daily diary. However, the complaints procedure does not

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure parents are aware that they can contact Ofsted at any time should they have a concern.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is supported by the friendly atmosphere generated by the caring staff and management. The premises and equipment are well maintained and the outdoor area provides all children with regular opportunities to play in the fresh air. Staff are enthusiastic and work well together as a team. The play rooms have good natural light and resources are of good quality and mostly effectively organised to enhance play. All required policies, procedures and record keeping systems are in place. Good regard is given to keeping children's records and personal information confidential. The majority of which are appropriately organised and maintained. However, some documents have not been completed to identify staff areas of responsibility, and some require updating to reflect current legislation. Staff hold appropriate qualifications and have access to support, such as regular

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Organisation

team meetings and individual appraisal sessions. Well thought out induction procedures for new staff aim to ensure that they are familiar with all aspects across the age ranges. Staff training is organised to meet individual needs as well as the needs of the nursery. Staff deployment ensures that required staff to child ratios are

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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 met at all times. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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.

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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): • develop the observation and planning systems to enable staff to build up knowledge about how individual children learn and make progress • further develop the range of activities for younger children, for example, by using the Birth to three frame work • develop systems of risk assessment in order to identify and respond to hazards both indoors and out, including equipment, materials and procedures • develop the complaint procedure to reflect changes in legislation, so that parents are aware that they can contact Ofsted at any time should they have a concern • up date policies to reflect current legislation.

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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:

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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 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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