Orchard Private Day Nursery

Orchard PDN

Inspection report for early years provision

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Orchard PDN

258408 Unique Reference Number 21 September 2006 Inspection date Patricia Bowler Inspector

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Orchard PDN

104 Derby Road, Chellaston, Derby, Derbyshire, DE73 1RF Setting Address

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E-mail

Orchard Day Nurseries Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care Type of 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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Orchard Private Day Nursery is one of two nurseries run by Orchard Day nurseries Ltd. It opened in 1993 and operates from four rooms in a purpose built building. It is situated in Chellaston, Derbyshire. A maximum of 55 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07.20 to 18.00 all year round. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 86 children aged from 4 months to under three years on roll. The nursery currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and disabilities and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs 19 members of staff. Of these, 13 hold appropriate early years qualifications and 3 are working towards a qualification.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good policies are established and consistently implemented by staff to provide a clean, healthy and hygienic environment to promote children's welfare. Children's health is enhanced through diligent daily routines. For example, the single use of disposable gloves and aprons for nappy changing and thorough sanitising of the changing area after each use to effectively prevent the spread of infection. Older children, aged two years and over, are beginning to develop an awareness of personal hygiene as staff successfully remind and encourage them to flush toilets following use and wash their hands. Individual dispensers at low level sinks further develop their growing independence as they eagerly acquire their own soap.

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Helping children to be healthy

Clear documentation is completed with parents to record children's individual health and dietary requirements. Arrangements are established for parental provision of items such as nappies and toiletries to ensure children are not at risk from the use of unfamiliar products. Effective procedures ensure that any accidents children have are managed appropriately as most staff are trained in first aid and first aid equipment is readily accessible and routinely checked. Good recording methods are maintained to ensure parents are fully informed to monitor any possible adverse effects.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from opportunities for physical activities and are gaining early skills as they regularly access a range of indoor and outdoor equipment. For example, during outside play children develop confidence as they carefully use a low level multi frame, sited on a safety surface, to gain control of their bodies as they climb and sit at the top before gleefully enjoying sliding down. They play eagerly with staff who organise a variety of games to increase their large and fine motor skills. Children enjoy a circle game where they develop co ordination as they throw and catch a large sponge ball. They use a range of wheeled toys and develop skills in propelling and pedalling, independently and with adult support. Consistent procedures ensure they are protected from strong sun light during outside play because staff follow current guidelines and avoid outside play during peak periods. Children wear sun hats and regular

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Helping children to be healthy

application of sun cream ensures they are fully protected from harmful rays.

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Helping children to be healthy

Attractive and appealing areas for babies help to stimulate and contribute to their early development. A wide range of resources encourage them to turn over, crawl and progress to standing and walking. Resources effectively assist babies to sit and support themselves and they develop hand-eye coordination through a good range of hand held toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sleep and rest according to their individual needs. Cots in a separate sleep room for babies and floor mattresses for older children are available. Soft music and lighting in all areas provide a peaceful environment to promote children's welfare and emotional well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Food is hygienically prepared and children benefit from a nutritionally balanced diet where fresh meat and vegetables play a significant part in promoting their growth and development. Babies receive foods in suitable consistencies to support weaning processes. Arrangements ensure any specific dietary requirements are known to all staff as these are clearly recorded.

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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 Children and babies enjoy the meals provided and are supported by staff in gaining skills as most use cutlery successfully to eat their meals. They enjoy a variety of healthy snacks between meals including fresh fruit. Drinks are readily accessible for children to have when they require and staff ensure these are provided in sufficient quantities, especially during hot weather to ensure children are not at risk from dehydration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from vigilant procedures including a systematic risk assessment, health and safety policy which provide a safe and secure environment. All areas accessed by babies and young children are equipped with furniture and resources to meet current safety standards. For example, secure restraints are fitted to low level feeding chairs and pushchairs to ensure children and babies can sit and sleep safely. Effective arrangements ensure the outside play area is safe and meticulous security ensures children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. Coded entrance doors ensure that visitors can be monitored to sustain the high levels of security to safeguard children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate safety equipment such as gates to all areas where children are cared for minimises the risk of them leaving unsupervised. Door hinge covers are fitted to further protect very young children as they begin to move between rooms. Written notices remind adults of their responsibility to ensure all gates are secure to maintain children's safety. Space, equipment and resources are organised well, both indoors and outdoors to allow children to access these freely and safely to encourage their independence and choice. Effective methods ensure toys and resources are well maintained and suitable for the ages of the children present. Children aged two years and over are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe. Staff talk to them about not running as they play indoors to avoid bumping into each other. They are supported well in gaining skills to climb outside play equipment carefully to increase their own

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate fire safety equipment is available and vigilant arrangements for emergency evacuation, including regular fire drills ensure children can be safely evacuated should the need arise. Robust systems are in place for the safe evacuation of babies with additional staff specifically identified to assist in this process.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the staff understand their role in child protection and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary. Staff have attended various training events and a clear written policy ensures parents are fully informed of their responsibility to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children and babies are happy and settled as they benefit from sensitive interactions from staff to promote their care and development. Staff have a secure knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three' framework. They implement this successfully in all areas to ensure children

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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 reach their full potential through a wide variety of good play opportunities. Space and resources are generally organised successfully. However, when areas become unavailable, such as the conservatory where most creative activities take place alternative arrangements to ensure the provision in other areas of the nursery is not always sufficiently maintained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children enjoy their time in the nursery. Resources are stored in low level units and boxes enabling them to access some equipment independently to make active choices about their play. Most adult led activities are well prepared and attractively presented. However, there are times when there are insufficient in variety and quantity to capture and sustain children's interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a wide ongoing vocabulary because staff talk to them all the time during play. They look and listen intently during a group activity to gain awareness of their feelings and emotions through a range of picture cards. They copy the images to demonstrate happy, sad and grumpy faces laughing gleefully with staff and peers. Children excitedly enjoy spontaneous activities such as a sheet of sheer material raised up and down to gently cover them as they listen to classical music.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Opportunity is given to encourage children's confidence and independence through daily routines. Some children recognise their own coats and are beginning to understand the concepts of some fastenings. One child successfully pulled up a zip fastening on her coat with some adult support saying "I do it" and smiling broadly at her achievement

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies make significant progress as they develop skills in hand-eye coordination with a wide variety of hand held toys. They are visually stimulated with bright wall displays and ceiling mobiles and are highly motivated in their early physical development as they progress through sitting, crawling and walking. Toys and resources are attractively set out to encourage babies to experiment and explore. They listen to music, including soft music in the sleep room and recognise familiar voices as staff return from lunch breaks. A very young child eagerly gets to his feet to welcome a returning staff member and giggles delightfully as she scoops him in her arms and cuddles him.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to successfully plan activities for babies and young children. They are very knowledgeable about the objectives and record them clearly in a weekly planning sheet covering all components. Accurate records are maintained through excellent observations which show children's progress through early milestones although they are not used to best effect to plan for their next steps to further impact on their growth and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Effective relationships with parents ensure the staff know the children very well. Children receive care appropriate to their individual needs because meticulous arrangements ensure these are discussed and recorded. Parents complete an 'All about me' form to provide valuable information including sleep routines, likes, dislikes and any comforters that children have. Systematic methods ensure both parties are fully informed. For example, through precise

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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 documentation, a comprehensive parents information pack and daily written information about sleep, nappy changes, food intakes and activities which children have taken part in. Parental views are sought through an annual questionnaire. Effective checking procedures identify any concerns which are then addressed by managers. An open door system operates and parents can discuss any issues or concerns with care staff or the manager.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Information about individual children is completed to ensure staff and are fully informed as they progress through the nursery. Children are supported through a two week settling in period to prepare for moves within the nursery. Staff maintain contact until children are fully settled. Although children are cared for in specific age ranges, facilities are always available if children are not sufficiently mature to move into older age range groups. An effective system operates for children visiting other nurseries within the organisation where care for children over three years is provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A clear and concise written policy works effectively in practice to promote equal opportunities for all children. Children receive warm cuddles and affection and build trusting relationships with the staff to contribute to their sense of belonging. Children with additional needs are cared for extremely well. Staff are fully aware of current legislation including information relating to the Disability Discrimination Act and a detailed written policy reflects strong commitment to ensure the provision of quality care for all children. Visual displays depict positive images of different backgrounds and children have regular access to toys and play resources to promote positive images.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children make active decisions about their play, making choices to develop their confidence and self-esteem. They play confidently alone and socially and are progressing well in their behaviour management. Sensitive guidance and early intervention from staff allows them to express age appropriate behaviour in a safe and secure environment. They learn to take turns on outdoor equipment, waiting for each other whilst using the slide on the climbing frame. Children are learning to share toys as they listen to staff explaining not to snatch. They respond positively as they are guided to return these and select alternatives offered. They respond eagerly to consistent praise and encouragement and enjoy cuddles and reassurance from very caring staff.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides. The staff have high regard for the well being of children and procedures and policies promote their health, safety and enjoyment. Caring staff work effectively to provide a stable, lively environment where children receive good levels of care.

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Organisation

Staff work effectively as a team under the professional guidance of the manager and have a clear ethos for the provision of quality care. Comprehensive policies and procedures are established and consistently followed by staff to contribute to an effective operational plan. However, although attendance records clearly identify children's arrival and departure they do not identify the hours of attendance.

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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 Robust procedures for the recruitment and employment of staff, including regular appraisals to monitor working practice, ensure children are cared for by qualified and experienced staff. Training needs are identified and supported in order to further support care, learning and play. Effective deployment of staff within the nursery maintains adult child ratios and contributes to children receiving care appropriate to their individual needs. An identified key worker system works well in practice to support consistent communication between parents and staff.

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Organisation

Recording systems are used effectively to monitor and support children's development and are routinely shared with parents. Procedures are clearly established to ensure documents relating to children's individual needs are regularly up dated and contain relevant information to support their care. Secure arrangements ensure the safe storage of confidential information.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was reported on 29/04/2004 regarding the behaviour of an identified member of staff in relation to National Standard: 11 and National Standard: 13. Ofsted investigated along side outside agencies. The registered person carried out an internal investigation and Ofsted took no further action. The registered person remains suitable for registration.

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • select resources and provide activities, play opportunities and first-hand experiences which allow children to build on their natural curiosity as learners and deploy staff to support children's play and learning • ensure the system for registering children and staff attendance shows the hours of attendance.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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