The Cottage Private Day Nursery (55 Bedford Street)

Bedford Street)

Inspection report for early years provision

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Bedford Street)

Unique Reference Number 206104 Inspection date 03 August 2006 Inspector Patricia Bowler

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Bedford Street)

Setting Address 55 Bedford Street, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 3PD

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Bedford Street)

Telephone number 01332 346500 E-mail Derby@cottage nurseries.co.uk Registered person The Cottage Day Nurseries Ltd. Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

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Bedford Street)

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Cottage Day Nursery is one of three nurseries run by Cottage Day Nurseries Ltd. It opened in 1990 and operates from five rooms in a purpose built building. It is situated in Derby, Derbyshire. A maximum of 25 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07.30 to 18.00 all year round. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor area. There are currently 30 children under two years on roll. The nursery employs seven members of staff, of whom six hold appropriate early

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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 years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Exemplary policies are established and meticulously implemented by staff who are extremely knowledgeable and consistently give utmost priority to provide a clean, healthy and hygienic environment to promote children's welfare. Children's health is significantly enhanced through diligent routines effectively maintained by the staff. Rigorous procedures such as the single use of disposable gloves and aprons for nappy changing and thorough sanitising of the changing area after each use effectively prevents the spread of infection. Comprehensive documentation is completed with parents to accurately record children's individual health and dietary requirements. Clear 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. Excellent procedures ensure that any accidents children have are managed appropriately as most staff are

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Helping children to be healthy

trained in first aid and first aid equipment is readily accessible and routinely checked. Comprehensive recording methods are systematically maintained to ensure parents are fully informed to monitor any possible adverse effects. Children benefit from regular opportunities for physical activities and are gaining early skills as they regularly access a range of indoor and outdoor equipment. For example, children develop confidence as they carefully climb the steps of a low level slide gaining control of their bodies as they sit at the top before gleefully enjoying sliding down. They play eagerly with staff who roll hoops and balls to help children gain balance and coordination as they joyfully run to catch and kick the equipment. Children 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 application of sun cream ensures they are fully protected from

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Helping children to be healthy

harmful rays. Attractive and appealing areas for babies help to stimulate and contribute to their early development. A superb 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 an excellent range of hand held toys. Babies express delight as they successfully activate a ball push toy and young children totter excitedly to collect the balls as they roll across the room. Children sleep and rest according to their individual needs. A separate sleep room for babies provides a peaceful environment where they have their own cots and bed linen. Equipment such as fans during hot weather ensure a comfortable temperature is maintained to promote their emotional well-being. Food is hygienically prepared and children benefit from a nutritionally balanced diet

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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 where fresh meat and vegetables play a significant part in promoting their growth and development. Babies receive foods in suitable consistencies to support excellent weaning processes. Meticulous arrangements ensure any specific dietary requirements are known to all staff. Allergies are clearly recorded and diligent methods prevent any risk to children's health as specific meals are prepared and provided ready plated by catering staff. Children and babies enjoy the meals provided and are supported by staff in gaining excellent 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

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Helping children to be healthy

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 outstanding. Children benefit from vigilant procedures including a systematic risk assessment and health and safety policy to 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. Thorough checks including room and fridge temperatures ensure children receive excellent levels of care. 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. An internal telephone system provides consistent contact between rooms within the nursery and also provides staff with direct contact with the main office if the need arises. Appropriate safety equipment such as gates to the top and base of the stairs and all

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

interior doors minimises potential hazards. Door hinge covers are fitted to further protect very young children as they begin to move independently between rooms. Written notices remind adults of their responsibility to ensure all gates are secure as they move between the two levels to maintain children's safety. Innovative organisation of space, equipment and resources allow children to access these freely and safely to encourage independence and choice. Very effective methods ensure that toys and resources are well maintained and suitable for the ages of the children present. Appropriate fire safety equipment is available and vigilant arrangements for emergency evacuation, including regular fire drills equip young children with age appropriate knowledge of what to do if the need arises. Robust systems are in place for the safe evacuation of babies on the first floor with additional staff specifically

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

identified to assist in this process. Excellent arrangements are established for outings including systematic maintenance of pushchairs to ensure children are transported safely with secure restraints. Clear procedures are established to be followed in the event of a child becoming lost. Children are protected from harm because the staff understands their role in child protection and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary. Staff

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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 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 outstanding. Children and babies are extremely happy and settled. They benefit from sensitive interactions from staff to promote their care and development. Very warm caring relationships enable children to feel safe and secure. Their care is significantly enhanced by very effective organisation. Knowledgeable staff successfully provide innovative experiences to ensure children enjoy what is on offer at the nursery. They work diligently to ensure children and babies reach their full potential through very enjoyable play opportunities. Space and resources are organised successfully and spontaneous and inspired activities provide young children with interesting and exciting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children are stimulated and play effectively independently and with others. Young children enjoy their time in the vibrant environment where they make active choices about their play to enhance their own progress and personal development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are highly motivated and show age appropriate levels of interest in an exceptional range of indoor and outdoor activities. Excellent play opportunities are utilised by staff to provoke children's thoughts as they begin to steer their own play. They play sensitively with dolls and show developing care and concern as they hold and feed them, linking familiar caring routines. Young children actively engage in interesting tactile play in the messy room. They experience different textures as they play with wet and dry rice and wet sand. They use a range of tools with developing skills to scoop these into moulds and containers and express joy and delight as they enjoy building and demolishing castles in the sand. A collage activity supported with a variety of textured materials is enjoyed and some children spend the entire time dipping and spreading glue gaining skills in dexterity and coordination. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

demonstrate age appropriate understanding of the different textures using clearly defined language to describe wet and sticky. They develop a wide ongoing vocabulary because staff talk them all the time, introducing new words as they experience interesting and appealing activities and talk about what they are doing. Every opportunity is given to encourage children's confidence and independence. 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 Babies make significant progress as they develop skills in hand-eye coordination with an excellent range 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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources are attractively set out to encourage children 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

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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 arms and cuddles him. Older babies play with dry sand and large fish and sea figures. One baby expressed awe and wonder as he tried to catch the sand flowing from an adults clenched hand and giggled as he let it fall onto his open palm tickling his hand. 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 and effectively plan for their next steps to impact positively on their growth and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Very effective relationships with parents ensure the staff know the children very well. Children receive excellent 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 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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

or the manager. A comprehensive transfer sheet is completed to ensure staff have information about individual children and are fully informed as they progress through the nursery. 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 join in celebrations for the Chinese New Year, Diwali and Eid-Al-Fitr. Young children make active decisions about their play, making choices from very well

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Helping children make a positive contribution

presented resources and activities 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 respond eagerly to consistent praise and encouragement and enjoy cuddles and reassurance from very caring staff.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The organisation of the provision is outstanding. Staff work extremely well as a team under the highly professional guidance of the manager and have a clear ethos for the provision of quality care. The provision meets the needs of the babies and young children for whom it provides. The staff have high regard for the well being of children and arrangements effectively promote their health, safety and enjoyment. Extremely competent staff work effectively to provide a rich, vibrant environment where children flourish as staff inspire them to reach their full potential. Robust procedures for the recruitment and employment of staff ensures children are cared for by suitably qualified and experienced staff. Comprehensive induction procedures ensure they are fully aware of the nursery policies and procedures to maintain the exceptional high standard of care. Training needs are identified through

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Organisation

regular appraisal meetings to sustain the high quality of care for children. Staff are deployed effectively at all times, including staff breaks to meet required adult child ratios. Space and resources are organised successfully and spontaneous and inspired activities provide young children with interesting and exciting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children are stimulated and play effectively independently and with others. They benefit from the unquestionable commitment of dedicated and skilful staff. The professionalism and exemplary documentation describes the service provided and is completed to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and successfully met. A high level of confidentiality is maintained through policies including reference to data protection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the nursery was requested to review the assessment programme used to inform staff and parents of the children's stage of development. A comprehensive 'All about me' form has been established which is completed at the initial registration visit. This ensures staff are fully informed about children's stage of development and can provide care appropriate to their individual needs. Written and verbal information is shared with parents on a daily basis to keep them fully informed of children's care and play.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint. The complainant raised concerns that there was a drop in the standard of care given to the children at the setting after staff members had left. The complainant also raised concerns that unsatisfactory responses were received when concerns relating to accidents and incidents were raised with staff members. The complainant also alleged that staff

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Complaints 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 members had been observed getting angry with the babies at the setting during breakfast time. These concerns relate to National Standard 1 – Suitable Person and National Standard 7 – Health. In order to investigate the allegations a childcare inspector visited the setting. During the visit the inspector reviewed policies and procedures, gathered evidence and interviewed staff. As a result of enquires made and evidence gathered all information has been reviewed by a childcare inspector team manager who is satisfied that the National Standards are being met. The Registered Person remains qualified for registration. The registered person is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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: 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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