Wilmington Grammar School for Girls

Sunnyfields Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Sunnyfields Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number 137250 Inspection date 13 July 2006 Inspector Susan Linda Capon

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Sunnyfields Day Nursery

Setting Address 19 Bromley Grove, Shortlands, Bromley, Kent, BR2 0LP

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E-mail

Registered person Sunnyfields Ltd Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day care, Out of School 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?

Sunnyfields Day Nursery opened in 1998. It is one of a group of three nurseries registered to Sunnyfields Day Nurseries Limited. The nursery comprises of four childcare rooms on the ground floor of a house situated in a residential road in the London Borough of Bromley. The nursery also provides after school care in three rooms on the first floor of the premises. Both areas have its own kitchen and toilets. There is an office and staff room available and a secure garden for outdoor play. The

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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 group serves the local community. Children attend for a variety of sessions. A maximum of 45 children may attend at any one time. The nursery opens each weekday between 08.00 until 18.00 for 51 weeks a year. Separate sessions are available between 08.00 and 12.30 and 14.00 until 18.00. The after school club opens between 15.15 and 18.00 each weekday during term-time only. There are currently 49 children aged from six months to under eight years on roll. Of these, 14 receive funding for nursery education. The group currently supports children with English as an additional language. The group employs nine full-time and two part-time staff in the nursery and out of school group. Of these, nine hold an early years qualification NVQ2 or NVQ3. There are three staff working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

receives support from the Bromley Early Years team.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. All the children are developing their awareness of the importance of keeping themselves healthy and free from infection. Older children independently wash their hands after using the bathroom, 'messy' activities and before and after meals. They use liquid soap and paper towels which help to prevent cross-contamination. The staff in the baby room assist the children in these activities. All the staff use good hygiene routines in line with the well-written health and safety policy and procedures. They are careful to use different coloured cloths for cleaning and use good hand-washing routines particularly between changing young children's nappies. The kitchen staff wear suitable clothing to help prevent cross-contamination. Staff regularly check the toilets are clean throughout the day safeguarding the children from infection. Each child has their own bed and the bedding is changed daily. The children have

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Helping children to be healthy

their own picture on their bed. They develop their independence skills as they find their picture and bed at sleep time. Younger children have their individual comfort toy to help them settle, making them feel safe and secure. Children receive appropriate accident treatment and staff continue to monitor the children until they are collected at the end of the day. Staff share the accident records with the parents. Staff fully protect the children when they administer any agreed medication, ensuring the correct dose is given. They share the record with the parents. The good sickness policy and procedures protect the children from infection. Parents are aware they must not bring a sick child to the nursery in order to prevent the spread of infection. Staff provide parents with information regarding specific illnesses,

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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 for example, information about the recent e-coli outbreak in the borough. The children enjoy physical play activities outdoors on a daily basis whenever possible. They play safely in a secure garden. A gazebo protects the children from the hot sun. Older children enjoy developing their skills as they ride the bikes and climb the apparatus. Younger children use the area separately, keeping them safe. They enjoy kicking the balls and pushing the buggies. The after- school children use a separate area to play football and climb the large apparatus. Children are developing an understanding of how their body works and know when to take a rest or a drink. The children are developing their understanding of healthy eating throughout the provision. Healthy eating topics develop the children's awareness of suitable foods

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Helping children to be healthy

and many of the children know they should eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. The children enjoy suitable healthy, nutritious meals. A rotating four-weekly menu is available to the parents. Children who do not like the meal are offered a suitable alternative. This information is shared with parents. The meals are freshly cooked using minimal processed foods. The individual dietary needs of all the children are always considered and they receive appropriate food in agreement with the parents' wishes. The cook and staff have a list of the children with specific dietary needs and always refer to this when offering food and drink during the day. Fresh drinking water is always readily available to the older children. They confidently pour their own drinks during the session and dispose of their dirty beakers in a bucket. The children are aware they must not use a dirty beaker to 'prevent them spreading germs'. Staff ensure clean beakers are always readily available. Younger

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Helping children to be healthy

children are offered regular drinks throughout the day. The older children are encouraged to help during mealtimes. For example, they hand out the cutlery, beakers and meals. They pour their own drinks and clear away their dirty plates. Older children use the utensils confidently and younger children are developing these skills. They are encouraged to feed themselves. Babies and young children are spoon fed as required. The children enjoy the social occasion as they sit together to eat. Babies use a high chair close to the other children making them part of the group. Staff hold babies when they are giving them a bottle, making them feel safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children play in clean, generally well ventilated premises, maintained to a suitable standard. However, the conservatory is a very oppressive and airless area during the very hot weather, making it an unsuitable place for children to spend their time. A fan helped to cool this area on the second day of the inspection. The after-school children use the first floor of the premises, keeping them separate from the other children.

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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 The children are safe and secure in the setting. Gates to each room prevent children leaving the premises unnoticed. Staff monitor the premises well, ensuring unknown persons do not gain access and all visitors sign in and out of the building. All the children have access to a good range of suitable toys, equipment and activities relevant to their individual age and stage of development. The toys in each area are well-organised to enable children to make their own selection and choice. All the children have access to suitable furniture and equipment to meet their needs. For example, babies and young children use high chairs, cots and play mats. Suitable low tables and chairs are available for the pre-school children. Staff ensure the premises are safe and secure prior to the children's arrival each day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All identified hazards both indoors and outdoors are made safe each day. For example, sockets are covered and the gates prevent children accessing the stairs. The garden is fully secure and suitable safety mats are in place for larger climbing apparatus. Some pre-school children are developing their understanding of how to keep themselves safe, for example, they are fully aware they must not use the climbing apparatus if the safety mat is not in place. Suitable procedures are in place for the collection of the after-school children, keeping them safe at all times. The children wear seat belts when travelling in the vehicle used for collecting them from school. The children are kept safe at all times through the staff's knowledge and understanding of how to manage child protection issues appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. All the children throughout the setting are happy, settled, confident and secure in their surroundings. They all settle quickly on arrival and select an activity of their choice from the good range available. The children play outdoors at some time each day. The children are grouped appropriately in the setting. They enjoy a dedicated play room with suitable toys and equipment readily available to them during the day. Staff incorporate children's individual routines for resting, sleeping, eating and nappy changes into the day. This helps children settle quickly and feel safe and secure. Children aged two to three years spend some of their day with the older children. At other times they have their own play area and activity programme. Staff working with the under three's have a good understanding of Birth to three matters and plan accordingly to meet the children's individual needs. The children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy a varied curriculum which keeps them stimulated and interested. The after-school children enjoy their time at the group, enthusing about the different activities they particularly like. For example, they enjoy a game of football and

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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 drawing. They participate in a broad range of activities and share the equipment well. The group has a very pleasant atmosphere as the children have developed good relationships with the staff team. The pre-school children enjoy a broad range of interesting and stimulating activities throughout the day. They particularly enjoy listening to stories and are keen to answer the questions about the story. For example, they discussed who snores and which children liked tulips when reading a book 'Out There Somewhere'. The role-play area, a medical centre on the day of the inspection proved a firm favourite with all the children keen to be doctors and nurses or patients. The well-used books require some attention. For example, many are ripped or torn. There is a good balance of adult-led and free-choice activities provided each day. Older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

follow a programme designed to incorporate the Foundation Stage and early leaning goals. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is good. The staff have a good understanding of the early learning goals and stepping stones. All the children have a key worker who use regular observations to track the children's development and progress. All the children are enthusiastic, motivated and keen to explore the good range of activities provided on a daily basis. The well-organised curriculum is topic based and includes a wide range of suitable activities for all the pre-school children. Staff use good techniques through a broad range of activities to support the children's learning in all areas of development. Regular focus activities are included each day. Staff generally evaluate these well and identify any changes required. It is not always clear which children participated in an activity or how more or less able children are suitably

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

included. Staff make good records on individual children's development and progress. Staff share the report with the parents. All the children are confident, interested and motivated to learn. They confidently speak in a group as they answer questions during story time. Children are developing their concentration skills as they make their flowers and build with the Duplo. They are developing their ability to negotiate with others as they encourage other children to share the toys with them. For example, a child asked another child for an engine for her train. Some children are confident to help less able children when making the flowers. All the children have developed good relationships with the staff and are keen to show off their work. The children interact well with one another as they talk and negotiate during role play in the 'medical centre'. They enjoy singing rhymes and listening to stories. On the day

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of the inspection they sang 'If You're Happy and You Know It' with gusto. They followed the actions well and used different levels of sound. For example, they whispered and shouted. Children have good language skills and organise their speech well. They link letters to sounds and make full use of the available books, holding them correctly and re-telling the story. They write their names using correctly- formed recognisable letters. The children enjoy making lists and reports in the 'medical centre'. The children are developing their numeric skills. They count confidently to 10 and

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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 beyond during registration and when playing Kim's game. They recognise numbers one to nine as they play a game using the computer. More able children have a good understanding of simple adding and subtraction as they played Kim's game. For example, they knew how many things were removed and how many items were left on the tray. They enjoy weighing activities and recognise squares, oblongs, circles and triangles. Children enjoy exploring a good range of materials using their senses, for example, corn flour painting and hand-painting. They use a computer competently, moving the mouse and typing their name. Other children enjoy using a mobile telephone to call the 'medical centre'. The children build confidently with a wide range of materials including Duplo, junk and play dough. They use scissors appropriately to make name

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

badges in the 'medical centre'. Several children enjoyed exploring the garden and looking at the snails and different leaves they found. The children learned about caring for all creatures as staff explained why they should not kill a spider in the play area. All the children move confidently indoors and outdoors. They play imaginatively in the garden, using the bikes and cars as they stop at the pretend traffic lights. All know red means stop. They have good spatial awareness as they avoid bumping into one another as they move around the garden. The children confidently move over, under and through the climbing equipment in the garden. All the children handle large and small equipment competently. The children enjoy exploring colour through painting and mixing colours. They are aware blue and yellow mixed together makes green. The children recognise simple sounds and sound patterns and match movements to music. They develop their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

imagination through the role play area, dance, music and movement, and art and craft activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The partnership with parents is good. Staff welcome all the parents and children by name, making them feel part of the setting. All children and their families are fully valued, respected and treated as individuals. A mixed staff team including one male and staff from ethnic minorities cares for the children. This provides additional positive images and role models for the children. The children attending come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, extending their opportunities to learn more about the world and other people. Children learn about different festivals through the organised programme of activities. They have access to a good range of toys and equipment, providing positive images for race, culture and disability. These include books, puzzles, dolls and dressing-up clothes. On the day of the visit the children enjoyed discussing different countries as they listened to a story about travelling around the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All the children are developing their independence skills as a good range of

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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 equipment is available at a suitable level in all rooms. The children make their own choices and selections throughout the day. Staff support children with English as an additional language well. They learn words from the child's language and use signing to help the children settle and develop their English. This positive approach fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. New children settle quickly through the good procedures in place. Parents gradually extend the period of time they leave their child with their key worker. This helps the child to become happy, relaxed and comfortable with the staff. All the children behave well throughout the setting and minimal behaviour management was required during the inspection. Babies and young children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

suitably distracted when required. The pre-school children are developing a good understanding of the rules and boundaries within the nursery. They are aware they must share the toys and take turns. The after-school children are fully involved in writing the group rules and all know them well. Staff praise and encourage the children's achievements throughout the setting, building the children's confidence and self-esteem. The staff team have developed good relationships with the parents. Parents find the staff friendly, approachable and helpful throughout the nursery. They receive good information about the setting through regular news letters, notice boards, photographs and the groups' policies and procedures. All parents are encouraged to be fully involved in their child's care and development. Parents provide the staff with detailed information to enable them to provide suitably for each child. The parents attend regular parent days or evenings to meet their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

child's key worker and discuss the child's development and progress. Additional opportunities for meeting the staff, children and other parents are available through regular fun days. The baby room staff provide parents with written information about their child's day including activities, meals and nappy changes. Older children's records are always available to the parents. Children's art work is available in a large box in the hallway for parents to take on a regular basis. All the parents are aware of how to make a complaint and a folder of complaints is freely available in the main entrance hall. Parents are encouraged to use the suggestion box in the hallway to suggest any changes they would like to be considered.

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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 The leadership and management is good. All the children are well cared for and safe at all times. The relatively new staff team work very well together, supporting one another throughout the day. They are keen, enthusiastic and interested in their role and the children. All the nursery staff are qualified to NVQ2 or NVQ3. More experienced and higher-qualified staff provide good role models for other staff. Each staff member is fully aware of their individual role within the setting. Staff maintain suitable ratios throughout the day. The setting is well-organised to provide suitable areas for playing, 'messy' activities, resting, sleeping, eating and time outdoors. Children of different ages and stages are grouped appropriately ensuring they receive appropriate toys, equipment and activities relevant to their individual needs

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Organisation

during the day. Good registration procedures ensure the safety of the children at all times. Individual rooms maintain their own register recording the individual arrival and departure times for each child. Staff check the numbers between morning and afternoon sessions to ensure the correct children are present. Staff working with the children under three years have a good understanding of Birth to three matters and deliver a good curriculum for all these children. The weekly plans are readily accessible to the parents. Staff observe and record the children's development and progress regularly. Staff share these records with the parents. All the required documentation and records are in place to support the health, safety and well-being of the children attending. The provider regularly reviews the group's policies and procedures to ensure they are up-to-date and meet the National Standards. For example, a new complaints procedure is now in place to meet the

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Organisation

recent changes to the standards. The provider has a clear vision for improving the service. Staff qualifications and training are currently under review. The provider is currently supporting some staff in developing their qualifications to NVQ3. Regular staff appraisals identify individual strengths and weaknesses. These in turn identify individual training needs for all staff. The management fully support them through their training and development. In-house training is available to all staff and most staff have attended some training during the past year. For example, staff have completed Food hygiene, First aid, Child protection, Foundation Stage and Birth to three matters training. The management is currently arranging for Astro turf to replace the outdoor grassed area. This is in agreement with most parents. The children will be able to use this area safely all year round. The management responds quickly to areas requiring attention. For example,

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Organisation

additional books were provided on the second day of the inspection. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The group has worked hard to improve and has completed all the recommendations

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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 given at the previous inspection. The group were required to provide more training opportunities for more staff to gain NVQ3 and improve the knowledge and understanding of children's needs in the day care setting. The management is encouraging staff to develop their qualifications to NVQ3 where appropriate. Three staff are currently working towards this qualification and new staff have completed this level. The management were required to improve the deployment of staff in the baby room throughout the day and ensure appropriate activities are provided for their all round development. Staff are now suitably deployed in the baby unit providing good quality care. An appropriate range of activities and play opportunities are readily available throughout the day meeting their overall development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The group were required to ensure the daily record of attendance accurately accounts for when the children arrive at the nursery. The nursery has improved it's registration procedures. They now use good registration procedures ensuring all children are recorded on arrival. These records include the arrival and departure times for each child in the setting. The overall operational plan required improving to ensure it effectively meets the children's individual needs at all times of the day. The overall operational plan and routines have been improved to meet the individual children's needs throughout the nursery. The group was required to ensure the organisation of space rooms and resources effectively meet children's needs. The nursery is now well-organised throughout providing suitable areas for playing, eating, sleeping, nappy changing, toileting, resting and time outdoors. Suitable arrangements are in place for storing equipment

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Improvements since the last inspection

not in use. The group were required to review the safety arrangements indoors and outdoors on a regular basis particularly making the fire escape inaccessible to the children. The nursery has developed good daily safety arrangements to ensure children are safe at all times. The outdoor play area is generally safe and secure. It is fully fenced and gated and the fire escape has been made inaccessible at all times. The rooms used by the children under two years was to used exclusively for this age group to prevent the spread of infection. The nursery has introduced a 'no shoe' policy throughout reducing the risk of the spread of infection. The baby unit is only used for children under two years. The provider was required to ensure the adult to child ratios were maintained if children are present after 18.00. The provider always ensures there are sufficient staff on site if any children are still in attendance after 18.00.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The group were required to provide opportunities for parents to receive regular information on their child's progress. The provider now schedules two meetings a year for parents to meet their child's key worker to discuss their child's development and progress. Parent's are aware they can ask to see their child's files at any time.

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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 The group were required to improve the systems for exchanging information about the care of their child ensuring confidentiality is maintained at all times. The systems for exchanging information about the individual children with their parents has been improved to maintain confidentiality at all times. Written information is now secure in the child's room and made available at the end of each day.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been two complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. The first complaint related to poor baby unit practices. An Ofsted inspector made an unannounced visit and found evidence to suggest National Standards 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 11 were not being met. The inspector set seven actions for improvement. Another two recommendations were made in relation to National Standards 2 and 12. The provider took immediate action to address the concerns. The second complaint related to the care of a child in the nursery. These concerns related to National Standards 7, 8, 12 and 13. An Ofsted inspector made an unannounced visit and found National Standards 12 and 13 were not fully met and set an action and recommendation for improvements required. The provider took immediate action to address the concerns. The provider remains qualified for registration. The provider is required to keep a record of any complaints made by parents, which

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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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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 the conservatory is adequately ventilated and maintained at a suitable temperature at all times

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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 • ensure the books provided throughout the nursery are in good condition

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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): • improve the focused activity plans to show which children are included. Identify how more or less able children are included in planned activities.

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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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