Kiddi Caru Nursery

Kiddi Caru Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Kiddi Caru Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY229919 Inspection date 27 April 2006 Inspector Lynn Amelia Hartigan

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Kiddi Caru Nursery

Setting Address Hythe Quay, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JB

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Kiddi Caru Nursery

Telephone number 01206 871700 E-mail kiddicolchester@childcare.uk.com Registered person The Childcare Corporation 4plc Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day care

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Kiddi Caru Nursery

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 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Kiddi Caru Nursery opened in 2002 and is part of The Childcare Corporation. It operates from seven rooms in a purpose built centre in Colchester. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 87 children from 0 to under 5 on roll. This includes 20 funded three-year-olds and 5 funded four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special educational needs,

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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 and some who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week all year round excluding bank holidays and one week at Christmas. Sessions are from 07:30 until 18:30. There are 18 staff who work with the children. Over half the staff have recognised early years qualifications at NVQ level 2 or 3. There is one staff member currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are becoming aware of good personal hygiene. They learn about keeping themselves healthy as the staff positively encourage children to wash their hands before snack, after using the toilet and if they have played in the garden. Children are also protected through excellent hygiene procedures when their nappies are being changed. Children's well being is a priority and the nursery has a robust written emergency policy and procedure in place, and appropriate parental consents. Providing excellent opportunities for communication with parents ensures children are protected with regard to illness and medication. A detailed health and sickness policy is in place which is followed and reviewed regularly. Appropriate well stocked first aid kits are available and most staff have completed a first aid course. Children's routines are respected and exceptionally well catered for. Young babies

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Helping children to be healthy

are able to sleep in a dedicated cot in a quiet cosy sleep room adjacent to the playroom. Clean sheets and blankets are supplied. All equipment is of excellent quality. Robust procedures for checking sleeping children are adhered to. Children's health is promoted exceptionally well. They enjoy fresh air and exercise daily as they are encouraged to play outdoors in the garden as part or their daily routine. Children are able to develop their physical skills as access to very good resources outdoors are easily available. Young children enjoy playing with bubbles, large chalks and water painting. Children have fun and enjoy music and movement and yoga sessions both indoors and outdoors. Excellent care is taken to ensure the children enjoy healthy nutritious snacks and meals. A weekly menu is displayed for parents. Snacks, meals and babies' bottles are prepared and stored in a very clean, highly organised kitchen. The nursery cook

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Helping children to be healthy

has an excellent understanding of food preparation and holds a food hygiene certificate. Excellent procedures to ensure that food is stored appropriately are in place. Children's individual dietary needs are catered for exceptionally well. For example, excellent supervision is discreetly offered at meal times for children with special

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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 dietary needs such as allergies. Babies enjoy cuddles and close contact when having their milk. Very good communication with parents ensures that the babies routine is consistent with that at home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The staff's commitment to welcome children and their parents is outstanding. Playrooms are brightly decorated with the children's own work and posters. Specified areas are clearly defined such as the book corner, craft area and imaginative play areas by the use of multi-language signs. Individual coat pegs with the children's photographs and shoe storage enables them to feel a sense of belonging. Children's individual needs are met as appropriate, very well maintained resources and equipment are provided. The exceptionally good selection of toys both indoors and outdoors and their accessibility, ensures the children can make choices and self select. Children play in a very clean, extremely safe environment as the staff consistently give priority to protect children. The nursery is risked assessed daily and the premises meet with all requirements. This includes fire safety. A detailed fire

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation plan and policy is in place. An evacuation cot is available for younger children and babies. The well-being of the children is protected exceptionally well as the staff have a very good understanding of child protection issues. A comprehensive written policy is in place for parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. All children have excellent opportunities for a wide range of play experiences. A very good selection of quality toys and resources available to them within the playrooms enables them to have fun and learn. The staff make excellent use of the space available and the nursery is impressively welcoming and child friendly. Children feel very comfortable and secure, they are able to select toys with ease and confidence as they are extremely organised and accessible. Child sized furniture and cosy areas for the younger child to play create a very welcoming environment. The staffs' thorough understanding of children's development ensures activities and toys are appropriate for their developmental stage. For example, treasure baskets containing everyday objects have been developed for the younger child. Large chunky chalks and crayons, low level tables and easels ensure the young child can

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

join in all activities with ease. Young children receive excellent support as the staff are aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Activities are theme based and take into account the children's

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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 individual stage of development and understanding. For example, creative activities such as body painting is made easy for young children and thoroughly enjoyed, as the staff are organised and confident in their work. Painting and all art work displayed throughout the nursery, is the children's own efforts. Young babies chuckle whilst joining in foot and hand painting. Children's favourite nursery rhymes and songs are quietly played within the rooms and musical instruments are well used. Very good observations of the children's development is recorded within their individual file, samples of their work is kept. This enables the staff to plan appropriate activities and provides the parents with a good record of their children's achievements. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise daily as outdoor play is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouraged. Children enjoy playing in the well resourced, child friendly gardens. Toys such as a slide, sand tray and balls are well maintained safe and of excellent quality. Nursery Education. The quality of teaching and learning is good. Staff have a sound knowledge of the Foundation Stage and how children learn. Children are busy and keen learners. They ask lots of questions and concentrate well on tasks with support and guidance from the staff in their chosen activities. An effective key worker system is in place and staff observe children well and record their progress within individual development records. This assists them when planning the next stage of the children's learning. Children are involved in a range of activities that supports all areas of learning. Good quality resources such as the book corner, dressing up clothes, greengrocers, construction kits and mark making resources are available to children to support their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

creativity and imagination. Children are able to use numbers in everyday context. They name, recognise and order numerals. Some children can count to ten and beyond. They are introduced to early calculation and mathematics, for example, counting cups at snack time. They are able to compare groups of objects and use language such as big, small and wide. Children learn to recognise their name at circle time when they self register and when reading their placemats at mealtimes. They make good efforts at writing their names. Children's learning with regard to different cultures and the world around them is developing. Acknowledgement of different cultural festivals and traditional days are included within the plans and celebrated, this promotes the children's respect for others. So far this year children have celebrated Chinese new year, Mothers day and Easter. Children have learnt simple facts about the solar system, for example, what function

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the sun and moon have. They learn about growth, caring for animals and hibernation as planned activities around these themes help promote their learning. The children are currently fascinated by the life cycle of frogs. The changing frog spawn they are caring for has caused great excitement, and they have great fun naming the tadpoles.

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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 Children have fun and enjoy playtime and physical exercise outdoors, this is included within the daily plans both morning and afternoon. However, children are unable to independently choose when to use the outdoor play area, as a result outdoor play and learning experiences are limited. Children take photographs during their day, of their time at nursery. They are able, with assistance to scan them into a computer and print them. They are used to make large books for all the children to use. Some photographs are used for individual record books, these are given to the children to keep when they leave nursery.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are very well cared for as the nursery staff commits time in getting to know them and their family backgrounds. They positively encourage parents to share information so that they can best meet and support the children's individual needs. Detailed and exceptionally well written equal opportunities and special needs policies are in place and are regularly reviewed, these support and ensure the inclusion of all children. Children's knowledge and understanding of a wider world is encouraged mainly through conversation and work around planned themes. There are excellent resources available to the children that reflect diversity such as, an impressive selection of books, some being dual language, small world figures, dolls, play food, musical instruments and posters. Children have great fun taking the nursery 'cuddly kangaroo' on holiday with them. Children chart on a world map countries that he has

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Helping children make a positive contribution

visited, and take photos of him at his destination to share and discuss with their friends on return. Children feel valued and respected as all staff are calm and excellent role models. Completion of easy tasks such as putting their coats on for outdoor play are praised. Children are encouraged to contribute and have their say about the environment in which they are cared, for example, discussions around why it is not a good idea to run in nursery and the consequences should they bump into one another, are discussed. A very good behaviour management policy is in place for parents, excellent communication with the parents ensures there is a consistent approach to managing behaviour and promotes their well being. Children appear confident, reassured and considerate of their friends. A strong emphasis is put in welcoming the parents into the setting. This promotes a good working relationship. Exchange of information ensures the staff are informed to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

develop and support the children's needs. This is achieved successfully as the nursery have a robust operational plan and policies in place that supports the nurseries expert practice. These are offered to parents and available within the entrance hall. A superb relationship between the staff and the parents ensures they are fully

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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 informed about their children's day and activities, for example, daily diaries used for babies and younger children are well maintained and give the parents general information regarding their children's day. Well documented observation files for older children are available. The partnership with parents and carers is good. Children benefit from a strong emphasis on effective partnerships with parents. Parents are kept informed of events and dates by way of regular newsletters, notices displayed on the parents' notice board. They are invited and welcomed into the nursery by friendly, approachable staff. New parents are encouraged to stay and settle their child and are able to telephone at any time and talk directly to their child's key worker. Informal chats each day between parents and staff allow for the exchange of useful

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information to help children's progress and development. Records are confidentially stored and available to parents at all times. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The nursery is exceptionally welcoming and effectively organised to support children's play and learning. The play space indoors and outdoors enables children to explore, play safely and have fun. The children benefit from being cared for by motivated, qualified and experienced practitioners. The staff are committed to training, are reflective and strive for excellence. Ensuring the staff team are up to date with current childcare practice means children receive high quality care. Children's care is significantly enhanced as managers and staff ensure the children's day is varied and exceptionally well organised. The staff are able to effectively support and meet the needs of all the children in their care as a result. Effective, informative and well maintained documents and information regarding the children, enables the nursery to support the children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The leadership and management is good. Children benefit from a team who work very well together. Through ongoing staff development and training the children are achieving well. The managers delegate some responsibilities and the staff feel valued. There is a good induction programme and appraisal system in place. Training is positively encouraged and staff feel supported, and are motivated and committed to their own personal development. Children benefit as the manager and deputy are enthusiastic and forward thinking, they are able to identify the nursery's own strengths and weakness and plans are in place that will further develop the nursery. Their hands on approach ensures they are fully aware and informed of what is happening throughout all the rooms within the nursery. Links with outside agencies and professionals ensure an inclusive

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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 environment is promoted. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to review the child protection policy and ensure it contained all appropriate contact numbers. This has been reviewed and updated. The provider was also asked to consider using symbol text to assist children with language and communication difficulties. This is successfully used in most rooms throughout the nursery. The provider was also asked to ensure a system was in place to monitor the quality of teaching, provide parents with information regarding the stepping stones and Foundation Stage and their children's next step of learning, and to ensure activities were challenging for more able children. The hands on approach by the manager and deputy ensures they are informed of what is happening within the pre-school room. Planning is the responsibility of the room senior but is discussed by the manager as appropriate. Parents are in regular contact with their child's key worker and are able to access

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Improvements since the last inspection

their child's development file on request. Specified areas of learning are discussed regularly with the parents. Plans and general information relating to the stepping stones are displayed within the room. However, this is an ongoing project. Differentiation of planned activities and expected learning outcomes ensure the more able children are sufficiently challenged.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received a complaint raising concerns about National Standards 2 (organisation). Ofsted conducted a visit to the provision. Following the visit the provider was issued with actions under National Standard 2. The provider was asked to ensure staff child ratios were met at all times, and that attendance records were accurately maintained and included staff members attendance. Ofsted received a satisfactory response to the actions. Ofsted also received a complaint raising concerns about National Standards 14 (documentation). Ofsted conducted a visit and an action was issued requiring the provider to ensure there is an effective system in place for notifying Ofsted of any significant events, as soon as possible. A satisfactory response to the action has been received. Ofsted is satisfied that the provider has taken appropriate action to address the concerns raised and they remain qualified for registration.

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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

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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 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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 nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop and increase the children's purposeful use of the outdoor play area to enhance the children's experiences in the six areas of learning.

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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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