Tick Tock

Tick Tock

Inspection report for early years provision

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Tick Tock

Unique Reference Number EY294910 Inspection date 14 June 2006 Inspector Kathryn Mary Harding

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Tick Tock

Setting Address The Clock House, Moor Park School, Moor Park, Richards Castle, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 4DZ Telephone number 01584 876061

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E-mail

Registered person Moor Park Charitable Trust (1571498) Type of inspection Childcare 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

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?

Tick Tock Day Nursery opened in 2003 and operates from three rooms in a Clock House, a converted coaching house. It is situated in the grounds of Moor Park School, Ludlow. A maximum of 40 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 for 50 weeks of the year. All children share access to an enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 55 children aged from birth to three years on roll. Children come from a wide catchment area. The nursery supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and also supports children who speak English as an additional

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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 language. The nursery employs 12 members of staff. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm clean setting where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene and personal care through the daily routines. Staff take steps to prevent the spread of infection by wearing disposable gloves and aprons when changing nappies and provide separate flannels for all children. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they discuss what foods are good to eat. They are offered healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which are freshly prepared by a cook on site. Menus are on display and children are offered healthy options such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. They are offered drinks such as milk and water but are not able to access their own water throughout the day. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies such as tunnels, a

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Helping children to be healthy

climbing frame and bikes. They go for walks around the grounds to help develop their physical skills and get fresh air. They can access a wide range of equipment such as construction sets, play dough and small world play to help develop their fine control skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children and parents are warmly greeted by staff on arrival. The rooms of the nursery are made more welcoming by children's work, posters and photographs being displayed on the walls. The rooms are checked prior to the children arriving and daily risk assessments are recorded, to help keep children safe. When children are tired they can sleep in a cot, in a cot room or a sleep sack in another small room. Comprehensive sleeping procedures and rotas are not in place, so children's safety is not fully promoted. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and are regularly checked. Resources are organised in open containers and open shelf units, at child height, so encouraging children's independent access. Children are encouraged to be involved in tidying up and are given a small brush to help sweep up the sand.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe as staff gently remind them not to run around inside and to sit on the chair properly. Staff have most of the required

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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 procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Staff have a good knowledge of child protection procedures in line with The Local Safeguarding Children Board and have attended workshops on child protection matters.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies receive very positive interaction from staff who spend time talking, holding and playing with them. Lots of cuddles and eye contact help to promote their well-being. Babies care needs are met as staff liaise very closely with parents to diligently follow home routines. Babies develop their senses as they can explore treasure baskets containing different natural and made objects. Planning is in place so the next steps in the babies development and progress can be catered for. Children have opportunities to make decisions about what they want to play with, so increasing their independence. Close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. They work very well together, when they play in the sand and with the cars on the floor. At circle time they look at different shapes, colours and letters and staff extend their learning by asking

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

open-ended questions. Children take part in a wide range of varied activities and play opportunities which they find interesting and enjoyable such as exploring in the water and the sand. Staff know the children well and cater for their needs very well. They know what each child enjoys and is interested in and plan activities to accommodate these interests. Children throughout the nursery develop good relationships with staff and each other. They learn to share and take turns from an early age. They concentrate on activities and sit and look at books with each other and adults. They enjoy being a 'special helper' as they give out the cups and plates, giving them a sense of belonging and making them feel valued. Staff have a good understanding of child development which enables them to offer good care. Observations and assessments link into planning the next steps in children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, listened to and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as children are comforted and cuddled valuing their personalities. Their awareness of diversity and understanding of others is extended as the nursery have a wide range of activities and resources to positively reflect diversity. Children look at different festivals such as Chinese New Year and take part in activities linked in with the festival such as food tasting. Currently there are no children with learning difficulties or children who speak English

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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 as an additional language attending the nursery but staff would ensure that they work with parents and other professionals to meet each child's needs and would adapt activities accordingly. Staff have a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. As a result children behave very well and understand what is expected of them, so they know they have to take turns with the toys and resources. Good behaviour is encouraged as the staff give lots of praise and encouragement to the children for their efforts. At snack time good manners are encouraged. Kindness and respect is promoted so children relate well to each other and learn to have consideration for others. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Staff and parents work together to meet each child's needs and ensure their protection. Parents are encouraged to share

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Helping children make a positive contribution

what they know about their child by completing a detailed registration form and daily diaries are completed for younger children. A notice board detailing what the older children have been doing in the session is available so ensuring parents are fully aware of topics and projects.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Times of staff arriving/departing needed A very comprehensive operational plan is available which details the policies and procedures that are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The registered person uses effective recruitment procedures which ensure that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. Staff complete self-appraisals and have an annual appraisal to ensure all staff are working to effectively meet the children's needs. Most of the required paperwork is in place. However staff do not always sign in the time of their arrival or departure in the register. Staff are friendly, caring and work very well together as a team to promote children’s health, enjoyment and

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Organisation

achievement. They attend regular training so demonstrating a commitment to developing their practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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): • ensure drinking water is available at all times • ensure comprehensive sleep procedures are in place for all children • ensure that staff times of arrival and departure are recorded.

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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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