Flore Day Nursery

Flore Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Flore Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY318551 Inspection date 19 June 2006 Inspector Ann Austen

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Flore Day Nursery

Setting Address Bricketts Lane, Flore, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN7 4LU

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E-mail

Registered person Climbing High Nurseries Limited Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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?

Flore Day Nursery is one of three nurseries run by Climbing High Nurseries limited. It opened in 2005 and operates from a single-storey building in the village of Flore, Northampton. Children from the village and the rural surrounding area attend. The premises consist of a series of rooms designated to the various age groups of children and with associated facilities included or adjacent to the rooms. There is access to a large enclosed garden which is divided into areas for the different age groups. A maximum of 54 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is

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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 open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for 52 weeks of the year. There are currently 23 children aged from birth to under five years on roll. The nursery employs five staff. All of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy physical activities which contribute to their good health and have daily opportunities to get fresh air. They manoeuvre wheeled toys, enjoy running races, kick and throw balls and balance on the large tyre where they 'wobble like jellies'. Children laugh with excitement as they crawl over the curved foam blocks, jump into the ball pit and crawl through the tunnel in the soft play area. This helps children develop the confidence to enjoy moving their bodies with confidence in a variety of ways. Babies are encouraged to try out their developing skills. For example, staff encourage children to crawl, stand and walk. Children handle tools as they play with the sand and water, build with construction resources and post shapes into the shape sorters. This develops children's hand-to-eye coordination and strengthens small muscles effectively. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and comfortable childcare environment. They

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Helping children to be healthy

are helped to understand that washing their hands before handling food, after using the toilet and after stroking the hamster helps to keep them healthy. This is further enhanced by staff who take further steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping the premises clean, wearing gloves when changing nappies and by ensuring the safe handling of food. Children's welfare is safeguarded because most staff have up-to-date first aid knowledge. Clear procedures are in place in the event of accidents, for the administration of medication and if children are unwell. Staff ensure that children are comfortable and cared for sensitively while waiting to be collected by parents. Children's good health is promoted by a range of nutritious meals and snacks. Meals are generally prepared using fresh ingredients, including fresh fruit and vegetables. Special dietary requirements are complied with in partnership with the parents, and

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Helping children to be healthy

menus are produced to give parents information about meal choices, which includes dishes from other cultures. For example, children enjoy chicken curry with rice, lasagne, ploughman's lunch and tuna pasta bake. Meal times are relaxed, social occasions where children and adults sit together around the table to enjoy their food, each others company and develop good table manners. Children are encouraged to drink throughout the session. This ensures that children remain well hydrated and comfortable.

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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 Children are cared for in a secure, welcoming environment. Risks of accidental injury are minimised during indoor and outdoor activities because staff supervise the children well and work hard to identify potential hazards. For example, regular risk assessments help to identify and reduce potential hazards, and safety equipment is used according to the ages and needs of the children attending. This enables children to explore and take risks. Security of the premises is good ensuring that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. Procedures are in place to ensure that children are collected only by authorised people. For example, passwords are used for extra protection. Children are beginning to learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They learn about fire safety by practicing the fire

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

escape plan, and to keep safe in the sun. Children are encouraged to wear a hat and permission is received from parents to apply sun cream. They are well protected because staff recognise their responsibilities towards the children in their care, and know the appropriate child protection procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child. Children use a range of safe, good quality resources, furniture and equipment which supports their play and development. They are interested in and want to play with what is available. Outdoor space is arranged for the children's safe play and is resourced with toys and equipment. Staff check the resources and equipment regularly to ensure that they remain safe, and that they are suitable for the children's individual age and stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the welcoming nursery and enjoy their time at the group. Staff make observations of the children's progress and plan activities to promote their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. They are continuing to develop the implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This will further enhance younger children's development. Children are confident in their relationships with the staff, who meet children's' needs through sensitive and appropriate interactions that promote their confidence and self esteem. As a result children are relaxed and busy in their play. Children use their imaginations in role play, taking on family roles, and use props to support their play. For example, children enthusiastically beat the ingredients together to make a cake for the tea party, and take the dolls for a walk in the buggy. As the children play staff take time

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to talk, ask appropriate questions and listen to the children, encouraging them to talk about what they are doing. This encourages children to think and promotes their language development. Children play with small world resources such as the farm, and younger children are encouraged to imitate animal sounds. They look at books for enjoyment, concentrate and preserve as they complete the transport puzzles, and older children use the computer to consolidate their learning. This promotes children's intellectual development. Children's creative development is promoted as they draw, colour, paint and stick. They enjoy getting messy exploring the paint with their hands. Children splash in the water, wash the dolls, pour water using the watering can and float the boats. They enjoy playing with the sand, making sand castles using appropriate tools. Children learn to care and treat living things with

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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 respect as they gently stroke the hamster and learn to care for the rabbit. They make bird feeders, and help to weed the garden. Children measure themselves on the height chart to see if they have grown, they count and compare the different heights. This promotes children's mathematical development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the nursery because staff value and respect their individuality. Relationships are warm, caring and friendly, staff acknowledge and cuddle the children. This increases their sense of belonging and promotes their emotional development. There are clear routines to the day which help young children feel settled and secure. For example, sleep and feeding routines are respected. Children are beginning to develop a positive view of society and the wider world as they take part in activities and use resources that reflect diversity. For example, children dress up using clothes from other cultures, and enjoy a Chinese meal using authentic utensils to support their play. Children's behaviour is managed in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development. They receive frequent praise and encouragement which promotes their confidence and self

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Helping children make a positive contribution

esteem. Children's welfare and development is promoted because relationships with parents are open, friendly and professional. Information about the nursery, including policies and policies are available to the parents through the prospectus, regular news letters and displays. However, a complaints record is not in place. Systems are in place to exchange information. This ensures that parental wishes are respected and the individual needs of the children are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. The nursery is organised flexibly and creatively. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximize play opportunities for children, and routines and resources are organised well to meet the children's needs. Children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning, as well as receiving a good level of adult support. Their welfare, care and learning is promoted by a range of records, policies and procedures, including clear aims for the quality of care and nursery education for the children. Records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. Children's records and achievements are openly shared with parents and their contributions are valued. The children's care experience is enhanced by the staff's commitment to developing their practice, by their attendance at training. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 by Ofsted.

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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): • continue to develop the implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • Keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken.

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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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