Irlam Road Nursery

Irlam Road Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Irlam Road Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY318257 Inspection date 03 July 2006 Inspector Sarah Taylor

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Irlam Road Nursery

Setting Address 35 Irlam Road, Urmston, Manchester, Lancashire, M41 6JR

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E-mail

Registered person Linda Joan Conway Type of inspection Integrated 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 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?

Irlam Road Nursery was registered in 2005. It operates from two baby rooms, a toddler room and a pre-school room on the ground floor level in a converted detached house in the Flixton area of Trafford. There is an enclosed outdoor play area. The nursery serves the local area. The nursery is open from 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday for 50 weeks of the year. There are currently 35 children on roll, of whom two are in receipt of funding for nursery education. The nursery supports

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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 children with learning difficulties and disabilities, and with English as an additional language. All staff hold relevant childcare qualifications. The setting receives support from Sure Start.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are able to help themselves freely to easily accessible drinking water throughout the session and enjoy very healthy snacks and meals. They are made very aware of the need for drinks and know that they need to remain hydrated to stay healthy. Children enjoy a variety of freshly cooked meals, which meet their nutritional needs well. Their health and dietary needs are conscientiously recorded and staff are made fully aware of individual requirements. Children who experience problems with eating are skilfully and sensitively supported by staff. Children thrive because staff follow highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children's nutritional, physical and health needs. They stay healthy because practitioners are able to implement the current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. Children are clear about the need for them to stay safe in the

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Helping children to be healthy

sun and confidently state that they need a hat, suncream or to stay in the shade. The children benefit from premises that are very clean and welcoming. There are stringent procedures in place for general cleaning of the premises and the cleaning of toys after each session and staff ensure that the risk of cross infection is minimal. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. At an appropriate age, children use the child friendly bathroom to develop the routine of washing hands before handling food and after taking part in messy activities and toileting. Babies and toddlers are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Children explore, test and develop physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. Staff have a very good knowledge of the Foundation Stage.

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Helping children to be healthy

Their understanding of each child's stage of development means the children are confident to try out new skills, ask for help when needed and set their own limits within a safe environment. For example, children are able to play outside in the secure and safe area, where they enjoy developing hand eye co-ordination skills through throwing and catching, busting bubbles, and learning to pedal tricycles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The nursery is very well equipped to promote all areas of learning. Resources are of a superior quality. Toys and materials are extremely well organised and very accessible to the children. They are clearly labelled helping the children to identify

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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 resources and associate print with meaning. There are highly effective systems in place for checking resources, thereby ensuring they are safe and suitable for the children’s use. Children and their parents feel very welcome and comfortable in the superbly designed and skilfully decorated premises which are maintained to an extremely high standard. Rooms are maintained at the optimum temperature to ensure children's comfort. The layout of the building meets the children’s needs wonderfully as the areas are set out carefully helping to promote a range of children’s skills and independence. The three rooms are divided into areas to ensure children experience a balanced range of resources. Excellent storage, kitchen and laundry facilities contribute to the smooth running of the premises and the high quality care of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because staff are extremely vigilant in reducing potential hazards. No safety issues have been identified. Staff complete thorough risk assessments to monitor the safety of the premises and resources. There are highly effective procedures in place for resolving safety matters. Children are cared for by adults who are vetted, experienced, extremely knowledgeable and skilful. Children are well protected as staff have expert knowledge of child protection procedures and are clear that their main concern is the welfare of each child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are secure and happy in the nursery environment where staff are very sensitive towards their needs and recognise the uniqueness of each child. There are wonderful relationships demonstrated throughout the setting, producing a harmonious and happy environment where the children thrive. This increases the children’s sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. High quality adult-child interactions help the children’s confidence and self-esteem. Children are clear of the routine and staff ensure that all children know what is happening next. Staff follow the Birth to three matters guidance with ease to provide the children with high quality care and developmental opportunities. The children experience highly stimulating activities that are skilfully planned to be suitable for their age and interest levels. There are effective planning and assessment systems in place to ensure the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning programme matches the needs of the individual children. Children are animated and enthusiastic in their play and giggle and squeal with enjoyment as they play 'catch' with footballs outside or make a sticky picture. All children thoroughly enjoy singing time with the puppets, and happily join in with the familiar songs and rhymes. High priority is put upon imaginative play and children learning to play co-operatively with one another. For example, children play imaginatively with the push chairs and dolls outside and create a home and shop. Children are extremely well supported in their development and are challenged to try something new. Imaginative play is encouraged by the staff and the children giggle

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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 as they talk on the telephones or play in the home. Sensory experiences are a natural part of the day and staff skilfully include finger painting, sticky pictures or bubbles into the routine. The babies at the nursery are making excellent progress and this is evident in the play that they exhibit and the levels of concentration and attention displayed. Nursery Education Children are beginning to recognise their own name and talk about the initial letters of their name or of different words. There is a mark making area where children can sit independently developing their literacy skills. Children do not have opportunities in the role play area to develop their literacy and mathematical skills independently. Books are shared and children listen well to stories. Practitioners provide excellent

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

support for individuals, especially children for whom English is an additional language. They give one-to-one support when required, enabling all children to be involved and included in activities provided. Children show confidence as they count the number of bricks in their truck game. They competently match shapes and colours during matching games. Children enjoy all that they do and are engaged at all times as there are a wealth of opportunities for learning throughout the sessions. For example, children can choose from a range of activities, such as water and sand, or they can join in with a directed activity like lotto or painting. Children learn to explore and investigate and look at changes as they bake or make soapy water. They develop a clear sense of time as they discuss what they have been doing at home or where they have been on holiday. They are learning well about the local community and people in the locality with different jobs as parents

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

come to the setting to talk to the children about what they do. Children show a good level of independence as they put on their hats, help themselves to drinks and use the toilets. During the activities, the level of concentration demonstrated is very good and this continues when the group are stopped and asked to tidy up. Children express their own ideas confidently in creative work using a variety of media. For example, in their seaside pictures using paint. Children have chances to explore sound through the use of a range of instruments. The children show an excellent awareness of space as they negotiate the outdoor area using wheeled vehicles or push along toys. They balance and climb and have opportunities to develop physically through the outdoor and indoor activities on offer. They have the benefit of a good range of tools including pencils, crayons, paint and glue spreaders and this enables them to develop their fine motor skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Practitioners have a clear knowledge of children’s capabilities. They establish children’s starting points at the beginning of the Foundation Stage through discussions with parents and they build on this knowledge. Ongoing observation and assessment of children’s learning is effectively used to inform planning. Practitioners have a good knowledge of the early learning goals which is reflected in their planning and teaching.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are developing an excellent understanding of the wider world through effective planning, which includes the celebration of festivals, and the careful selection of resources. These resources reflect equal opportunities successfully helping children to become aware of a wider society. For example, an excellent range of dressing up clothes, small world toys, books and posters. Children thoroughly enjoy singing songs in different languages and are developing an understanding of countries around the world through the nursery’s careful planning. For example, during Spanish day, children listened to Spanish music, ate food and dressed up in Spanish costume. There are positive images displayed around the nursery and the setting actively and successfully celebrates the backgrounds of the children. Children with English as an additional language are very successfully supported and the staff

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Helping children make a positive contribution

have a close relationship with parents to ensure that the care offered is appropriate. Children are expertly cared for by staff who work exceptionally well with parents to meet children’s individual needs and ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. Staff demonstrate a very secure awareness of methods of support for children with additional needs and this ensures that children’s individual needs are met and they feel fully included. For example, with the use of sign language and by using words from the child's first language. All children are sincerely and warmly welcomed into the nursery giving them a real sense of belonging. Their work is expertly displayed around the room promoting their self-esteem and respect for others. Children are extremely well behaved. They respond well to the positive behaviour management strategies employed by the staff. Staff are exemplary role models who remain calm and positive at all times and use consistent strategies to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

promote acceptable behaviour. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is very well fostered. The partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. Parents receive a high level of information about the educational provision through the parents' notice board and regular newsletters. They are informed of their children’s progress as they are invited into nursery to see assessment profiles and children's work. Parents of younger children are well informed about their child’s daily activities and progress through use of a daily diary sheet. There is an excellent policy of providing detailed information verbally to parents when they pick up their child. This ensures that parents feel fully informed of their child’s day and feel more involved in their care. Staff make excellent use of information requested on admission to meet children’s care needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The nursery is exceptionally well organised and this enhances the quality of care provided. Staff have an excellent understanding of the procedures followed by the nursery and are extremely hardworking and diligent, displaying a high regard for the well-being of all children. They are extremely conscientious and thorough in implementing policies and procedures to promote children’s health, safety,

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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 enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The children are well protected and cared for by staff with an excellent knowledge and understanding of child development and child protection. Records are meticulously maintained, remain confidential and are easily accessible. The leadership and management is good. Children benefit from the smooth running of the nursery. Staff receive clear and positive direction from the managers. Staff roles are well defined and they work effectively together to promote learning. The managers have a good awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the setting through ongoing monitoring. There is a commitment to improvement, reflected in the

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Organisation

strong emphasis on staff development. This has a positive impact on the quality of children’s learning. The provision effectively meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns in relation to National Standard 2, Organisation. The Compliance, Investigation and Enforcement Team contacted the provision. The provision provided an investigation response regarding the concerns raised. Ofsted are satisfied the provider remains qualified for 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 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 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

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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 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): • increase opportunities for independent learning in the role play area.

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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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