Elms Private Day Nursery

Elms Private Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Elms Private Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number 309297 Inspection date 23 August 2006 Inspector Wendy Fitton

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Elms Private Day Nursery

Setting Address The Elms, Lowerfold Road, Great Harwood, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB6 7NS Telephone number 01254 887 353

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E-mail

Registered person Glenis Haworth 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Elms Private Day Nursery opened in 1979 and is set in its own grounds in a residential area of Great Harwood in Hyndburn, Lancashire. The premises, a section of which is used as the private dwelling of the nursery owner, has been especially converted to meet the day care needs of a maximum of 29 children under eight years of age. The nursery operates weekdays throughout the year with its current core hours of opening being from 07.00 to 18.00. There are currently 35 children on roll. All staff hold relevant child care qualifications. A nursery manager and a deputy manager are included in the staff team. This nursery offers training to students

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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 following child care qualification training. The nursery owner takes an active part in the day to day running of the nursery and oversees all organisational procedures and support tasks. The facilities available include a baby unit for children from birth to two years, a large conservatory for children aged two to three years and one wooden unit for children from three years up to eight years. There is a bathroom/nappy changing area, a kitchen and separate facilities for staff which combine office facilities. There is a sectioned area within the grounds devoted to providing an outside play area. An out of school provision is provided for children during holidays and before and after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted as staff follow health and hygiene procedures; they give attention to nose wiping, use of individual wet wipes and wash the toys regularly when young babies are putting them in their mouths. Children are developing their knowledge and understanding about hygiene as they know to wash their hands after using the toilet and know that this will stop germs spreading. Staff clean and wipe tables and surfaces when food is spilled and sweep and mop floors where children play. Children's first aid and medical needs are attended to as some staff have first aid certificates. There is written consent from parents to the seeking of emergency treatment; medicine and accident recording procedures are up to date and all signed by parents. A new sickness procedure is in place and covers all required information relating to exclusion of children, communicable diseases and food poisoning.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing their physical skills and are learning about healthy lifestyles. Outdoor play sessions are planned for each age group on a daily basis and they exercise to music and rhymes. Children have regular relaxation time and can rest and sleep according to their needs. Most children have access to physical play equipment and ride on bicycles, trucks and cars. Babies have insufficient furniture and toys to support their physical development when becoming mobile and learning to stand up. Children are nourished and provided with regular food and drink. There is a planned menu that offers some variety and includes meat, vegetables, pasta and stews. Snacks include biscuits, fruit and raisins with drinks at each meal time. There is no free access to water in the nursery areas. Meal times are organised in the individual units of the nursery and the children sit together at tables and chairs or in high chairs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff in the baby unit and the pre school unit do not sit directly with the children and therefore are unable to create a positive social occasion or support children's social skills.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a very warm, welcoming and homely environment. Areas of the nursery are well planned and cater for the varying needs of the children on roll. The premises are very clean and safe and recent renovation work has enhanced the provision to keep children safe. There are three separate units for each age group and all children are well supervised and access all necessary facilities. Children's development is enhanced as they access a varied range of very suitable, safe and interesting furniture, toys and equipment. For example, they sleep and rest in travel cots, on sleep mats and in prams according to needs. There are suitable tables and chairs for activities and meals, with high chairs for young babies. There is a range of play materials to support children's learning and includes craft materials, sand and water, jigsaws, small world equipment, play dough and construction toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe as staff talk to them about safe procedures and the children know about fire procedures, crossing the road and stranger danger. Children are very safe and secure both inside and outside the premises as staff follow detailed safety procedures in relation to the arrival and collection of children. There are effective security systems on exits, visitors are asked to sign in, there are good supervision and staffing levels and the outdoor area is secure and safe. Children are protected in the nursery as all safety aspects and equipment are in place and staff carry out risk assessments on all equipment and furniture. Children are safeguarded and well protected as the staff fully understand their role and duty to protect children. There is a detailed policy and procedure that includes information for parents and the relevant contact numbers for local agencies. Staff

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

know to report any concerns to the nursery manager who then reports to the registered provider.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are really happy and settled and are familiar with the routines and environment. Young children respond to their key worker who takes on responsibility for all care needs. Children are supported and encouraged as they participate in a variety of activities and experiences to support their development and learning. Children develop their independence as they self select toys and equipment and are encouraged to tidy up. Staff show genuine care and children enjoy close physical contact as staff continually chat and extend children's speech and language. Children are confident and secure as they discuss routines, activities and themes. They talk about being healthy and staying safe and are aware of the rules and boundaries. Children enjoy their discussion times as they talk about the current theme linked to the senses and are encouraged to explore and investigate the touch

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and feely table. Children feel a sense of belonging as they are proud to show their

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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 achievements of art and craft work that is displayed around the nursery areas. Children enjoy themselves as they play outside on the large equipment and ride bicycles. They play with water, sand, construction toys, role play equipment and build with Lego and bricks. They respond to positive praise and encouragement as they demonstrate the star jumps to each other during the exercise session outside. Children are learning as staff sit and support the children during their play, staff ask questions and extend children's knowledge through the planned and spontaneous activities and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the setting and are valued and respected. Staff listen to the children as they talk about their home life and are encouraged to value and listen to each other so they feel comfortable and secure. They have full access to the necessary facilities and resources to support their development and meet their individual needs. Children are beginning to learn about diversity through books, dressing up clothes, dolls and festivals. Children with special needs are likely to have their needs met owing to staff having a growing understanding of procedures and legislation. Staff show commitment to working together with families and other agencies to support children in their learning, development and welfare. The policy statement is clear and is in line with the Code of Practice for working with children and families with additional needs. Children are learning to mange their own behaviour and take on some responsibilities

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Helping children make a positive contribution

as staff use gentle reminders and are positive in their approach. Children know not to run around inside because they may fall or run into another child; they know not to climb on furniture because they may fall or break things. Staff present as good role models to children and use only positive language and do not focus on any negative behaviours. Children are encouraged to share and be kind to each other and give cuddles and apologise when someone is upset or hurt. Children are secure and benefit from the positive relationships between their parents and staff. Parents are welcomed into the nursery and staff chat and share routines and care practices about individual children. The key worker system in the baby unit provides consistency for children and parents. A daily diary is passed on to parents with the babies care routines. Parents are made aware of the organisational policies and procedures but they are not fully informed of the complaint procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Feedback from parents highlights they are happy with the care provided, that there are good routines and that staff are approachable, listen to any issues and act upon them immediately.

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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 Children really benefit from an organisation and practice that meets the needs of all children. There is effective use of time, space and resources to ensure that children's health, safety and welfare is promoted. There is consistency in the staff team and most staff are qualified in childcare. Space is organised creatively and effectively and allows for children to be grouped according to their age and stage of development. Children are protected and their welfare is paramount as all staff have been vetted, checked and deemed suitable to be working with children. There is effective deployment of staff and good contingency arrangements for any emergencies or absences. The management and staff show commitment to enhancing their practice as they access training programmes and make links with early years partnership, to

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Organisation

support them in developing activities and plans linked to the Foundation Stage and the Birth to three matters framework. Children are well supported as staffing ratios are good and this ensures that children are well supervised at all times. Children feel secure as they relate to their key worker; who provides all their care needs throughout the day and shares the information with parents through a diary. Children's welfare, care and learning is well promoted through the efficient and safe management of the provision. There are detailed organisational policies and procedures and all regulatory records are up to date. Records are stored securely and are fully accessible for the purpose of inspection. Some policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated in line with new and current legislation that relate to sickness and complaints. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the setting agreed to devise and make available to parents a special needs statement that is consistent with current legislation and to improve staff interaction with children aged under three years at all times. There is now a special needs policy statement and staff positively interact with children throughout the day. Children's development, care and welfare has now been enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns regarding National Standard 11 Behaviour. An Ofsted Early Years childcare inspector visited the provision on 2 August 2006. Ofsted are satisfied that 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 satisfactory. 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 staff sit with children during snacks and meals • provide furniture and equipment in the baby unit to support children's physical development • ensure children have free access to drinking water • ensure parents are fully aware of the complaints procedure.

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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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