Central Park Nursery Ltd

Central Park Nursery Ltd

Inspection report for early years provision

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Central Park Nursery Ltd

EY331228 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2006 Inspection date Olwen Pulker Inspector

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Central Park Nursery Ltd

Central Park Nursery, 8 Hawksworth Road, Central Park, TELFORD, Shropshire, TF2 9TU

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E-mail

Central Park Nursery Ltd Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Full day care, Out of School care Type of 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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Central Park Nursery has been operating since 1995 but registered under the present ownership in 2006. It operates from purpose-built premises within a commercial centre in Telford town and serves the local and wider community. A maximum of 105 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07.30 to 18.00 for 51 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 160 children aged from 3 months to 11 years on roll. This figure includes 31 children who attend the Out-of-School provision. There are 43 children receiving funding for nursery education. The nursery currently supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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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 The nursery employs 24 staff, 21 of whom work directly with the children. Of the staff 19 hold appropriate early years qualifications. There are 2 members of staff working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Staff work in partnership with parents to meet children's dietary needs and are attentive to the needs of the young babies, implementing their individual routines. Mothers who are breast feeding are welcome to visit freely, they are provided with comfortable seating where they can relax with their babies. There is a daily diary which is used to inform parents about the quantity and type of food consumed. Drinks are offered regularly throughout the session and children know they can ask for a drink when they need one. The nursery has received a gold award under the Healthy Eating scheme and children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy a varied menu of freshly prepared balanced meals and all snacks and meals comply with any special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. Cooked lunches are provided daily and a selection of sandwiches and fresh fruit are served at teatime. A variety of fresh and dried fruits

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Helping children to be healthy

are offered to children at snack times. Children are learning about healthy living through discussion with staff and well planned topics such as 'People Who Help Us'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for within a clean and hygienic environment. Good procedures are in place for sick and infectious children which help prevent the spread of infection and help to keep children healthy. Staff adhere to a sound nappy changing procedure and children are provided with freshly laundered sheets and blankets on the sleep mats. Outdoor shoes are not worn in the baby and toddler rooms ensuring that the children are able to play and explore on clean flooring. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through their daily routines and visits from an environmental health officer who instructs the older children how to wash their hands efficiently to rid them of germs. They wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after messy play and are provided with soap and a plentiful supply of paper towels. However, staff are not always sufficiently vigilant in ensuring that babies do not suckle others'

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Helping children to be healthy

dummies nor that all children wash their hands before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff use 'Birth to three matters' guidance well to provide a range of physical play experiences for babies and children to age three. All are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Children have good opportunities to learn about keeping healthy through regular exercise. The use of physical play equipment and the enthusiastic participation in outdoor games promotes their physical development. Their coordination and spatial awareness develops as they enjoy using a variety of wheeled toys and ball games. In addition to the outdoor play area children have regular sessions in the soft play and ball pool room. Weekly visits from a dance teacher gives the three and four year olds good opportunities to be creative through musical movement.

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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 cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. The main entrance door is locked and clearly visible from the reception desk ensuring no unauthorised persons can gain access. Doors to individual rooms are fitted with both high and low level handles or keypad systems which contribute to children's security. Rooms are well-ventilated and large windows provide good levels of natural lighting. Premises are welcoming to both parents and children with a wealth of displays in all rooms and corridors of children’s work or information which contributes well to children’s safety and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a variety of good quality, well-maintained resources which are developmentally appropriate. They are motivated and encouraged to learn by the keen adult support and well-planned variations of activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because staff are vigilant and use thorough risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. Fire precautions are in place and evacuation procedures are available in every room. There are effective procedures in place to evacuate babies and all children needing to sleep during the day now do so on the ground floor. Fire drills are practised very regularly so that staff and children know what to do in the event of evacuation. Nursery vehicles are well-maintained and fitted with belts and appropriate seating so that children attending after school can be transported safely. Timely reminders and explanations from staff about appropriate behaviour and use of equipment help develop children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well-protected by staff who have a clear understanding of child protection. Comprehensive and effective policies and procedures are in place to promote and give high priority to children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enter the group confidently and enjoy their time in the setting. An effective key worker system ensures that babies and toddlers are cared for by consistent staff, whenever possible. They receive lots of cuddles and enjoy the positive interaction with staff which increases their sense of trust and well being. They benefit from routines which are similar with their experiences at home and staff are attentive to their needs. Babies enjoy the textures of natural materials in 'treasure and discovery boxes' and the colours and sounds of manufactured toys, which they explore with interest. Staff plan a wide range of interesting experiences and activities to help children learn through their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children have positive relationships with staff and receive comfort and attention when they need support. They play happily together and with adults, using resources such as puzzles, making models and role play equipment. Musical activities include singing and action rhymes which contribute to children's developing communication skills. Songs such as 'Heads, shoulders, knees and toes' help children gain knowledge of their bodies and toddlers confidently point to their facial features when prompted by staff. Exploration with paint, dough and sand helps

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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 represent their experiences, feelings and ideas in a variety of ways. Children benefit from a colourful, stimulating and interesting environment in which they are happy, content and well cared for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children attending the out of school crèche enjoy playing pool or board games, watching television or being involved in creative activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of how children learn and use the stepping stones to clearly identify children's achievements. Planning is good, links clearly to the stepping stones and ensures a wide range of activities and experiences are provided to extend children's leaning. Observations and assessments of children's attitude to learning are thorough and used well to inform planning for children's next steps in learning. Staff engage in children's play and challenge children by good use of questioning to extend children's learning. Behaviour is managed well and this results in a calm and caring environment for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are excited and motivated to learn, they enjoy new experiences with enthusiasm. They form good relationships with staff and their peers which promotes their sense of well being. Children are developing their independence through participation in routine activities such as pouring their own drinks at snack time and mastering the fastening of coat zips or buttons before going out to play. During 'free play' they identify their choice of activity from a selection of labelled picture cards mounted on a pin board. Toys and activities are mostly kept in drawers and storage boxes identified by computer-generated text labels. This method of labelling does not fully inform all children of what is available and therefore limits their choice. Children are becoming confident speakers and initiate and continue conversations with others. Children concentrate well during circle time, most listening attentively to stories and singing their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

favourite songs and rhymes with confidence. The pre-school rooms have comfortably furnished 'book corners' which children use frequently. They show a good interest in books and handle them well. Most children are able to recognise their names on their name cards and drawers. They are beginning to link sounds to letters and to write their own names with good support from staff. Some of the older children are able to write their names neatly using well-formed letters.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show an interest in shape and colour and most of the older children confidently recognise their house numbers on the number board. They have good opportunities to develop simple calculation skills through number rhymes, weighing and measuring baking ingredients and playing with 'compare bears'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop good exploration and investigation skills as they learn about change when planting beans and watching them grow. They use magnifying glasses to observe the veins on the leaves and have great fun looking at each other. Children have good opportunities to use information and communication technology (ICT) through use of a computer, they gain good mouse control and learn where to place the disc in the disc-drive.

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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 move confidently and are developing good coordination skills, they show a good awareness of space and handle a range of tools and small equipment well. They enjoy making models with recycled materials. Children express themselves freely through painting and enjoy exploring many different textures such as sand, clay and collage. Children's imagination is well developed as they take part in role play, musical movement and play musical instruments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through planned activities. They are encouraged to use mirrors to view themselves when drawing and colouring self-portraits using people paints and card. Children are learning to speak French and a selection of dual language books helps raise their awareness of other cultures as does food tasting and various craft activities, such as making face masks for Chinese New Year. Invited visitors to the nursery, for example a lady with her guide dog, help children develop a positive attitude to others. There are appropriate arrangements in place to support children with special needs or children who speak English as an additional language and staff ensure they work with parents and other professionals to meet each child's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is good with children developing positive relationships with other children and staff who use appropriate techniques to foster positive behaviour. Children are constantly encouraged and praised and their efforts are acknowledged through displays of their own work and photographs. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive good written information on how the setting operates and have access to all policies and procedures. Daily verbal feedback and the sharing of diaries produced for the younger children ensure parents are informed about what their children have been doing whilst attending. Staff actively seek parents’ views about their children’s needs and interests before the child starts at the setting, and on a regular basis throughout their time there. Regular newsletters keep parents informed of the activities and events within each of the settings and how they can become more involved. A detailed and effective complaints procedure is in place. The partnership with parents and carers who receive nursery education funding is good. They receive clear information on the educational programme provided for their children. Topic sheets on the notice board inform parents of the current topic and they are kept informed

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about their children's progress because staff share developmental records with them at parent consultation meetings. An 'open-door' policy is maintained to enable parents to talk to staff if they wish to do so. Staff ensure that all parents know how their children are progressing and developing. Children benefit greatly from the involvement of their parents in projects, which contributes to their good heath, safety, development and learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The leadership and management of the setting is good. The management team have a very clear understanding about the service their setting provides and have a sound overview of what can be done to further meet the needs of the children and parents. Consultation with parents

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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 allows them to be aware of these needs on an ongoing basis. Children are comfortable within a secure environment and benefit from a stable staff group who obviously enjoy caring for children. Systems are in place to ensure that staff are aware of current good practice guidelines and can develop and extend their experience, for example through training and access to childcare publications. Staff appraisals, team meetings and a clear management structure all help to ensure that staff remain committed to providing an exciting, happy and comfortable environment for the children in their care. Staff work well together as a team and this supports a happy, relaxed and caring environment for children.

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Organisation

Most staff working with children have appropriate childcare qualifications and have a commitment to accessing ongoing training. Good child to staff ratios mean that children have good individual attention where required and this helps them to develop well. Good procedures are in place for ensuring that children are cared for by staff who have had appropriate experience, enjoy working with children and have completed appropriate checks.

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Organisation

Documentation, policies and procedures are organised very well and are clearly working documents. Regular review of procedures ensures that these documents work in practice, with involvement from all staff so that they are clear about what is expected. All legally required documentation which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. Records relating directly to children are stored confidentially and in line with requirements.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints 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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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 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND 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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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 health and hygiene routines are promoted at all times by encouraging children to wash their hands before eating and reduce the risk of cross-contamination by ensuring babies do not share dummies

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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): • provide more opportunities for reinforcement of mathematical concepts such as counting, more than, less than and number recognition in routine and spontaneous activities • continue to increase the opportunities for children to make independent choices about what they want to do within child-initiated times by ensuring they can easily identify resource boxes from their labels.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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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