Anouska's Kids Club

Anouska's Kids Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Anouska's Kids Club

Unique Reference Number EY290408 Inspection date 26 September 2005 Inspector Maura Pigram

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Anouska's Kids Club

Setting Address The Grove, Chandlers Cross, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG Telephone number 01923 296077

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E-mail

Registered person Ralph Trustees Limited Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care, Crèche

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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?

The nursery and crèche opened in 2004 and operates from four rooms in a purpose built building within the grounds of The Grove hotel in Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire. It is for use by children whose parents work in the hotel and spa, are guests in the hotel or who are members of the spa facilities. A maximum of 65 children may attend at any one time. It is open weekdays from 07.30 until 19.00. Week-end times are from 09.00 until 17.00. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area and regularly use the hotel grounds including the nearby woodland area.

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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 There are currently five children aged from six months to three years on roll as nursery children. Fifteen children are on roll for the crèche. The staff support children with special educational needs, and also support children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs eight staff. Known members of a local agency and a bank system are used to supplement staffing numbers when required. All of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Training is ongoing and the staff are committed to personal development.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They can move freely between the indoor play area and the stimulating outdoor area. Each day there are opportunities for the children to develop control of their bodies, for example as they ride on bikes around the hotel grounds, playing in the well resourced outdoor area or exploring the nearby woods. Garden games such as playing with tennis rackets and balls improve children's physical skills. They become increasingly aware of how activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. Younger children's physical skills such as walking and crawling are effectively encouraged by the skilful staff and they are taken on walks in the nursery buggies ensuring they receive fresh air. Children are cared for in a bright, welcoming and clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They routinely wash their hands

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Helping children to be healthy

after using the toilet and before eating which reduces the risk of cross contamination. They know where the bin is to put wipes in which they use to wipe their faces after meals. Tissues are available for the children to access when needed. All children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Children are well-nourished because meals for the children over one year are supplied by the hotel's catering team. They liaise well with the nursery staff who work closely with the parents to ensure the children's dietary needs are met. Food supplied by the parents for younger children is stored and prepared appropriately. Older children learn about healthy living through the sound interaction of the staff during meal times. The children are beginning to recognise healthy foods and through the effective interaction of the staff know that 'green beans will make them strong'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well designed setting with good safety and security precautions, such as an intercom system in place. Children's safety is ensured by the staff carrying out informal risk assessments although there are no daily written procedures. The staff give high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe by giving gentle reminders. They skilfully

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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 explain safe practices, such as why the children can not use the climbing fort ' 'you can use underneath if you like, it's wet today so it is slippery'. They learn about road awareness through the regular walks and bike rides in the grounds. They know for example they have to 'watch for cars and golf buggies'. Children independently select from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The staff carefully monitor and supervise children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. All staff hold a suitable first aid qualification. The manager has a clear understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection procedures although some of the necessary documentation is not in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time in the nursery and crèche. They achieve well because staff are highly skilled in communicating with the children. They ask frequent open ended questions, provide effective praise and give the children ample opportunities to make decisions. Staff are beginning to use their knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the 'Foundation Stage Curriculum' to ensure children maximise their play. The children relate well to each other and independently choose what they want to do because toys and resources are easily accessible. They listen and respond to stories and particularly enjoy craft activities chosen from the 'magic box'. All children are included in the selection from the 'magic box' and are given the necessary support to make their chosen item which includes wooden butterflies and snails. Younger children are included in activities which are skilfully adapted to suit the age

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and developmental need of the child. Art work from all children is proudly displayed. This helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. They learn about nature through meaningful activities such as the gardeners visiting the nursery and planting seeds with the children. They confidently recognise colours and match shapes through everyday play. Children learn to appreciate books and develop early reading skills through easy access to books and the regular sharing of story time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. They develop a strong sense of belonging by the skilful staff who know the children well. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They acquire social skills by actively taking part in the preparation of meals and snacks. They help to lay the table for meals and take turns in pouring the drinks. Staff eat with the children ensuring they

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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 learn good table manners. Children become aware of the wider community through the resources which are readily available. This helps children develop a positive attitude to others. Staff have identified the need to further extend children's knowledge of the wider world and diversity. Children with English as a second language attend and staff acknowledge the need to develop resources to support them, for example, dual language books. Children are cared for according to parents' wishes because there is frequent sharing of information. Babies settle well because the staff work closely with parents to ensure they follow their home routine. Details about children's activities and routines are recorded in a daily feedback sheet. Children thus feel secure and settled due to this strong partnership with parents. Children behave well and respond positively to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

lots of praise and encouragement. They confidently make decisions about what they would like to do. For example, deciding to play with the babies where they are taught to be gentle and caring.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is effective by the quality of organisation and the leadership of the manager who is an excellent role model. The staff have a high regard for the well-being of all children and the high ratio of staff ensures the children's needs are met at all times. The premises are purpose built, bright and welcoming. Indoor and outdoor space is purposefully laid out to support children's play opportunities. Children benefit from the highly qualified and skilled staff who are effectively inducted and a sound appraisal system is in place. Clear leadership and management skills ensure staff know their roles and responsibilities. This ensures children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement are productive and successful. The 'Birth to three matters' framework is actively used when planning stimulating activities for younger children. They are starting to link this to the Foundation Stage Curriculum. All staff

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Organisation

are committed to continuous improvement and development and have identified child protection as an area to be developed. Observations of nursery children are taken regularly and shared with parents. Most of the required documentation is in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the provisions first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint from a parent about this provision regarding behaviour management (Standard 11). Ofsted investigated this and the provider has undertaken an investigation into the complaint. Revised procedures have been put into place, including those for reporting concerns to the relevant authority. Ofsted is satisfied that the provider continues to be qualified for registration.

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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): • review the child protection policy to include procedures if allegations are made against staff and develop staff's awareness and knowledge of child protection issues • ensure that all records related to day care and crèche care are in place, this refers to written risk assessments, parental written permission for the administration of medications and for seeking emergency aid and ensuring recordings of any accidents are signed by parents.

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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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