Little Treasures

Little Treasures

Inspection report for early years provision

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Little Treasures

Unique Reference Number EY222544 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Rachel Wyatt

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Little Treasures

Setting Address Broomhall Grange, Broomhall Norton, Worcester, WR5

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E-mail

Registered person Little Treasures Ltd 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?

Little Treasures opened in 2002. The nursery operates from a large detached building set in its own grounds, and is located in the Norton area of Worcester. There is an enclosed outside play area and children have opportunities to go on local walks and outings. The nursery is registered for 60 children under the age of 8 years and there are currently 85 children under 8 years on roll. This includes 34 funded 3 and 4 year olds, and children over the age of 8 years may be cared for. Support is available for children with special needs and for those who speak English as an additional

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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 language. The group opens five days a week all year round, except for a week at Christmas and for bank holidays. Sessions are from 08:00 until 18:00. Seventeen staff work directly with the children, many of whom have been with the nursery since it opened. All staff have, or are working towards, a recognised early years' qualification. The nursery also employs support staff such as an administrator, chef and kitchen assistant. The setting receives support from a mentor teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, and is regularly represented at local early years' partnership and providers' forum meetings. The nursery is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance and of the National Day Nursery Association (NDNA). The nursery has just started the NDNA's quality assurance

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children and babies really enjoy their food responding to the staff's encouragement to eat well and appreciate the varied meals and snacks provided for them. Their dietary needs are well known and catered for, and their food is stored and prepared in a well organised kitchen. Meal times are relaxed and effectively managed by staff so children can socialise and learn to use cutlery with increasing skill and control. Children play and are cared for in a inviting, clean environment. Staff ensure that equipment, bedding and soft furnishings are checked and cleaned regularly. Children's own self care needs are effectively provided for, as staff ensure babies and toddlers are comfortable, whilst older children become independent in seeing to their own personal hygiene. Toilet and hand washing areas are designed for young children so they are able to visit these on their own with the reassuring support of

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Helping children to be healthy

staff when needed. Children are able to explain why it is important to wash their hands before eating or after going to the toilet or playing outside. Babies and toddlers become familiar with hygiene routines whilst having their nappies changed or when having their faces and hands cleaned at meal times or after creative and messy play. Daily routines and activities ensure a good balance of energetic play and opportunities for children and babies to rest. Babies are able to be physically active and staff ensure they have room to practice rolling over, crawling, standing and walking. They are encouraged to reach out for, or to move towards, strategically placed toys and equipment and they can play with a range of toys which help to develop their manipulative skills. Older children enjoy regular outdoor play, and current improvements to their play area include a paved section where children will be able to develop their steering and peddling skills when using sit and ride toys and

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Helping children to be healthy

bikes. Babies' sleep routines are effectively accommodated and older children can also have a sleep or enjoy restful times looking at books or playing quiet games. Children's health care needs and welfare are also appropriately met if they require

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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 medication, have an accident, or become unwell, and suitable arrangements are in place to minimise any risks of cross infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of taking care as they move around the building. As parts of the building are on different levels, they learn how to use stairs safely and strategically placed low-level hand rails help to give them confidence. All children are effectively supervised and are able to play with good quality, age appropriate toys and use suitable, well maintained equipment. Staff are receptive to the different characteristics of the children they look after and endeavour to minimise risks such as checking hot food and reminding children to be careful, and making sure all equipment is close to hand, for example when changing nappies of more active children. When the youngest children have opportunities like their older peers to explore and experiment with paint and natural materials, staff gently intervene to ensure they create with, rather than eat, the resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and well being are fostered in the setting. Staff are familiar with various security measures, the setting's child protection procedures and their responsibility for ensuring children are kept safe from harm whilst in their care. They are conscious of types of behaviour and signs which would cause them concern. However, currently there are few opportunities for older children to be made aware of personal safety issues or to introduce them to suitable strategies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for and staff ensure that they are settled, comfortable and reassured. All children enjoy a warm rapport with the staff. Babies and children under three respond to the staff's gentle responses, smiles and praise during play, routines and meal times. At times during stories and play, staff fail to sufficiently sustain the interest of some toddlers in this age group or to engage them in further discussions. Older children are inquisitive, lively and articulate and staff interact well with them, providing good explanations and appropriate opportunities for children to talk about their experiences, to recall events or to chat about what they are doing. Children are engaged in an appropriate range of activities, though plans for children under three do not clearly link to developmental stages or identify particular children's needs. Children of all ages are encouraged to be both energetic and creative and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

there is a strong emphasis on rhymes and stories which reflect favourite characters, familiar scenarios or promote awareness of different feelings and behaviour. Older children recall aspects of stories and link these to their own experiences, such as seeing statues in town or in a park. They are making good progress in recognising letters and sounds and their understanding of counting and number is promoted in practical contexts. Good use is being made of outside play areas for children's physical play, exploration and a range of creative activities.

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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's self-reliance and independence are fostered throughout the nursery. Children under three are sensitively encouraged to develop confidence in feeding themselves, seeing to their personal care and making choices of activities or during meals. Three and four year olds respond positively to the staff's high expectations of them and can express and demonstrate good table manners, self reliance in their personal care and confidence in deciding their preferred activities, drinks or food. They are sociable and readily engage their peers, staff and visitors in conversation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children 's individual needs and preferences are well known by staff and positively acknowledged which helps children to feel emotionally secure and settled. Staff with responsibility for special needs, including key workers, have a sound knowledge of procedures and have developed good relationships with parents and other professionals so that children with special needs are actively included in all aspects of nursery life and are making good progress. Children can play with toys and look at books that introduce them to different experiences, positive images and which encourage discussion about aspects of their own lives or feelings. Children are well behaved. They learn about sharing, turn taking, being helpful, kind and polite whilst playing, during activities and through daily routines such as meal times. Babies are introduced to situations when they have to very briefly wait their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

turn, perhaps while an adult helps another child. They are encouraged to play alongside others, sharing both space, toys and an adult's attention. Staff pre-empt disputes, diverting children, introducing some gentle humour or a different approach to a game to diffuse the situation. With older children, staff employ appropriate strategies to support and encourage their positive behaviour and suitable explanations and distractions are used if children do not behave well. From the outset parents are warmly welcomed in the setting. They have access to written and verbal information about the setting and their child, including how they have spent their day and their progress. In addition the nursery provides opportunities for formal meetings and a variety of social events for both parents and their children, such as a forthcoming open day and fete.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Managers and staff are working well together to ensure children have good quality care and play provision and that their parents are kept well informed. Staff work as a team to ensure children are well cared for, settled and have rewarding activities. There is a strong commitment to training, and to encouraging staff to gain relevant qualifications and to apply their specialist skills or expertise within the setting. Those staff who are room supervisors or have responsibilities for an area of work such as special needs, child protection, or health and safety are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their roles. New members of staff are familiar with the setting's

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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 policies and procedures and settle quickly to effectively support children's care, play and well being. Operational procedures are reviewed and updated and there are various initiatives in place to ensure staff are aware of developments and changes, such as in house feedback sessions, staff meetings and memos. Improved monitoring of documentation has resulted in accurate records of children's attendance being kept, and in parents being consistently informed if their child is given medication or has had an accident. The setting's commitment to improvement is also reflected in ongoing renovations of outside play areas where for example a new paved area will help children to build on their balancing, peddling and steering skills when using wheeled toys. Inside reorganisation of the first floor means that all three and four year olds can play and

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Organisation

learn together in a spacious pre-school room with an ensuite messy play and toilet area. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The nursery has effectively addressed actions and recommendations arising from the last inspection. Improved organisation and monitoring of children's attendance and staff deployment have resulted in ratios being maintained and children having effective support. Managers and staff have also been proactive in ensuring children's arrival and departure times are consistently recorded. Recording of medication dosages and of accident records has improved. In particular managers and staff ensure parents sign these records to indicate they are aware of the situation pertaining to their child. In addition the nursery now asks new parents to provide consent to the setting seeking medical advice and treatment for their child should parents be unavailable in an emergency. Parents of children already at the nursery have also been asked to provide their consent to cover such circumstances. The special needs and child protection policies have been revised so they more

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Improvements since the last inspection

accurately reflect current legislation and practice, and appropriate actions have been taken to ensure staff are familiar with their content. Practical improvements are planned to provide level access to the building via a portable ramp.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection in November 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint regarding the nursery. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of records kept on the administration of medicine to children at the setting. This relates to National Standards 7 Health. Ofsted carried out an unannounced visit on 2 June 2005. As a result the inspector found that the setting’s procedures seemed satisfactory, and staff had been urged to be vigilant in ensuring dosage records were completed accurately and parents’ signatures obtained. The standards were met during the visit and the provider remains 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): • explore ways of discussing personal safety and well being with older children • develop planning for children aged under three in order to enrich their experiences and to develop staff's confidence.

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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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