Child's Play Day Nursery

Child's Play Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Child's Play Day Nursery

254018 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2006 Inspection date Melanie Calway Inspector

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Child's Play Day Nursery

Sawyers Yard, Wolferton, KING'S LYNN, Norfolk, PE31 6HA Setting Address

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E-mail

Jane Grey Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Full day 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 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Child's Play Nursery was registered in 1998. The nursery operates in purposely converted premises in the village of Wolferton near King's Lynn. A maximum of 41 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each week day from 7.30 to 17.30 all year round. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 43 children aged from six months to four and a half years on roll. Of these, nine children receive funding for early education. Children come from the local town and surrounding villages. The nursery currently supports a small number of children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs twelve members of staff. Of these,10 hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Local Authority.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well because there are good hygiene procedures in place. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after playing outside, before eating and after using the toilet and so are learning about the importance of good hygiene through the daily routine. Children of all ages also learn about dental health as they brush their teeth after meals. They are able to use the toilets independently and individual paper towels are available to minimise the risk of cross infection. There are good procedures in place for changing nappies and disposing of them hygienically. The environment is maintained to a high level of cleanliness. All children and staff remove outdoor shoes before going into the play rooms so that babies and toddlers are able to play and crawl on a clean surface. Carpets and flooring have recently been replaced and are bright and clean. Toys are cleaned and sterilised on a regular basis to keep children

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical needs are met as all the necessary information about children's specific conditions and needs are obtained. Staff seek out appropriate training, if necessary, to enable them to care for all children. First Aid boxes are kept and regularly checked and all staff maintain a current First Aid certificate so that they can deal with minor accidents and injuries appropriately. There are clear sickness procedures in place and good information for parents on exclusion periods for infectious diseases to reduce the risk of infection. Permission for emergency advice or treatment has been obtained so that help can be sought in an emergency and the nursery has asked parents to supply a list of emergency contacts so that they are always able to get in touch.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children can rest and sleep according to their needs. Parents are asked to provide a detailed routine for children so that their needs can be met and staff recognise when children are tired. Babies and toddlers are able to sleep in comfort, in cots, in the sleep room which is kept dark and quiet so they can sleep undisturbed. Older children are able to rest on soft cushions in the book corner. Children are given regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise as they play in the garden on most days or go for walks in the woods or around the village. Children develop some co-ordination skills as they balance on tree stumps in the garden. However there is a lack of challenging physical equipment for the older children and outside play is limited to later in the session so children have little physical outlet earlier on. Inside children develop fine manipulative skills as they use pencils, scissors, paint brushes and thread beads.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. The nursery supplies healthy snacks of fruit and parents provide meals to be re-heated, packed lunches and breakfasts. The nursery keeps a supply of food so that it can provide for children in case of emergency. Staff who serve meals have food hygiene training and all re-heated food is tested so that it reaches the required temperature. They work with parents to encourage them to provide healthy options for their children and good explanations are given to children about healthy eating so they begin to learn the importance of a good diet. Children's dietary needs are met as information on allergies and preferences is obtained and displayed clearly in all rooms. Fresh drinking water is available from a dispenser

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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 in the top room and beakers are kept within easy reach of toddlers so they can access their drinks at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and suitable environment. The premises are bright and well maintained, providing welcoming surroundings for children and their families. Posters and examples of children's work are displayed on the walls and streamers and lights in the toddler room and baby room provide a stimulating environment. There are some security measures in place but these are not consistently applied at all times to maintain the security of the building. Children play with a wide range of appropriate toys and equipment, which they can access freely. Smaller items are kept out of reach of young children. Toys are checked regularly for safety and faulty items discarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because staff maintain good levels of supervision and are deployed well within the setting. Weekly risk assessments are carried out in each room and these are checked by the manager. A daily check is carried out before children use the outside area so that it is safe for them to use. The nursery ensures that there is a high adult child ratio when going out for walks and a phone is taken in case of emergency. Parents supply at least four emergency numbers and are reminded to keep phones switched on in case they need to be contacted. There are procedures in place to follow in the event of a child being uncollected from the nursery. However, although staff would seek help immediately from the manager in the event of a child being lost, there are no clearly defined procedures to follow in such an eventuality and this has resulted in a breech of the regulations. Children are protected from the risk of fire

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

as regular fire drills are carried out so that children know what to do in case of fire. Fire equipment is tested regularly and a record kept.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as staff have undergone training in child protection procedures and are aware of their duty to report any concerns. Information on child protection is easily accessible to staff and the relevant numbers are available in the office.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enter the nursery confidently and are greeted warmly by staff. They all gather in the middle play room at the beginning of the day where some children have their breakfast. They are then taken by staff into the baby room, middle room for children aged 18 months to two and a half years and the top room for children from two and a half to four years. Children are able to access a range of appropriate activities, toys and equipment in each room as toys are on floor level or in low shelving units. Staff position themselves at children's level at low tables or on the floor to involve children in activities. In the top room children enjoy playing in the water tray, with small construction and making pictures for Halloween. In the middle room staff sit on floor cushions and support children as they do jigsaws, play with toys or read books to them. Babies have a range of bright and stimulating equipment to meet their needs. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develop confidence and self esteem as staff give them plenty of praise and affection. They are

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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 developing independence as they fetch their own aprons for craft, use the toilets, access their drinks and choose activities. Independence is not so well encouraged at lunch time where older children are not involved in preparing the tables or clearing away and children are waiting for some time at the tables after they have finished. Children are encouraged to try and do up their coats for themselves although there are times when adults are fetching coats for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three are cared for appropriately. The nursery is using the 'Birth to three matters' framework pack to meet the needs of under threes. Planning is based on the four aspects of the framework and observations and photographs are used to record children's achievements and to help them to progress. Babies and toddlers are able to explore their environment freely, crawl and pull themselves up safely. Staff use smiles and eye contact to communicate with children. They talk to children softly to encourage their language and communication skills. Comfortable adult sized rocking chairs are available in the baby room so that babies are held in comfort when they have their bottles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is satisfactory. Staff have a reasonable understanding of the Foundation stage and plan activities which cover most aspects of the six areas of learning. Staff meet to plan each topic and contribute ideas. Written plans show how activities can be adapted to cater for different abilities. A chart listing activities is on display in the play room so that staff know what activities are on offer but these plans do not give details of specific language to be used or how activities can be adapted to enable all staff to provide challenges for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident communicators. They use language for communicating ideas and sharing experiences. They enjoy stories in small and large groups and ask questions about the stories they have heard. They have opportunities to recognise that print carries meaning as they self register and as resources around the room are labelled. They can access pencils to draw and make marks or use the chalk easel. Children form positive relationships with adults and with each other and play co-operatively. They enjoy being given responsibilities such as passing the fruit around at snack time or helping to wipe the table. They are rewarded with badges which are then displayed on a reward chart.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given plenty of opportunities within the daily routine to count and problem solve. Children playing in the water are encouraged to use the language of full or empty and see how many half cups make a whole one. They enjoy number rhymes and attempt to count backwards. They are becoming familiar with the language of size and shape. Children learn about the world around them as they go on walks in the woods or around the village and talk about the animals they have seen. In the garden they enjoy rolling the logs to look at bugs and mini-beasts. They have some opportunities for construction and use tools such as pencils or scissors. They have access to a computer to enable them to become familiar with technology.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They are able to express themselves using paint and during sticking activities although craft resources are not organised to enable children to select their own materials in order to encourage them to initiate their own projects. Children dress up but the role play area is not sufficiently stimulating to encourage children to engage in role play or to extend their learning.

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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 Staff make regular observations of children which are then transferred to their assessment records. They are identifying next steps for individual children and using these to help them plan so that they can help children to progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met because the nursery gathers good information about their needs and preferences. Important information about allergies or children's routines is displayed in all of the rooms to enable staff to meet their needs. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world as resources reflect other cultures and topics include celebrations of festivals such as Divali. Posters and displays in the corridor promote positive images of other cultures. Children receive appropriate support for their differing needs. The nursery is proactive in identifying children who may have learning difficulties. They work closely with parents and external agencies to ensure that children have the support they need.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the setting because they are happy and well occupied. Staff use positive methods to manage children's behaviour such as distraction and praise. Badges are used to reward children for being helpful and they are beginning to learn about right and wrong as staff give them explanations about the kind of behaviour, which is acceptable. They are learning good manners and say 'please' and 'thank you' without being prompted. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered. Key staff are used in each room so children have consistency of care and feel secure. Parents are kept informed about the nursery's methods by means of the behaviour policy. Observations of children are used to gain an understanding of children's behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for effectively because the nursery has a good relationship with parents. Information about the children's care is shared on a daily basis. Staff chat to parents as they collect children about how they have been and in addition daily information sheets are completed and given to parents regarding sleep, food and nappy changing or toilet routines. Books of photographs and observations of children are kept and parents can ask to see these at any time. There are good settling in procedures with parents able to leave young children for short periods until they feel secure. Information about the setting is given to parents in the form of newsletters and information sheets. There are notices in the entrance area which make parents aware that they can ask to see a copy of the group's policies and procedures and the number of the regulator is displayed in the event that parents want to contact them. There is also a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

rack of general information leaflets on health and childhood related matters. Transition meetings are held when children move from one room to another so that parents are given a chance to see the record keeping and planning for the new room and so that parents know what to expect when their children move within the nursery. A complaints procedure is in place with the contact number of the regulator and parents are encouraged to offer their views on the service provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents of funded children is satisfactory. Parents are given information verbally about the Foundation Stage during transition meetings when children move into the top room. They are shown the planning and record keeping and are made aware that they can see their children's records at any time. The nursery is currently working towards involving the

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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 parents further in the assessment process by encouraging them to contribute to their children's records.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by qualified and experienced staff. All staff have undergone the necessary vetting procedure and staff are not employed until the relevant checks have been completed. Students are well supervised and never left on their own with children. Staff are encouraged to take up training opportunities to ensure that they develop their knowledge and skills. There is an induction procedure for new staff and students and regular appraisals are held to ensure staff's on-going suitability.

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Organisation

Children are cared for effectively because staff are well deployed in the setting, although there are times when staff deployment does not enable security measures to be consistently applied. There are satisfactory arrangements in place to cover staff breaks. The premises are organised to encourage some aspects of children's independence. Key staff in each room ensure that children feel secure and settled.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place. Policies and procedures are available for parents to see if they wish. Children's records and other documentation are stored in the office and maintained in a confidential manner. Overall the needs of the children are met.

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Organisation

The leadership and management of funded children is satisfactory. The manager ensures that staff access training on the Foundation Stage to develop their knowledge. The nursery receives support from a teacher from the local Authority and they act on advice given to them and implement suggestions to improve their practice. There is a system in place to monitor the quality of nursery education which enables the group to identify strengths and weaknesses. The manager involves staff in this process and makes an effort to ensure that staff's views are valued.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the nursery was asked to make sure the organisation of lunch time did not involve children sitting unoccupied for long periods. Lunch time is a pleasant social occasion and children no longer have to wait for long periods at the beginning of lunch though they sometimes wait at the end, when they have finished and their independence is not fully promoted at this time. This will be a recommendation at this inspection. They were also asked to ensure that policies and procedures reflect the nursery's current practice. Policies and procedures have been updated to reflect the nursery 's practice so that children can be cared for effectively. However there is not a procedure to follow in the event of a child being lost and this is a recommendation at this inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To improve the quality of nursery education the nursery was asked to develop staff's knowledge of the early learning goals to enable them to implement planning effectively and to maximise opportunities in all six areas. Staff are encouraged to attend training on the Foundation Stage to develop their knowledge and planning ensures that all six areas are covered. They were also

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Improvements 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 asked to provide opportunities to develop children's skills in problem solving and calculation. There are now good opportunities for children to develop these skills through their play and through the daily routine. They were asked to provide opportunities for children to investigate and explore and self-select materials to develop their design and construction skills. Children are able to investigate when playing in the water tray or when playing outside. However opportunities to self-select materials are still limited and this forms a recommendation at this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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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 systems in place to ensure that security is maintained at all times • develop children's independence at lunch time by involving them in preparing and clearing away • develop clearly defined procedures to follow in the event of a child being lost

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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): • organise the learning environment to provide challenge and stimulation for childen in particular with regard to the outside area, the role play area and the self selection of craft activities so that children can initiate their own projects • consider the timing of physical play so that children have more opportunities to be active earlier in the session

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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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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