Apple Wood Children's Nursery

The College Childrens Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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The College Childrens Centre

254313 Unique Reference Number 17 November 2006 Inspection date Sally Ann Hubbard Inspector

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The College Childrens Centre

The College Of West Anglia, Tennyson Avenue, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2QW

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E-mail

The College Childrens Centre 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 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 outstanding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The College Children's Centre opened at the present site in April 2001. It operates from three rooms within a self contained unit on the site of The College of West Anglia, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. The nursery serves students and staff of the college.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 80 children from birth to five years on roll. This includes 23 children in receipt of nursery education funding. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently no children attending with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and six who speak English as an additional language. The nursery operates five days a week during college term time only from 08.30 until 16.30.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children's centre employs 14 staff to work with the children, all of whom have early years qualifications. Bank staff are available to work within the provision as well as a cook, lunch

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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 time assistant and cleaner. The setting receives support from Children's services. They have recently been awarded the Norfolk Quality Kite mark.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are fully involved in taking responsibility for their own personal hygiene. They have excellent understanding of why they need to wash their hands, how to blow their own noses and dispose of tissues appropriately. This is because staff discuss this with the children and ask them questions to make sure they understand. Children are very well protected from risk of illness and cross infection because exceptionally good hygiene is promoted and implemented in all areas of the nursery.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s medical needs are very well met; all staff have received first aid training. They also have specialist training to give medication in an emergency situation. Appropriate records in respect of accidents and medication are all very well kept and accessible in each room. Full details of medication, creams, inhalers and accidents are recorded and staff are conscious to maintain confidentiality. Children are well protected against illness as there is a clear policy in place. Parents are informed about illnesses that will prevent children from attending and staff share all information with them regularly. Children are further protected from any risk of illness because staff ensure they keep up to date with all the latest recommendations and guidelines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have extremely healthy and nutritionally balanced meals and snacks which are all freshly prepared on the premises. Children learn that the food they eat will give them energy and make them strong as they have discussions with staff. Children are fully involved in helping to prepare for snack and meal times, for example, they help clean tables and put on the table cloths and flowers. They help themselves to their own food and are very independent. Staff have good information and details about any children who have any special dietary needs or allergies to make sure they can meet their needs. Care is taken by staff to remember that particular children may not like certain foods and this is left off their plates.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have excellent opportunities for outdoor physical play; they have free access to the outdoor area and know to put on their coats before going outside if it is cold. Children use a very good range of resources and physical play equipment and the outdoor area is very stimulating and exciting. Children confidently pedal the trikes around, forwards and backwards, and climb on the equipment, fully supported and encouraged by staff. They use the mark making equipment and other play areas, such as the sand with balancing buckets and play house to help them develop a wide range of physical skills. Children freely and independently choose what they want to do. They are very well supported by staff as they play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The nursery is very welcoming; there are information boards which contain very useful and important information for parents, such as the registration certificate and valid insurance

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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 certificate. The lobby area is very attractive and welcoming with some toys and books for parents to share with children while they wait. There is a good supply of various information leaflets, college brochures in English, Portuguese and Russian, and also a book for parents to make comments about the nursery in.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Each room is attractive and extremely welcoming for children and parents, for example, children’s work is displayed along with photographs of children involved in activities. Children are welcomed personally by extremely friendly and caring staff. Staff make sure the premises are very clean; children safely access the fully enclosed outdoor area directly from each room. Children play with suitable equipment which is attractive and stimulating. Children freely choose what they want to play with as all resources are accessible and easy for children to reach. They play with a very good range of resources which are safe and conform to safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are aware of hazards around the nursery and know how to minimise these. They have detailed risk assessments in place and complete a daily safety checklist to make sure the nursery is safe. Both managers have attended recent training to help them further develop this process. The premises are generally secure; the outdoor area is fully enclosed and made safe for children. A security system is in place on the main entrance door to prevent children leaving and unauthorised people entering, however on one occasion this lapsed. The nursery has since taken appropriate action to address this issue.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and staff know what to do in the event of a fire as they have regular opportunities to practise the emergency evacuation procedure. Appropriate fire fighting equipment is in place and regularly serviced, fire exit doors are always kept clear. Children’s welfare is further protected as all staff are aware of child protection issues. They know what signs and symptoms would cause them concern and are very clear about the procedures they have to follow. Child protection information is available in the staff room and a display for parents informs them of the nursery’s responsibility to protect children while they are in their care. Staff are clear that the protection of the children is their main concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are exceptionally happy and most are very well settled and enjoying their time at nursery. Their development is effectively promoted as they enjoy taking part in a wide range of activities. These are either planned by staff or by the children themselves. Children confidently self-select activities throughout the day and are expertly supported by staff to help them develop and extend their play. Their independence is very well promoted at all times. Children play very well together, share resources and co-operate. For example when involving themselves with board games, children take turns patiently waiting. They are supported by staff and are sufficiently confident to continue the game when the staff member has to leave the table.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children have excellent relationships with all the adults in the nursery. They feel secure and are very confident and developing their self-esteem. Children freely select activities that they are interested in and as a result they become fully involved in and really enjoy their play. Children have good imaginations and enjoy sustained role play, for example, in the ‘doctor’s surgery’ and outside using the ‘car park’.

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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 very good use of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to produce detailed plans. Effective evaluations of this planning, alongside relevant observations of children enable staff to skilfully move them on to the next stage and appropriately support their development in all areas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is Outstanding. Staff have excellent knowledge and understanding of the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage and use this expertly to enable children to get maximum benefit from the activities and resources. Staff produce detailed plans to fully promote children’s progress towards the early learning goals and ensure the inclusion of all children. Children are involved in the planning process as every week they have the opportunity to request activities and these are provided for them during the following week. Staff are very aware of all individual children’s capabilities and give children appropriate challenges throughout the day. They always encourage children to try to do things for themselves and expect the most from them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff have excellent awareness of where each child is at and make daily observations to ensure children are making appropriate progress. They manage children’s behaviour very well. They show children respect at all times, give children eye contact whenever they speak with them and have high expectations for their behaviour. Staff provide exemplary role models, are polite, speak calmly and ensure children understand. Staff are extremely positive, children are given praise for all their achievements and for appropriate behaviour, such as being kind and caring to others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff make very effective use of time and resources. They are very well organised and prepared, planning is clear, easy to understand and readily available for all staff to refer to. Resources are meticulously prepared with careful attention to details, such as making sure sand play is stimulating and different every day. Staff use assessments of children’s progress to guide, plan and teach. They make rigorous daily observations of the children involved in the focus activity. Children’s records clearly show where they are making progress. Their next steps for learning are identified and are effectively used to help children develop. Staff know individual children very well and where they need to help them further develop. They give children excellent support to do this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s learning is excellent; they confidently take part in a wide range of accessible, well thought out activities. They are well mannered and polite to others and very caring and thoughtful. Their independence is extremely well promoted as they take responsibility for choosing their own equipment, their own personal care such as putting on their own coats, blowing noses and disposing of their tissues appropriately. Children communicate with others showing excellent use of language and memory to recall past events. Children who do not have English as their first language are well supported to develop their use and understanding of English. Children especially enjoy looking at books and handle these very carefully; they pretend to read stories to others and the book area is well used. They know their own names and use pencils and other mark making equipment with good control. Children use a good range of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources to help them develop their early writing skills.

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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 show interest in maths as they create patterns and learn about numbers and shapes. They learn about weight and volume as they try to balance the buckets using sand, they clearly know which is the heaviest. They use construction and roadway sets to build useable roadways trying to solve their own problems along the way. Planned topics help them learn about other cultures and religions and our diverse society. Children investigate and explore different materials and resources as they freely access the creative play area. They make their own pictures from collage materials or models from the dough and are encouraged to experiment. They learn how the colours of dough have changed as they have been mixed together. Children enjoy playing the musical instruments and singing songs and rhymes together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are all valued as individuals and included in all of the play opportunities and activities. They have many positive images displayed around the room and resources that reflect diversity. Staff plan activities that will help them learn about others. Particular care is taken to ensure that staff get to know children and their parents well and can meet their individual needs. Detailed records, and the fact that staff take time to speak with parents as they arrive and leave, ensures staff know how children are on a daily basis. Children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have very good systems in place to support children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. They work exceptionally well with all parents to ensure they meet each child’s individual needs. Staff are very sensitive when informing parents of any concerns about children and have very good support in place for parents. They keep clear records and ensure they provide appropriate activities and resources. Staff are employed to support any children who need additional help. Staff happily do independent research about particular conditions or specific needs so that they can appropriately support the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well, they are given exceptional role models to follow, staff are very polite and show them respect. Staff distract children, for example, by negotiating and explaining to them about sharing with others. Children are always encouraged to have good manners and they automatically apologise to others, for example, a child straight away says ‘sorry’ when she accidentally bumps into another. Staff throughout the nursery have very good relationships with parents and carers. They are caring and understanding which enables children to feel very secure and well settled. Parents of children who are in the process of settling into the nursery are very well supported by staff. Parents give very positive comments, for example, they say the nursery is ‘brilliant’ and their ‘children are very happy and do not want to leave at the end of the day’.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers of funded children is outstanding. There is excellent provision of information about the nursery and what they offer with an additional folder of leaflets and information which parents might find interesting and helpful. The nursery provides an ‘information book’ giving details of what they offer; this is also available in other languages. The entrance area and whole nursery is welcoming to parents and their children as there are displays of children’s work, photographs and information about the curriculum. Staff give time for all parents and they are sensitive, caring and very friendly and welcoming.

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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 share what they know about their children as they fill in a detailed sheet giving full information about children’s needs, likes and dislikes, and what they can do. This helps staff to be aware of children’s starting points. Daily exchanges of appropriate information ensure staff remain aware of children’s on-going needs. Parents are encouraged to become involved with their child’s learning as they take home children’s progress folders to look at and can make comments about these. They can see what activities are planned when they come into the nursery and are given good information about the Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s welfare is well promoted because all staff have appropriate skills, experience and qualifications. Management and staff are fully committed to on-going training to further develop their knowledge and skills for the benefit of the children. Children are protected as very good procedures are in place for ensuring staff are suitable and all have appropriate checks in place. The nursery implement thorough employment procedures and induction for all new staff. Children’s individual development is promoted because they are grouped appropriately and resources are appropriate, well organised and accessible. Staff are very well deployed throughout the nursery and there are good systems in place to cover staff absences. Very good records and documentation are in place to support the safe management of the nursery. These are all readily available and securely stored to maintain confidentiality. Overall children’s needs

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Organisation

The leadership and management is outstanding. Children benefit because they are well supported by staff who have very clear roles and responsibilities. Staff fully understand how they can effectively develop children’s learning and they have time together to plan activities. Detailed self evaluation enables staff and management to identify any strengths and weaknesses and these evaluations are use to make improvements in the teaching. Children make rapid progress towards the early learning goals because their progress is monitored and purposeful observations are used to identify their next steps. Staff know all the children very well and therefore ensure they get maximum benefit and enjoyment from their time at nursery. Management and staff are extremely committed to making any changes they feel necessary to further improve the quality of care and education they provide.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the nursery were asked to continue to develop the operational plan, including policies and procedures, to ensure it reflects current practice in the nursery and provides clear guidelines for staff and parents. All policies are personal to the children’s centre, they are reviewed every year or updated when new information is available. Each room now has their own operational plan which reflects the needs of the children in each group.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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

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 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 outstanding.

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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): • continue to review security procedures to ensure access to the premises is effectively managed.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of nursery education are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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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