Just Learning Nursery

Just Learning Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Just Learning Nursery

EY330036 Unique Reference Number 11 October 2006 Inspection date John Edwin Warren Inspector

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Just Learning Nursery

New Palace Place, Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 2AD Setting Address

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E-mail

Just Learning Ltd Registered person Childcare 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

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?

Just Learning nursery was registered in March 2006. The nursery is based on the first floor of an apartment block, in self contained and purpose built accommodation, and is situated within Westminster, central London, an area well served by public transport. The nursery operates from 07:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, throughout the year. The nursery is registered to accept 74 children from nought to five years. Children are cared for in five playrooms, separated according to their age and stage of development. The nursery currently employ eight staff, 50% of the staff team hold a relevant childcare qualification. They seek support and training from the local authority. There are currently 19 children on the roll.

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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. Young children benefit from the support of a staff team who respond to their needs. For example, babies who become fretful and sleepy are allowed to rest according to their need. When the babies show signs of hunger staff are able to adjust their feeding times accordingly. Slightly older children are developing their independence by feeding themselves at mealtimes. For all children mealtimes are a relaxed and social occasion where they are all able to eat at their own pace in a relaxed environment. However the older children are not provided with such a flexible snack time or the opportunity to make healthy choices. The food provided for all children is nutritious and meets their individual requirements. Clear records are kept of children's allergies to any food, ensuring that they never have any adverse reactions to what they eat. Children do have regular drinks, however they are not always readily available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff reduce the risk of any cross infection by carrying out good hygiene practices. They ensure all areas are clean before children arrive. Disposable gloves are used by staff at nappy changing times and the changing station is cleaned before the next child is changed. The implementation of a clear sickness policy that is shared with parents and ensures children who are infectious are excluded and the risk of the infection spreading is kept to a minimum. Children who require medication are always given the correct dosage because of a the implementation of a very robust medication procedure. If any accidents occur then the appropriate action is taken by one of the qualified first aiders on site. A risk assessment is then made by a senior staff member to minimise the risk of a reoccurrence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular physical activity that offers them appropriate challenges. Children are able to run at speed and change direction with ease. They have developed good eye and hand co-ordination skills through the use of balls and hoops. Children are able to experience the variety of weather elements because of a good working partnership between the nursery and parents. Ensuring the children are always appropriately dressed for any weather.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play freely in a safe an secure environment. Space is well organised so that when children are playing their activities do not impede others. Security within the provision is excellent. Entrance can only be gained by a speaker phone and two key coded locks. Closed circuit television allows the staff to see who is outside the building before they allow them in. Identification is checked carefully by staff and all visitors to the building must sign to show they are on site.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy access to play and learning resources that are checked for safety on a regular basis. Play equipment is chosen carefully by the staff team in order to meet the needs of all children attending. Furniture provided for the children is sufficient and helps to support their independence. For example, staff use chairs for the children that will support them and allow them to sit unaided at the table with their peers.

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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 Risk assessments are made by senior staff members to ensure that the environment in which the children play remains safe. Checks are made by outside agencies to ensure all areas are safe. For example, fire officers and environmental health officers check the provision on a regular basis. Children practise fire drills with the support of the staff team to ensure that they are able to vacate the building quickly in a crisis. Children are taught by staff to keep themselves safe. For example, children play with hats and pull them over their eyes and move quickly around the room. Staff explain that they could hurt themselves as they cannot see where they are going.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected by a staff team that have good knowledge of how to implement the child protection procedures. They are aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and attend training on a regular basis.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy being together. They benefit from the very good layout within the rooms that encourage them to sit and spend time with their friends. For example, the book corner has bean bags and comfortable seating with books easily accessible. Children access this area on a regular basis and encourage their friends to join them. Children are learning to find their voice and are praised for discovering new words. For example, when playing with malleable materials they use descriptive language. As babies play staff talk to the them, describing what they are doing. This assists the babies in linking words to actions. Children's choices are well respected by the staff team and children understand that they can say "no". For example, some children do not like very messy play, but enjoy observing at close quarters. Staff invite them to join in but allow them to refuse and let them watch others if they wish. Children are able to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make connections between objects, they are provided with practical activities to develop this skill. Children enjoy being imaginative, they are provided with a well resourced imaginative play area and wide variety of small world play equipment. Children play co-operatively with their peers during imaginative play which helps them to develop some very complex storylines. Children benefit from easy access to a good range of creative play experiences. They take part in spontaneous music sessions that are often led by them. Children choose which instrument they want to play, as they sing their songs. They create two dimensional and three dimensional art, the majority of which is their unique creation. Children have many opportunities to make marks using a variety of mediums. For example, they play with shaving foam and within this make marks and give meaning to their own marks. Children also benefit from their work being

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

labelled by staff who ask the children to describe their creation and then label exactly as the child has described.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff offer very good support to the children as they play. They use effective questioning that enables them to expand and explore each activity fully. Observations are made by staff who clearly know what the children have gained from each experience. However there are no clear links between the observations made by staff and the planning, to show what is required to encourage children's future development.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are given equal access to all resources regardless of gender. Children have easy access to a wide range and a good quantity of equipment that promotes positive images of gender, disability, ethnicity and culture. Children are provided with displays within the environment that are in languages that may be different from their own. Children are taken on visits so they can learn about the variety of cultures. For example, visits to the local cathedral so they can see at close hand the types of decorations within places of worship.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive good support. The nursery welcome support from outside agencies and the opportunity to work in partnership with parents. Individual educational plans are in place to ensure consistency and to enable the children to develop their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good. Staff offer praise and encouragement and celebrate children's achievements. Any unacceptable behaviour is dealt with quickly and effectively. For example, when children have a dispute over an item, staff intervene and explain to the children why they must not take it from their friends and show them the outcome of their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff value the support and input from the parents. There is good communication between both parties. Information is shared that assists in enabling the children to settle into the nursery and enjoy their stay. Parents are given daily feedback in writing and verbally, regarding their children's progress and general well-being. Parents are often provided with photographic evidence of activities that their children have been involved in at the nursery. Parents comment that they are happy with the progress that their children are making and how easily they have settled. They report that staff are very approachable and give good feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. Polices and procedures that are in place are very robust. They are carefully reviewed and brought up-to-date on a regular basis. Staff are delegated into areas where they can best support the children. The good organisation also ensures that the staff spend the majority of their time working face to face with the children. Staff have a good knowledge of the policies and procedures and how to effectively implement them. This is because staff are provided with a good induction programme and good support from the senior management team. Staff attend training on a regular basis that develops their knowledge and enhances the care being offered.

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Organisation

The nursery is led by a strong manager that has a good understanding of the nursery's strengths and weaknesses. She takes positive action to develop any weaknesses that the nursery may have. She has a high expectation of the staff team and will offer close support to them whenever required.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the registration 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

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): • ensure children are provided with a more flexible snack time allowing them to make healthy choices and ensure drinks are more readily available • develop planning for birth to three so that clear links are shown between observations and planning to encourage children's future development.

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The quality and standards of the care

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 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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