Infant And Toddler Centre

Infant and Toddler Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Infant and Toddler Centre

EY286897 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2007 Inspection date Christine Bonnett Inspector

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Infant and Toddler Centre

Grove House Children's Centre, Grove House Nursery School, North Road, Southall, Middlesex, UB1 2JG

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Setting Address

020 85710878 Telephone number grove@seyec.com E-mail London Borough of Ealing Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care Type of care

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Setting Address

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?

Infant and Toddler Centre is a neighbourhood nursery run by Ealing Education Department. It opened in 2004 and is a purpose built wing within Grove House Children's Centre, Southall in the London borough of Ealing. A maximum of 18 children may attend the nursery at any one time. It is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for 48 weeks of the year. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 22 children aged from eight months to three years on roll. Children come from the local and wider community. The nursery supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs seven staff, all of whom hold an appropriate early years qualification.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from being in an environment that is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. Staff use good hygiene practices when nappy changing, and serving food. Children wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. Staff encourage them to manage this themselves. Consequently, children are learning important self-care skills at a young age. However, children's health is not fully promoted because the positioning of flannels and the sharing of towels does not prevent the risk of cross-infection between them. Effective policies and procedures are in place to administer medication and manage accidents, although the accident book and medication sheets do not include the surnames of the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the appealing variety of fruit provided at snack time. Once again, their independence is promoted as they are encouraged to serve themselves whenever possible. Although the parents supply their child's lunch, the nursery strenuously promotes the importance of healthy eating. Advice and information is given to parents to enable them to make the right choices for their child. Older children sit together around the table for lunch. Staff offer them support with their meal and talk to them appropriately, thereby creating a relaxed and social occasion.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities to play in the open air. The secure play area allows children to ride bikes, climb, run around and generally profit from physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare is protected as the safety of children is important to the staff. Any potential dangers are identified and quickly reduced. The centre is well-maintained and welcoming for children, parents and carers. High priority is given to making sure children will be safe in an emergency as the emergency escape plan is practised regularly. Security of the premises is also good, for example, both gates are monitored by closed circuit television to ensure that no one can enter or leave the premises unobserved. Full-size cots and low-level feeding chairs are available, and are generally appropriate for the ages of the children. However, children's individual needs are not always considered to ensure they will be safe, for example, children out-growing or becoming too strong for a particular type of chair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from having access to a wide range of play resources and equipment, including a variety of natural materials, such as wood and pine cones. They enjoy exploring the play materials that are set out appealingly for them, or exercising their independence by helping themselves to items stored on open-fronted shelving. This helps to create an environment in which children are eager to learn.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because staff generally have a sound understanding of child protection matters. They are aware of the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could

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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 indicate they were being abused, and that concerns must be reported. However, some staff are unclear about the procedure for reporting concerns, and how they are monitored and managed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children flourish in an environment that is full of stimulating and fun play experiences. Staff understand how children learn and develop, and plan a rich variety of activities for them to enjoy each day. Children have great fun playing with natural materials, such as wet corn flour. They are beginning to explore their senses as staff encourage them to feel the texture of it between their fingers. They splash it around and laugh as it speckles their arms and faces, and then admire the effect they have created in the mirror.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The Birth to three matters framework which supports children's learning in their earliest years is well understood by staff, and is incorporated effectively into the planning of the day. Children are becoming competent learners as they demonstrate their confidence by selecting play equipment of their choice and settle down to use it. Children join in singing familiar songs with enthusiasm and begin to copy any actions. Staff are skilled at asking open-ended questions to promote children's vocabulary and understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the high staffing level, as it enables them to receive lots of individual attention throughout the day, and develop a strong bond with their key-worker. This increases their sense of wellbeing and security. Staff give warm and gentle care to the children. They monitor their achievements, and plan how to promote the next developmental step for them. In addition, children are encouraged by the enthusiasm staff show when they see the children enjoying their activities and achieving.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals. Their needs, such as diet and sleep patterns are discussed with parents and incorporated effectively into the daily routine. Staff work closely with parents and provide daily written and verbal feedback about how their child has spent their day. This ensures children experience consistent care, which meets their needs. Information about the nursery and its policies and procedures are available for parents to consult to ensure that they are kept well informed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are welcome in the centre. Staff have experience in this area of work, and liaise with parents and other agencies to ensure an individual child's needs are met appropriately. Children have access to a good range of resources that enable them to learn about, and respect, the similarities and differences between groups of people in the community and wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good as they are fully engaged in meaningful play. Age appropriate and positive strategies are used to manage any difficulties that may arise.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the nursery keeps detailed and accurate records. The written policies and procedures practiced by staff also help ensure children's wellbeing and protection. However, the children's attendance sheets lack the necessary detail.

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Organisation

The head of the centre and her staff are committed to providing high quality care for children. Robust recruitment procedures are in place to ensure all staff working with the children are suitable to do so. Children profit from the skills and experience of the high number of suitably qualified staff looking-after them. The staff team works well together and have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They are deployed appropriately throughout the nursery and outdoor area to monitor and support the children effectively.

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Organisation

Children are settled and content within a warm, caring and stimulating environment. Consequently, they are developing the confidence to initiate their own play and learning. In addition, the valuable partnership the centre enjoys with parents all combine to promote positive outcomes for children. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, there has been one complaint. This related to National Standard 6; safety, regarding the safety of the entrance to the premises and National Standard 7; Health, regarding hygiene standards. Ofsted investigated, and an action was raised under National Standard 6; to conduct risk assessments on the rear gate.

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Complaints since the last inspection

As a result of the investigation, an action was also raised under National Standard 14; Documentation, requiring the provider to maintain a record of complaints. The provider remains qualified to provide day care.

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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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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): • enhance hygiene standards to prevent the risk of cross-infection between children • ensure children's surnames are recorded in the accident book & medication record • ensure seating is safe and appropriate for all children • ensure all staff are aware of child protection policies and procedures and are able to implement them in the absence of a designated staff member • ensure children's arrival & departure times are recorded on the register sheets.

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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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