First Steps Nursery

Health Tots Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Health Tots Nursery

508988 Unique Reference Number 02 March 2007 Inspection date Liz Margaret Caluori Inspector

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Health Tots Nursery

The Burton Unit, The Conquest Hospital,The Ridge, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN37 7RD

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Setting Address

01424 755255ext 8778 Telephone number Tina.Crouch@ESHT.NHS.UK E-mail East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust Registered person Integrated 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 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 good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Health Tots is one of two settings owned and managed by the East Sussex Hospital's NHS Trust. It opened in 1990 and operates from a building on the site of the Conquest Hospital in Hastings, East Sussex. There are four rooms used for childcare as well as office space, a staff room, a kitchen and toilet facilities. The nursery also has use of an enclosed outdoor area. The nursery provides places for the children of staff working for the National Health Service.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 80 children from 4 months to 8 years on roll. This includes a number of children in receipt of funding for their nursery education. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities as well as those for whom English is an additional language.

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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 The nursery opens 5 days a week all year round. Sessions are available within the full day from 6:45 until 17:30.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are 18 staff, including the manager and deputy. The Manager and senior staff all hold qualifications equivalent to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 and all other staff are NVQ level 2 or above.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment. Effective hygiene procedures protect them from the risk of infection. Staff regularly use the sterilizing hand gel from the dispensers located in the doorways to all group rooms. Tables are cleaned before snacks and meals are served; all children wash their hands before eating. They are developing good personal hygiene routines; they are learning to wash their hands after using the toilet, to cover their mouths when coughing and to use a tissue to blow their noses. Older children speak confidently about the need to protect against germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good arrangements are in place to store and serve food. Snacks and meal times are extremely relaxed and sociable. Children are offered nutritious snacks and either have a cooked lunch, provided by the setting, or bring in packed lunches from home. Written information is given to parents and carers to encourage them to support the setting’s healthy eating policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff with first aid qualifications are present at all times to treat children in case of an accident. Appropriate procedures are also in place regarding the care of sick children and the administration of medicines. All required records and documentation are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities to take part in physical exercise. There is an outdoor play area which is used daily when weather permits. In addition, children very enthusiastically take part in dancing and other physical games indoors. Babies and children under two years make good use of the large areas of clear floor space, in their group rooms, to practise their mobility. Older children are developing good spatial awareness and move with confidence. They are well supported to develop good co-ordination, for example, through activities to practise throwing and catching.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected by a range of effective safety precautions. These include the use of covers in all unused sockets and a buzzer entry system to ensure security. Risk assessments take place; these have been used to produce clear written health and safety policies and procedures. Good consideration has been given to the organisation of the setting, to ensure that children can be easily supervised whilst enjoying a good level of independence.

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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 Fire safety precautions are entirely appropriate. Emergency exits are clearly identified and free from obstruction. Fire fighting equipment is in place and evacuation drills are practised regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a very wide range of toys and resources; that are well-maintained and appropriate for their ages and stages of development. These are attractively displayed and generally stored at low levels so that children can access them safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded by the clear and comprehensive child protection arrangements in place throughout the organisation. These are very well understood by the manager. The entire staff team attend annual training to ensure that they are up to date with procedures and are confident in identifying the potential signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed each day and enter the provision very happily. They benefit from good settling in procedures which help them to separate from their parents and carers, without becoming distressed. Children are grouped according to their ages; under two’s, two to three year olds and three to four year olds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under two are cared for in two rooms which are divided by low-level partitioning. Whilst they sometimes all play together, one area is used for babies and the other for children over one year. Babies enjoy a good deal of adult attention, cuddles and supportive contact. The older children confidently explore their environment and are beginning to play very imaginative games. They respond very well to the constant interaction of staff and are developing very good levels of independence. All the under two's are very well supported to understand the procedures and routines of the setting. This forms a secure foundation from which to build during their time at the group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The two year olds also enjoy a good deal of independence as they choose from the attractively presented activities on offer. They confidently explore and experiment with the resources provided and readily approach staff to receive praise and recognition for their efforts.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s individual care needs are clearly identified and given high priority throughout the setting. As a result, they are happy and settled and are developing good self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Staff have a thorough understanding of the Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum. They undertake observations of each child and make written notes in order to update their profiles. At times, this system is unorganised and does not always support the staff in the planning of activities. However, staff are extremely skilful at delivering activities. They use their knowledge of each child to ensure that they are provided with an appropriate level of challenge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy several periods of free play each day. They also take part in adult focussed activities during which they work in groups with their key workers. At these times they are not

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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 routinely offered a choice of activity. This does not effectively support them to become independent learners. However, these sessions are very well implemented by staff; all children are engaged and interested.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making good progress in all areas of learning. They take part in very lively conversations both with the staff and with their friends. They express themselves confidently and are developing very good vocabularies. Staff very competently extend children’s language and listen to them with genuine interest. Children are developing an interest in books and become engrossed when listening to the very well read stories. Children are learning to recognise written letters and to identify the initial sounds of words. They practise writing through a range of focussed activities but do not often choose to practise writing in their free play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a very good range of resources and activities to support their mathematical development. They count confidently and are developing an understanding of basic mathematical concepts such as addition and subtraction. They are able to apply their learning throughout their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making particularly good progress in their creative development. They play imaginative role play games and very enthusiastically take part in lively singing sessions. They have an extremely impressive repertoire of songs committed to memory and sing with great confidence. They also enjoy dancing and move imaginatively and expressively. Children also enjoy regular opportunities to take part in art and craft activities and create very individual pieces of work.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very well supported to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. They have use of a computer and are able to operate simple programs. They learn about a wide range of subjects through stories, discussions and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are sociable, polite and caring. They are generally extremely well behaved and any minor disputes or disruptions are dealt with positively and calmly. Adults act as good role models at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered. They take part in a range of activities aimed at teaching them about different cultures and traditions. They are provided with a good range of images and resources that promote positive images of people from throughout the community and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The setting has appropriate arrangements in place to care for children with English as an additional language as well as those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The management and staff team have a very positive attitude towards meeting the needs of all children. There are two staff members with specific responsibility for co-ordinating the care of children with additional needs.

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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 Partnership with parents is good. Those whose children receive nursery funding are very well supported to understand the Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum. They meet with their child’s key worker three times a year to discuss their child’s progress and are given a written report. Regular meetings are also arranged with parents of the younger children. All parents are greeted warmly by staff and these positive relationships help children to feel settled and relaxed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the setting is effective. Staff ratios are generally higher than stipulated in the National Standards and this allows children to experience a good level of adult support and attention.

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Organisation

The environment is bright and clean with sufficient space for a large number of activities to take place at the same time. Each age group benefits from being cared for in a room which is specifically designed to meet their all round care needs. Time is also well managed to provide children with a good mix of lively as well as more relaxing activities.

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Organisation

There is a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures in place and these are shared with parents and carers. All the required documentation is maintained; this contributes to the effective management of the setting.

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Organisation

The leadership and management of the setting are good. There is a clearly identified line management structure with clear roles and responsibilities for all staff. The management team meet regularly to identify and address areas for improvement. All staff work effectively as a team. They are flexible and supportive of each other and this ensures the smooth and effective running of the service.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection a number of recommendations were made. These included improving the décor of the setting, including the flooring. In addition it was recommended that the provision of positive images of people from throughout the community be increased. The group has been very successful in addressing both of these issues; as a result children enjoy a bright, stimulating and positive environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The group has also implemented development plans to support the internal identification of potential areas for improvement. These are effectively used to show action taken and to monitor the progress being made.

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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

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 good.

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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 the systems for recording children's progress to assist in planning to meet their individual needs. This also applies to nursery education.

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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): • consider providing older children with a greater choice of activities during focussed sessions to encourage them to explore and experience for themselves.

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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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