Bright Kids Northfield

Bright Kids at Northfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Bright Kids at Northfield

Unique Reference Number EY294363 Inspection date 28 October 2005 Inspector Anne Felicity Taylor

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Bright Kids at Northfield

Setting Address 18/20 Norman Road, Northfield, Birmingham, West Midlands, B31 2EW Telephone number 0121 475 4788

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E-mail

Registered person Millennium Bright Kid Company Limited (3581874) Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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 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?

Bright Kids at Northfield is part of the Millennium Bright Kid Company Limited, a registered company that specialises in childcare and which has several nurseries. This nursery opened in February 2005 and operates from converted and extended houses in the Northfield area of Birmingham. A maximum of 80 children may attend the nursery at anyone time. The setting is open each weekday from 07:30 to 18:00 all year round. All the children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 73 children aged from 3 months to under 8 years on roll. Of these 10 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend from the local

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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 community and from a wider catchment area, with parents travelling to central Birmingham to work. Children receiving day care attend for a variety of days and sessions. The setting also offers out of school care, including a holiday club for children of primary school age. The nursery currently supports children who speak English as an additional language and is able to support children with special educational needs. The nursery employs 16 staff, of whom 15 are qualified at present. Staff are working towards gaining or improving their qualifications. The nursery has achieved the Birmingham Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership Quality Framework Bronze Award.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of energetic physical activities both indoors and outdoors that contribute to their health and well-being. The children benefit from having regular opportunities to play outdoors, making good use of the paved and grassed areas. Children learn about eating a healthy diet, growing vegetables including peas and pumpkins. They improve their skills and co-ordination as they enjoy ball games with the active participation of staff. Children are lively and enthusiastic as they take part in indoor games and singing. Staff support the physical development of the younger children well, as the babies and toddlers learn to crawl and walk. Children throughout the nursery learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines with the consistent encouragement of the staff. Younger children chat as they have their nappies changed, learning about keeping clean and observing the

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Helping children to be healthy

good example set by the staff. Comprehensive policies are in place and these are all available to parents, for example, the health and safety policy, including information about infectious diseases. Parents are always well informed about any accidents that happen during the day as there are good procedures for accident recording. Effective medication policies are in place ensuring medication is stored and administered safely. Children are cared for very well if they have an accident or become ill as staff are first aid trained. Fully- stocked first aid boxes are in place in most areas of the setting; an appropriately stocked first aid box is not available in the kitchen. Children are well nourished and enjoy the varied diet offered. The menu always has a vegetarian option ensuring children's needs and preferences are met. Children look forward to lunch time as they discuss food that keeps you healthy, for example, food

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Helping children to be healthy

to give you energy for outdoor play. They confidently request second helpings and drinks. Children enjoy chatting to friends and staff at meal times. Babies follow their individual home routine as far as possible, for bottle feeds, drinks and meals offering continuity of care. Parents are always consulted regularly regarding formula feeds and weaning. Daily menus are displayed. Children's individual needs regarding sleep and rest are met very well, for example meal times are flexible to allow younger children to eat early or late to accommodate

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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 their needs. Children are comfortable on beds or in cots with individual clean bedding. Children sleep safely with close staff supervision and regular checking.

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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 clean, secure, and generally well-maintained environment. They are comfortable within the boundaries set by staff for safety, for example, moving chairs carefully to avoid accidents. Children have easy access to a wide range of appropriate equipment, some at child height, encouraging independent choice. They learn to care for equipment, helping to tidy up and put away. Effective procedures are in place for staff to check and clean all equipment and toys regularly. Risk assessments are in place and under review at present. Assessment of any risks are constantly updated, for example for walks and outings, ensuring children's safety. Some of the toilet areas are used inappropriately for storage and are not maintained to an acceptable standard causing a risk of cross contamination. Children are kept safe because full vetting procedures and induction are in place for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

all staff and students. Staff are vigilant about the children's safety and well-being and staff ratios are always maintained. Good security ensures that all visitors are monitored and accurate registers are kept. Children develop a good awareness of safety issues as they practise fire evacuation. Fire safety equipment and electrical equipment are checked regularly. Children are well protected from abuse or neglect. Staff have attended training and appropriate policies and procedures are in place. Senior staff take a lead role for child protection and all staff are aware of the signs to look for and the procedure to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a broad range of quality activities in all areas of the nursery. Routines are flexible and adapted well to meet the individual needs of children attending. Children are confident and secure in their age groups with their key worker. They display warmth and affection for staff, with staff reciprocating appropriately. Children under two years are very well supported by staff as they play alongside friends, crayoning and giggling as they walk on the 'noisy mat'. Children benefit from the knowledge staff have of them and good use is made of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage for planning. Appropriate activities are offered and staff are skilled at planning the next steps for a child as they assess development. Children are becoming confident communicators, discussing the weather chart, and chatting to each other as they paint. They try new

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

experiences, waiting patiently to have a turn with the interactive computer programme of 'Green Eggs and Ham' Children use their imaginations freely with a wide range of creative materials, for example, sequins and collage materials to decorate Halloween masks. They are proud of their 'work'; some is taken home,

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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 some put in their individual assessment folders and some displayed effectively throughout the setting. Physical development is strong with babies and toddlers encouraged and supported to crawl and walk. Activities effectively encourage the children as they develop skills outdoors, climbing and throwing and catching balls. Toddlers explore size and volume with sand and water play and are proud as they recognise their names at the lunch table. Children's knowledge of the local community and the environment is extended as they go for walks and build links in the community, for example, visits to the library for story time and a train trip. Children take part enthusiastically with musical instruments and singing. Older children are offered weekly 'Rhythm Time' session. Older children concentrate on activities for long periods of time ensuring that learning

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

is extended and fun. They are encouraged to develop independence; they wash their hands before lunch and they put on their coats before outdoor play. Staff praise and encourage the children to try new activities and children progress well in the stimulating environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. They develop very positive attitudes to others following the strong example set by all the staff. They learn about their local community and the wider world through interesting projects, for example, Diwali and Halloween celebrations. Children have access to a broad range of play resources, pictures and posters that show positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. These images are reflected in the children's work. Children's individual needs are met, with staff knowing the children and their families well and constantly exchanging information with parents. The grouping of the children during the daily routine and the good key worker system ensures accurate recording of each child's progress and achievements. Staff have experience of children with special educational needs and there are comprehensive arrangements in place to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

meet their needs. Children are encouraged by staff to take turns, share and to be considerate and helpful. They begin to understand right from wrong through the consistent boundaries being set and the age appropriate methods staff use to manage behaviour, for example, distraction and explanation. Children respond positively to the praise offered. The partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the strong, open relationships between parents and staff, effectively developing the involvement of parents in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents and their child develop confidence in the setting as they complete an individual settling in programme. Parents appreciate the key worker system and the easy access they have to staff. The regular newsletter and informative notice boards ensure parents are very well informed about all activities their children are completing. The comprehensive prospectus ensures parents have an accurate understanding about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

planning methods in place, for example the Foundation Stage and 'Birth to three

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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 matters'. Parents appreciate the regular open evenings and social events, for example, the Christmas Bazaar. The nursery operates an 'open door' policy giving parents easy access to senior staff to discuss any concerns and queries.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children develop well, have lots of fun and learn effectively with the good care and the quality and range of activities offered. The strong leadership and management ensures staff continually monitor and review practice in the setting, always promoting good care and learning. Staff are encouraged to add to their professional qualifications and to complete short courses, ensuring a thorough knowledge of developments in early years. They are able to work in other settings within the company, effectively extending their experience. Students are welcomed into the setting. Staff display a sound knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage and are becoming more confident in the use 'Birth to three matters'. Staff with additional responsibilities throughout the company meet regularly to ensure that all specialist skills and knowledge are shared. The welfare of the children is the highest priority in the nursery and all staff work as a

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Organisation

team to meet all the needs of the children. The ratios of staff to children are good enabling babies and children to receive a lot of individual attention, including those settling in and children needing extra support. Effective procedures and policies support the staff in working very successfully in partnership with parents and carers. Children benefit as their family are welcomed and involved with the life of the setting. The team work of the management and the staff ensures that the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure an appropriately stocked first aid box is available in the kitchen • ensure all toilet areas are clean and well-maintained and that these areas are not used for storage.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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