Ysgol Gymuned Llannerch-y-medd

Alanbrooke Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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400066 Unique Reference Number 21 March 2007 Inspection date Lindsey Pollock Inspector

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40 Regt. RA Building 24G, Alanbrooke Barracks,Topcliffe, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3EY

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E-mail

Alanbrooke Nursery 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 good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Alanbrooke Nursery is committee run, with a supervisor employed to take responsibility for the daily running of the group. It has been registered since 1995 and is located in a converted accommodation block within Alanbrooke Barracks, which is close to the town of Thirsk. The nursery accommodation consists of four rooms for the children, who are cared for in age appropriate groups, toilets, a fully fitted kitchen, milk kitchen, creative play rooms and an office.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is an enclosed play area for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery serves children from the local community which includes civilian families as well as those serving in the Army. It is open from 09.00 to 15.00 Monday to Friday, mainly during term time. The nursery is currently caring for 63 children, of whom 20 are in receipt of nursery education funding. Procedures are in place to support children with learning difficulties and disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are 13 members of staff working with the children, nine of whom hold a relevant childcare qualification. Three members of staff are working towards a qualification. Qualified teacher

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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 support, advice and training is provided by the local authority. The nursery is a member of the Pre- School Learning Alliance.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Staff show a clear understanding of the importance of good hygiene practice and they implement procedures effectively, so that children are protected from infection. They wear aprons and gloves when changing babies' nappies, and mats are washed thoroughly between use. Babies have their own individual sheets and blankets to help prevent cross infection. Older children remember to wash their hands when appropriate and have an increasing understanding of why this is important. Staff know the children very well and quickly recognise signs of illness or tiredness and they respond quickly and appropriately to this. Children sleep, rest and eat in line with parents' wishes and their own routines. Most staff have completed first aid training to help safeguard children's welfare should an incident occur. There are regular opportunities for children to benefit from the fresh air as they play in the garden and also go on walks and

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Helping children to be healthy

out in the buggies. Children move with increasing confidence around the nursery and outdoors, however, there is no domestic style furniture in the baby room to assist very young children in developing mobility and to continue normal life experiences. Older children skilfully manoeuvre bikes and scooters around the garden. Staff set up an obstacle course to encourage children to move in different ways and practise their balancing skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents are fully consulted about their child's health and dietary needs. Children are well nourished and enjoy lots of fruit at snack times. Snack and lunch times are relaxed and sociable. Staff sit with children and they enjoy conversation together. Staff plan activities to raise children's awareness about the importance of healthy eating. They enjoy making nutritious smoothies and fruit flavoured milk and record their favourites on a chart. They also create their own pizzas using fresh ingredients for a healthy snack. Children are offered plenty of drinks to ensure they are not thirsty and older children help themselves to fresh water from the dispenser.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The nursery is warm and welcoming with careful attention paid to displaying information for parents and children's artwork. Pictures, posters and photographs are displayed at children's eye- level in the nursery rooms so they can easily see them. Mobiles suspended from the ceiling in the baby room help to create an interesting and exciting environment. All parents and children are warmly greeted on their arrival creating a happy, friendly, atmosphere. Space is generally well organised to allow children freedom of movement and to enable them to develop independence as they select from a wide range of attractive resources. There is lots of clear floor space for the younger children to encourage them to move around freely and practise their walking skills. The outdoor area is fully enclosed, well maintained, and secure to keep children safe. Although most areas of the premises are secure to prevent unauthorised entry,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the baby room is not secure which does not fully safeguard their welfare. Resources and equipment are plentiful, of good quality, and age appropriate. Toys are stored at low level so children can make choices and develop their 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 Regular risk assessments are undertaken and staff are vigilant to safeguard children from potential risks. An accurate record is kept of all visitors and procedures are in place to ensure they are not left unsupervised with children. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised so children and adults are aware of what to do if an incident was to occur. Staff minimise risks to children by taking appropriate steps, such as ensuring harmful substances are inaccessible to children and supervising them at all times, however, they have not identified the potential risk to children from trailing wires in the sensory room. Children's awareness of keeping themselves safe is raised through activities, such as role play about road safety and by staff giving them explanations about safe practice. For example, they remind them how to use the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

slide safely and to be careful when using scissors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because staff understand their role in child protection and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. The designated person for child protection is experienced and confident in her role.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They have developed good relationships with the adults caring for them and approach them confidently and with affection. Staff are extremely sensitive to children's individual needs and circumstances and offer lots of extra support where needed. They follow familiar routines for sleeping and mealtimes so children feel secure. Children are relaxed and confident as they enthusiastically join large or small group activities. Babies and young children are becoming skilful communicators. From an early age they convey messages about what they want, feel and need and let staff know when they are hungry and tired. As they get older they chat happily throughout the day and play contently either alongside, or with each other. All children, including the very youngest, delight in listening to stories. They enthusiastically join in the actions for favourites such as 'Going on a Bear Hunt' and join in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

when staff tell the story. Staff have a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and use this to help them plan appropriate activities for the youngest children. Children happily select from the many resources, however, there are few opportunities for children to develop their sensory awareness through accessing natural materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children are progressing well in all areas of learning. Staff have a secure understanding of the Foundation Stage and plan a curriculum which is challenging, purposeful and innovative. It covers all six areas of learning and indicates the intended outcome in achievement. The planning is detailed and individual play plans are in place to ensure children are appropriately challenged. Staff manage children well and have high expectations for their behaviour. Space is used generally well but current arrangements do not allow for children to have free access to the outdoor and creative areas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and motivated to learn. Their independence is growing and they are able to manage their personal needs, put on their coats and help themselves to water from the drink dispensers. They understand about taking turns and most wait patiently at circle time for their turn to speak. They interact well with each other and the adults in the room and show a growing awareness of the speaker at story times. They thoroughly enjoy books and stories and listen with enjoyment to favourites such as 'The Gruffalo'. They are beginning to link sounds with letters and more able children confidently suggest words that begin with 'O' which is the latest letter sound they have been focusing on. Children count reliably to five, and more able

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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 beyond, for example, when they count the spots on the construction game. They use mathematical language correctly as they use cups in the water and make comments such as 'this cup is full' and 'your cup is bigger'. Children are taken on lots of outings to help them gain a sense of place. They visit the church, the library, walk around the army camp and also go to museums and the farm. Their awareness of other cultures and beliefs is raised through activities, such as food tasting for Chinese New Year and Burns Night. Children are gaining an awareness of the importance of technology in everyday lives. They use equipment, such as computers to support their learning and access resources in the role play area. Access to a wide range of media and materials helps to promote children's creative development. They explore

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

colour and texture, for example, when painting and making collages. They become familiar with sounds and music through the activity 'music makers' and by singing and listening to music.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and warmly welcomed into the nursery. Children develop a strong sense of belonging. They learn to express their own needs and preferences, as they become very familiar with daily routines. Their individuality is nurtured, promoting their confidence and self-esteem. They are gaining a developing respect and understanding of their own and other cultures through celebrating different festivals and also each other's birthdays. There are varied resources throughout the nursery to raise children's awareness of diversity, such as posters, books, jigsaws and role play equipment. Children who have learning difficulties and disabilities are well supported. The nursery staff seek advice and guidance from parents and specialists, such as outreach workers to ensure children reach their full potential. Good procedures are in place to support children who speak English as an additional language. This

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positive approach means that children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour throughout the nursery is good. Children play happily either alongside or with each other and are beginning to learn the importance of sharing and taking turns. They help to tidy up and are developing very good manners. The older children rarely forget to say 'please' and 'thank you' and 'excuse me'. Children receive lots of praise and smiles from the staff to help raise their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents speak highly of the nursery, the staff and the care their children receive. The setting works hard to ensure parents are fully involved in all aspects of their child's care. Regular newsletters are produced to keep parents up to date with what is happening in the nursery, and whiteboards and diaries keep parents informed of what is happening on a daily basis. A selection of policies are provided for parents in the informative nursery booklet. The partnership with parents of the children who receive nursery education is also good. They are kept fully informed about their child's achievements and progress, however, little information is given to parents about how they can consolidate children's learning at home.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Rigorous and robust procedures are in place for the recruitment and selection of staff. These include an interview, references, a health declaration, a criminal records bureau check and a probationary period to ensure that people caring for children are suitable to do so. Arrangements for supervision meetings and appraisals are in place to ensure staff remain suitable and to

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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 encourage their professional development. Staffing levels are high and retention is good. All staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Consequently, the nursery operates efficiently and runs smoothly. Although a record is kept of children's and staff attendance, times are not recorded to fully safeguard children's welfare.

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Organisation

Leadership and management is good. The management team are committed to developing the care and education of the children. They are supportive towards their staff and help them work together which creates a happy atmosphere in which to care for children. Staff demonstrate an enthusiasm to increase their knowledge and are actively supported and encouraged to do this. Systems are well developed to evaluate and monitor staff performance and development and the effect the nursery programme has on children's development.

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Organisation

Records are clear, up-to-date, easily accessible and stored securely, most contain the required information but medication records are not countersigned by parents to acknowledge administration. Required policies and procedures which are required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are in place and shared effectively with parents. These are used well to support the care of children and to comply with regulations.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the nursery have increased the outdoor play opportunities for children under 18 months to ensure they benefit from the fresh air. They also continue to monitor the nursery educational provision to promote children's learning.

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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

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): • provide domestic style furniture in the baby room to assist children in developing mobility and continue normal life experiences

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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 • improve safety by ensuring premises are secure with regards to the baby room and by preventing children's access to trailing wires in the sensory room • develop the range of natural materials to promote children's sensory development • ensure the system for registering children and staff attendance shows times of attendance, and obtain parent's signatures to acknowledge administration of medication.

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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): • develop the opportunities for children to have free flow access to the outdoor and creative areas • extend the information given to parents about how they can consolidate their children's learning at home.

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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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