Kids 1st - WansbeckOfsted inspection, 22 Sept 2005

Kids 1st - Wansbeck

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Kids 1st - Wansbeck

Unique Reference Number EY283628 Inspection date 22 September 2005 Inspector Ann Marie Lefevre

p.1

Kids 1st - Wansbeck

Setting Address Wansbeck General Hospital, Woodhorn Lane, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9JJ Telephone number 01670 855 439 E-mail wansbeck@kfirst.co.uk Registered person Kids 1st Childrens Nurseries Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day care

p.1

Kids 1st - Wansbeck

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Kids 1st - Wansbeck was registered in March 2004. It operates from a purpose-built building within the grounds of Wansbeck General Hospital, in Ashington. The premises have a closed circuit television security system throughout the building and security pads at the entrance of the building. The group provides places for a maximum of 112 children at a time and there are currently 87 children on the roll. There are four rooms to cater for the children aged 0 to 18 months, two rooms for

p.2

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 children aged 18 months to 3 years and two rooms for children aged 3 to 5 years. The nursery also has a dining room which can also be used for active play, two sleep rooms, nappy changing areas and toilet areas. There are two fully enclosed outdoor play areas for children. There is a parents room and full staff facilities. Kids 1st have 30 full-time places allocated for Northumbria Health Care National Health service Trust, and all other places are available for anyone wishing to apply. There are 14 permanent members of staff in addition to the manager to care for the children and they all have early years qualifications. A housekeeper competes the staff team. Supply staff are recruited by the nursery. The group receive funding for children aged three and four and use the Foundation stage of learning and Birth to

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

three matters framework as teaching methods for the children. The group opens five days a week from 07.00 to 18.00, 52 weeks of the year and caters for parents variable working hours. At the time of inspection there were 80 children on the roll, the majority of whom were attending on a part time basis. The nursery caters for children with special needs and children with English as an additional language.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children gain a very good understanding of the importance of keeping their bodies healthy. They have many practical opportunities to learn about the importance of health and hygiene in their daily routines and activities. Older children develop their sense of independence well as they gain easy access to the toilet facilities adjacent to the playrooms; younger children and babies have sensitive support from staff. Children are becoming knowledgeable about germs and keeping the play space clean and tidy. They are encouraged to take responsibility, to be aware of hygiene and wash their hands appropriately, for example, after going to the toilet, before meals and after messy play. Children are happy to help tidy playthings away and offer enthusiastic assistance as they put toys and equipment into the correct storage boxes. Babies and toddlers respond very well to staff smiles and comforting chat

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

during regular nappy changing. The changing stations are very well appointed and staff adhere to strict hygiene routines by wearing disposable aprons and gloves and using safe nappy disposal units. Children are well protected by rigorous cleaning systems being in place in the setting and equipment such as colour coded buckets for cleaning the toilet areas and the kitchen being used by staff. Children's health requirements are highlighted in the detailed and very well organised recording systems and policies in relation to health needs. These are carefully maintained to ensure that parents and staff are kept fully informed about any health issues. Daily diary sheets are maintained for each child regarding each nappy change, feeds, activities and other useful information to share with parents when they arrive to collect their children. A high proportion of staff have completed appropriate first aid training and some have completed basic food hygiene training. There is a

p.3

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 very well stocked first aid kit and staff are keen to ensure that children benefit from being cared for in a healthy environment. Children's health is very well protected in practical ways by the excellent systems in place for monitoring, informing parents and recording if children become unwell and also information about any incident of infectious illness being displayed on a parent’s notice board. Children learn about healthy eating and benefit from having a balanced diet, which includes good quality foods such as the fresh fruit and vegetables. Main meals are provided in large containers by the local hospital kitchen and are transferred by nursery staff into serving dishes. Parents provide milk formula and first solid foods, or the nursery is able to provide fresh pureed foods. Children carefully help themselves

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

to main meals from serving dishes and babies and toddlers are sensitively served or fed by staff. Children are provided with regular drinks at snack and meal times and are able to have additional drinks on request. Staff are able to ensure that any special dietary needs are met effectively. They work closely with parents and obtain information about the children to make sure that children have the necessary nutritional balance for positive growth in a caring and secure environment. Children develop their physical and emotional wellbeing in a very good range of stimulating experiences. They learn about why exercise is good for them and are able to participate in fun activities which exercise their bodies as well as develop their thinking skills. They thoroughly enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air as they use the two enclosed separate outdoor play areas for a range of exciting physical activities such as playing group games, or using large equipment to climb and explore. Babies

p.4

Helping children to be healthy

enjoy naps in buggies in the outdoor areas or are taken for walks locally in buggies. Children are able to do lots of energetic physical activities in the nursery playrooms as they enthusiastically join in circle games doing actions to rhymes and songs with staff. They use a wide range of large and small play equipment well to help promote their coordination and dexterity. Babies and toddlers enjoy the opportunities to use all of their senses in stimulation activities, for example, with sensory equipment or when exploring and using their natural sense of curiosity in heuristic play. Children gain experience of travelling by public transport as they are taken to the local library or the beach to collect materials to use in their activities. Children are also able to develop their emotional wellbeing as they build good relationships and socialise happily with other children and adults.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. All children and babies benefit from being cared for in the superb purpose built nursery, which has been designed with child safety in mind. The premises are really welcoming, well organised and comfortable for children to use safely. Children benefit from being able to access the well planned designated childcare areas with close age appropriate supervision and support from the staff. They learn about safety, both in and outside the setting, in daily routines and activities such as being careful when playing on large equipment and when participating in fire drills. Staff ensure the premises are safe and secure so that children are well protected. Many safety measures have been taken, for example, a secure entrance door, closed circuit

p.4

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 television, and an internal telephone system throughout the building, socket covers, door safety policy and secure outdoor play areas to ensure that children. However, the outdoor ridged decking presents some hazard with certain foot wear as following wet weather. The staff and kitchen areas are not accessible to the children and staff take effective measures to ensure that children do not gain access to any potentially hazardous areas or materials. Regular, formal risk assessments are undertaken in the setting to make sure the premises are kept safe for the children attending. Staff are vigilant and take effective measures so that very high quality play resources, equipment and furniture are maintained in a safe and clean condition for the children attending; all items are checked regularly. Staff ensure that the toys and activities are

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate for the age and stage of development of each child to use safely. Children benefit from the carefully planned and well maintained documentation in relation to child safety in the setting. Recording systems are used in conjunction with detailed written parental consents to ensure consistency of care for each child. Children are well protected as staff continue to develop their already very good awareness, knowledge and skills by participating in appropriate training including child protection. There is a child protection policy in place and, although staff have had no concerns to date in relation to the children, they have a very good understanding of what to be aware of, who to contact and what to record.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies, toddlers and older children thoroughly enjoy attending the nursery. They are very comfortable in the setting and benefit from the staff's sensitive and calm approach to their care and learning. Staff have a very good awareness of the Birth to three matters framework and this is reflected in the actual care of the children. Children build very positive relationships with staff who respond well to the children's differing needs. Children develop their natural curiosity in a safe and secure environment. They have many opportunities to participate in a wealth of exciting activities and projects. All children are valued by the staff, who help them to develop their confidence and sense of self. Staff have a sound knowledge of the children and the wishes of the parents to ensure there is consistency and continuity so that each child can learn and progress effectively. Children develop their sense of growing independence as the staff allow them to

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

explore and investigate in many stimulating activities. Activities are organised to allow for flexibility and spontaneity which enables the children to choose what they want to do and introduce their own ideas. Children use the play areas well to develop their imagination, for example, enthusiastically participating in rhymes and singing, making different shapes and objects with colourful play dough, making exciting pictures with a range of materials, or participating in heuristic play to use their natural sense of curiosity to explore a range of small objects. Children are able to develop relationships with their peers and enjoy participating in

p.5

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 an extensive range of group and individual activities, as well as just sitting and having fun with a friend. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children make significant progress as they benefit from the staff's clear understanding of the Foundation Stage of Learning, early learning goals and the six areas of learning. There is detailed planning in place which is used well in practice. Staff monitor the children as they participate in activities and use this to inform future practice. Staff use lots of effective teaching methods and tools, for example, the organisation of the play areas reflects the six areas of learning. There are exciting wall displays of children's work and posters, consistent use of upper and lower case letters for labelling, and play resources,

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities and daily routines are used to provide good learning and life experiences. However, there are some lost opportunities to extend and reinforce learning in some of the routines and activities. Children gain confidence in their abilities as they participate in many new and exciting experiences and are encouraged to take an active role in the group. Staff are very skilled at using clear and simple language and guidance which enables the children to learn and develop well. Children are able to express their ideas and thoughts and communicate well during incidental and planned activities. Children benefit from the positive community spirit in the nursery setting as well as building an awareness of the wider world and different cultures. Children are eager to learn and they listen well to stories and guidance from adults. They become actively involved, as they develop their understanding and knowledge.

p.6

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They respond well to age appropriate challenges and new concepts without undue pressure being put upon them. Children have many opportunities to appreciate books in the setting, they use the book areas freely, are respectful as they handle books and become familiar with the written word. Children have many opportunities to practice mark making and they make progress with regard to formative writing. Children are eager to learn about numbers and simple mathematical concepts. They are able to develop their number recognition skills and counting skills and learn about simple addition and subtraction by using a range of resources. They are starting to learn about capacity and measure in water play, and in simple cookery such as making icing to decorate biscuits. They recognise shapes and are learning about simple patterns and use these well in their craft and construction activities. Children gain a good understanding of how things work. They learn about modern

p.6

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

technology as well as the natural world. Children are enthusiastic as they skilfully use a mouse to navigate the screens in computer programmes, use a digital camera to photograph their activities to print off and show their parents or display in the nursery. Children enjoy discussing texture, smell and taste, for example, as they look at different types of fruit and vegetables. Children thoroughly enjoy participating in the many art and craft projects. They use large and small equipment, and a variety of materials very well to create lots of exciting pictures and models. Children are enthusiastic as they join in music and

p.6

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 movement; singing and doing actions to circle time rhymes and songs, or playing a wide range of musical instruments. Staff ensure that the setting is very well organised with resources to ensure that children have many learning experiences as well as lots of fun. There is a balanced range of activities in keeping with the six areas of learning and designated play areas to reinforce what the children have learnt. Staff prepare well for the sessions and ensure that all necessary materials and equipment are in place for the planned activities and also for the additional freeplay. Staff are sensitive to the differing needs of each child. Children who have additional requirements are well supported in the setting. Children are sensitively encouraged to participate and be fully integrated into

p.6

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the group. There is a close partnership between staff, parents and additional advisers to ensure that each child really benefits from their placement.

p.7

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the staff's positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respecting individual and differing needs. There are many good opportunities for children to develop their awareness of their local and wider communities. They are not only able to experience celebrations and festivals such as Christmas, but also learn about other religious and cultural celebrations such as the Hindu festival of Diwali and Chinese New Year. Children also benefit from the personal experiences of parents and staff who were born in other countries are happy to share their knowledge and skills. All children are valued and are seen to be special. Children with additional needs are helped to participate fully within the group. Staff work closely with parents to ensure that all children obtain the necessary care and learning opportunities to gain maximum enjoyment and stimulation in the setting.

p.7

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about sharing and valuing others from the excellent role models provided by the staff. Staff gently and sensitively support, praise and encourage babies, toddlers and older children in their daily routines and activities which helps them to develop their self esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. The children are very polite, well behaved and respectful of others. They are really keen to take part in all aspects of nursery life. The children are very happy and relaxed in their groups and they respond well to the smiles and encouraging words from the staff. Children are able to make choices in their play and daily routines and are showing increasing confidence as they select playthings and participate in activities. All staff are adept at encouraging children to share their opinions and take an active role in the group. This positive approach fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and

p.7

Helping children make a positive contribution

cultural development well. The partnership with parents is excellent which significantly contributes to the overall good quality care provided for the children. There is a strong sense of community in the setting. Parents are able to participate fully in the exchange of information necessary for their child's care. They are kept well informed about daily issues, are aware of planning topics for activities, and the six areas of learning. The staff team

p.7

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 have prepared a wealth of good quality information, notice boards are used very well, there are information packs, regular newsletters and also verbal updates to ensure parents have a sound knowledge and understanding of the service provided for their children. Parents contribute their ideas and comments in a designated book in the nursery entrance; comments are very positive about the nursery staff and the care of the children. Children's individual development files are available for parents to see how they are progressing, and staff keep them informed about the children’s physical care and activities in daily diaries. Many examples of the children's work are displayed in the setting and children also take lots of their art and craft projects home to show what they have achieved.

p.7

Organisation

The organisation is good. The leadership and management of the nursery is very good. The staff are managed effectively by management and senior staff who have a hands on approach to the childcare and ensure that there is clear and consistent guidance as well as well thought out systems in place. All members work together as a cohesive team and also contribute their individual skills. Staff are dedicated and take a really professional approach to their work. This is reflected in the very well organised child care areas in the setting, in safety measures taken and in the range of excellent quality resources and equipment provided. Clearly defined, sensitive daily routines enable children to settle well and feel secure. Very well structured and informative files, notice boards and other means are available to inform staff and parents. A wide range of policies and procedures such as child protection, behaviour management and equal opportunities are used to

p.8

Organisation

inform practice and protect the children who attend. There are detailed and well ordered recording systems in place including individual child records, and written consents from parents. Staff continually update and develop these for the benefit of children attending, their parents and for staff. There are well structured registration systems to record attendance which are undertaken with parents and children on arrival and departure. Children benefit from the very good quality care provided and from the staff's positive attitude towards their own training and personal development. Staff have completed a wide range of appropriate courses relating to the health, welfare, safety and the educational needs of the children, and continue to assess and develop their already considerable skills. Overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

p.8

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the recommendation from the last care inspection The nursery management continues to develop the existing good training for staff by implementing a plan for continuous professional development which involves a rolling

p.8

Improvements 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 programme of training. This is the first inspection in relation to nursery education.

p.8

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.9

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.

p.9

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

p.9

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 that the outside decking does not present a hazard to children when it is wet.

p.9

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): • ensure that children are given further opportunities to develop their sense of responsibility and extend their knowledge and skills in the activities and nursery routines.

p.9

The quality and standards of the nursery education

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

p.9

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

p.9