Early Birds - Carter Lane Neighbourhood Nursery

Neighbourhood Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Neighbourhood Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY283029 Inspection date 15 June 2005 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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Neighbourhood Nursery

Setting Address Carter Lane, Shirebrook, Derbyshire, NG20 8PE

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E-mail

Registered person Carter Lane Neighbourhood Nursery Type of inspection Integrated 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 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?

Early Birds Day Nursery registered as a neighbourhood nursery in 2004. It operates from Carter Lane Community Centre in Shirebrook, Derbyshire. A maximum of 51 children under 8 years may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery currently has 62 children from 9 months to 4 years on roll. Of these, 20 children receive funding for nursery education. Before and after school care is also offered. Children in the nursery are cared for in 4 group rooms depending on their age and

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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 developmental stage. There is an enclosed area for outdoor play. The nursery is open from 08:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday throughout the year, closing for bank holidays. Full and part-time places are offered. Children who attend are mainly from the council ward in which the nursery is located. A manager, deputy manager and 10 full-time staff currently work with the children. All staff have relevant qualifications in childcare and education. Additional domestic staff are also employed. The setting is a member of the National Day Nurseries Association and receives support from the Derbyshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Daily vigorous play, both indoors or outdoors, helps children develop a positive attitude towards exercise and aids their physical development. Babies and younger children acquire new skills because staff make good use of the Birth to three matters framework when planning activities. Older children are developing control over their bodies as they run, climb, crawl and play ring games. They are becoming increasingly aware of the effect of activity on their bodies and recognise when they need to rest. Children begin to understand the importance of good personal hygiene and why they wash their hands before eating. Older children have a good appreciation of sun-safety and why they wear hats outdoors. Children are protected from cross infection because staff carefully adhere to the appropriate health and hygiene

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Helping children to be healthy

policies. Parents do not always sign the accident record. Children are well nourished because they have access to drinks throughout the day and enjoy healthy meals and snacks. Children are encouraged to try different tastes and all ages show a love of fresh and dried fruits at snack time. Meal times are pleasant occasions with staff sitting and eating with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children stay safe because staff implement the appropriate policies effectively and are vigilant in their supervision of the children. Children are able to move freely within safe boundaries. They begin to take some responsibility for maintaining their own safety, for example by sweeping up spilled sand. They are protected because all staff fully understand their role in child protection. Children use an extensive range of toys and equipment, which is safe and

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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 appropriate for their stage of development. Children are able to play safely because staff organise space within the rooms carefully to allow areas where children can, for example, build undisturbed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, secure and confident within the nursery. They achieve well and make good progress in all areas of their development because staff effectively use Birth to three matters and the Curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage to plan relevant and exciting activities. Babies and toddlers enjoy opportunities to explore using their senses as they handle different materials such as sand, water, soft materials and foods. Children’s vocabulary develops rapidly as staff introduce new songs in group times and words relevant to the activities. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and children’s learning are good. Children make good progress towards the early learning goals because staff have a secure knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage. This enables them to plan a broad, stimulating and appropriate curriculum that meets the needs of the children. All

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children achieve well because staff skilfully use a variety of teaching methods and combination of free play and adult led activities. In group work children are given realistic challenges that encourage them to think and solve problems. Current systems to monitor and record children’s achievements are insufficient for the most able children.This means their next steps in learning are not clearly identified. Children are highly motivated and remain purposefully engaged at all times. They are confident to try new experiences and many children maintain sustained concentration to complete tasks. Older children rise to challenges, such as completing a domino rally, and work co-operatively, refining their ideas to achieve their goal. All children use language confidently to express their ideas and share their news. They attempt to write within play and competently label their work. Children work well together, for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example to build castles in the sand. Older children help the younger ones when fixing construction materials together or in carrying out tasks on the computer. Children play imaginatively in the role play area, picking flowers from the garden and searching for the mini-beasts. They use their mathematical knowledge to count the legs on each insect and compare size. They respond enthusiastically to music, moving their bodies spontaneously to the rhythm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and included because staff implement the equal opportunity policy effectively. Children feel a sense of belonging in the nursery as they see their photographs on their coat peg and name card and proudly show visitors their work displayed around the walls. They behave well in response to staff’s

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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 clear and consistent approach and meaningful praise. Older children show care and consideration for one another. Children with special educational needs are effectively supported because staff work closely with parents and other professionals to provide appropriate care and to plan realistic targets for their development. All children have extensive opportunities to learn about the local community and wider world through visitors, outings, topics and celebrations. This positive approach fosters children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The partnership with parents and carers is good. Babies and children settle well because staff seek relevant information to help them follow children’s routines and meet their individual needs. Children benefit from their parents involvement in their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

learning. Good information about the curriculum, topics and ways in which learning can be extended at home help staff and parents to work together. Parents are generally well informed about their child’s day and on-going achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s care and learning is supported by the effective organisation of the nursery. Leadership and management are good. Children are cared for by a highly motivated, qualified staff team who have a clear understanding of their individual roles and responsibilities. Their commitment to on-going training, for example by implementing Birth to three matters, improves the outcomes for children. Children’s health, safety and well-being are promoted because staff consistently implement the nursery’s policies and procedures and maintain records appropriately. Some systems are in place to monitor the effectiveness of the nursery. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the nursery has reviewed the systems used to record medication, so that prior parental consent is now always obtained. This ensures children's needs are met when they are ill.

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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

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 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): • ensure all accident records are countersigned by the parent, to confirm that they have been informed.

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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): • review the assessment system to ensure all children's development in relation to the stepping stones and early learning goals can be clearly recorded, in order to identify their next steps in learning.

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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

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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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