Ashcroft & Ramridge Community Nursery

Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY278843 Inspection date 11 May 2005 Inspector Susan Parker

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Nursery

Setting Address 186 Ashcroft Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9AB

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E-mail

Registered person Ashcroft & Rambridge Tenants & Residents Ltd. Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care, Out of School 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?

Ashcroft and Rambridge Nursery and Out-Of-School Club operates from the premises of Rambridge Primary school in Luton. The Nursery is registered to care for no more than 46 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 36 may be under 5 years and of these, not more than 12 may be under 2 years. The Out of School club operates before school, after school and during school holidays. Children attending the school will be offered places in the Out of School club. Spaces will be available for 30 children aged 5-11 years, registration is for 10 children aged 5 to under 8 years. It is part of a Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative.

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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 Overnight care will not be provided. There are fifteen staff employed working regularly, they are supported by volunteers and the organisational body.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to understand and follow simple, good health and hygiene practices through gentle guidance from staff. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet or messy play, and before meals and snacks. The majority of the children aged 3 and over do this as routine without the need for reminders. Children are provided with fresh cooled drinking water from a water bottle dispenser which they can access themselves whenever they need to. Meals and snacks are chosen by staff from a set menu. Staff effectively ensure that each child's individual dietary needs and requirements are met when ordering these meals from the school. Children enjoy a wide selection of physical activities both inside and outside the nursery. The activities promote the development of a variety of skills including balance, climbing, manoeuvring, throwing, catching, aiming and kicking. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

learn about healthy living through participating in a wide range of activities including cooking activities, learning about their own bodies, the importance of cleaning their teeth, washing their hands, and by observing staff as role models, a child dropped a spoon at lunchtime, this was picked up and a clean one given to the child with an explanation about possible germs on the floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a safe environment where risks are minimised by the staff through regular risk assessments, good supervision and effective boundaries. Children have access to safe and appropriate furniture, equipment and toys which are checked regularly and are accessible to the children. Furniture is well designed and purpose built for strength and safety, these items have been carefully chosen and purchased by the staff. Effective risk assessments and provision of a safety surface for outside play prevents any serious accidents. Any accidents are dealt with by qualified first aiders and parents are informed, any accidents are effectively recorded. Any child protection concerns are dealt with in a confidential manner and procedures follow the Area Child Protection Committee guidance. All staff are aware of the procedures. Young children and babies are provided with safe choices which

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

allows them to explore their environment and their own physical capabilities trough carefully planned activities and provision of safe equipment, and effective supervision. Children who arrive at 11.30 for lunch and the afternoon session were not registered

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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 immediately, this was considered a possible risk and discussed with staff who actioned this immediately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met through the staffs knowledge of individual children. This information is gained through discussion with parents, effective records and progress reports, and the staff's knowledge and understanding of how children learn. Children display high levels of confidence and a sense of belonging, this was evident as children take an active role in accessing activities for themselves, and approaching adults for support when needed. Records show each child's achievements and progress with their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Children who are more able are encouraged to try new experiences, and staff effectively provide meaningful challenges which enable the children to progress at their own pace.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are given support and encouragement to participate in all aspect of the nursery's activities and routine. Any child who may have special needs will have that need identified by the groups special educational needs coordinator, and will be provided with suitable achievable goals to aid their development. These goals will be decided through confidential discussions with parents and any other relevant professionals, ensuring the child's needs are met and any progress recorded effectively. Children are well behaved and are aware of what behaviour is acceptable. Any unacceptable behaviour is re directed by staff in a positive way, or the child id distracted and encouraged to participate in a different activity. Children benefit from a positive partnership between the staff and their parents. Information is shared effectively each day which ensures the child's needs are known

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and met. For example, a child who has had little sleep may be disinterested or disruptive. Information shared by the parent enables staff to understand the behaviour that day and provide suitable care accordingly.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The group is run by a very committed committee who take an active role in monitoring the care of the children and providing the staff with regular training updates. The staff are currently attending a 10 week course to aid their implementation of the Sure Start Birth to Three Matters, and use the framework to plan and provide a range of quality activities for children under three years of age. The leader, deputy and staff members are efficient in recording, maintaining, and

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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 implementing policies and procedures which underpin the safe and effective care of the children. Children's progress records are effectively shared with parents and provide a basis from which future activities and play opportunities will be planned and provided. Overall the needs of the children are being met by this provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable. This is the first inspection.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • Ensure all children are recorded in the register on arrival.

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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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