Your Co-op Little Pioneers Nursery and Pre-School, Newburn

Places For Children

Inspection report for early years provision

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Places For Children

Unique Reference Number EY295684 Inspection date 08 June 2005 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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Places For Children

Setting Address Newburn Riverside Industrial Park, Newburn Haugh, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NZ Telephone number 0191 2645030

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E-mail

Registered person Places For Children 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?

Places for Children Nursery was registered in 2004 and is part of a national chain of nurseries. The nursery is located within Newburn Industrial Park situated close to the A1 and Newcastle. It is a new, purpose-built building consisting of two main play rooms for the children, separate dining hall, parents' room and outdoor play areas. The nursery is open five days per week and sessions run from 08:00 to 18:00, 51 weeks of the year. A maximum of 108 children from birth to under eight years may attend at any one session. There are currently twelve children on roll who attend for a variety of

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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 sessions a week. The nursery supports children with special needs. There are five members of staff employed to work with the children. All have a recognised early years qualification. The nursery uses Birth to three matters guidance and receives support, advice and training opportunities from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-planned daily routines; for example, as they are encouraged to wash their hands the staff provide the children with simple explanations as to why. They are encouraged to brush their teeth after meals; however, the storage of the tooth brushes should be reviewed to prevent the risk of cross contamination. Excellent procedures, such as staff consistently wearing disposable gloves and aprons for nappy changing, sustain high levels of hygiene and help prevent the spread of infection. Children develop and test their physical control through a good range of indoor and outdoor activities for example, walks along the river, use of ball-pool and large climbing equipment. Staff use Birth to three matters guidance well to provide a good range of physical play experiences for babies and young children. They have a very

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Helping children to be healthy

good understanding of each child's stage of development, which encourages children to try out new skills confidently and to ask for help and support when needed, for example when completing a large floor jigsaw. All children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Children enjoy varied, well presented healthy meals and snacks, including fresh fruit and a range of drinks. Staff take account of children's individual needs and parents' wishes, for example when introducing babies to a new range of solid foods, permission is sought from parents. Children confidently choose when and what they want to drink. Younger children are regularly offered drinks to ensure that none remain thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, very well maintained and totally child-orientated environment. Children stay safe and secure, indoors and outdoors, because staff are vigilant and carry out thorough risk assessments. They give high priority to children's safety and have a very good understanding of how to achieve a balance between moving freely and setting safe limits. Children have access to an excellent range of good quality play materials and equipment. The good organisation of the toys means that children can move around

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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 safely and freely to select resources independently from tables, trays and boxes which are stored at child height. Knowledgeable staff fully understand and follow the setting's comprehensive polices and procedures to protect and keep children safe. Sensitive reminders, such as requests not to run indoors in case you fall, increase children's awareness of everyday safety in the setting and help them to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Children's welfare is well protected by staff who have a thorough understanding of their role and responsibility concerning child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the nursery and achieve as much as they can in their play, learning and development. Children are animated and enthusiastic as they make choices about their activities. They play happily with each other and staff, learning to take turns and respond to others as they participate in a rich range of activities, puzzles and books. Staff awareness and confident good use of the Birth to Three Matters guidance is improving children's achievements. Children are developing excellent levels of confidence and self-esteem, which they use effectively to voice their choices, feelings and ideas; for example, selecting a favourite book to read before nap time. Children make connections in their learning as they freely explore sand, water and different textures. The regular use of a wide range of creative materials, such as gloop, paint, dough and writing tools, encourages them to represent their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

experiences, feelings and ideas in a variety of ways. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self. Early communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality adult-child interactions. Staff have excellent knowledge of child development; this means that children's personal, social and emotional development is significantly enhanced. Staff's effective use of detailed planning, assessment and evaluation ensures that all children experience worthwhile, stimulating and fun activities and make excellent progress. As a result, children become actively engaged in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities which provide high levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are eager to attend and relish their time in the safe setting which puts them first. Children play a dynamic part in the setting, where their individual needs are extremely well met. The setting has very effective arrangements to care for children with special educational needs. The excellent partnership between the staff, parents

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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 and external agencies encourages all to work together to meet each child's specific needs. Staff consistently praise and encourage children and have high, realistic expectations of them all, resulting in behaviour which is exemplary. Children are highly valued as individuals. They develop a positive attitude to others and their understanding of the wider world is significantly enhanced through the use of visitors, celebrating festivals, and outings to local places of interest. Children have access to a comprehensive range of stimulating resources that promotes awareness and positive images of culture, gender and disability. These include puzzles, posters, attractive dressing-up outfits and an excellent range of books. An extremely positive relationship with parents contributes highly to children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

well-being. Children's individual needs, abilities and the wishes of parents are clearly determined by the wealth of information that is exchanged before and during the period the child attends. Staff ensure that all parents know how well their children are progressing and developing. Parents are kept extremely well informed about all aspects of the setting through the provision of and easy access to comprehensive and clear detailed written information, discussions, notice-boards and displays.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is given high priority by the very good organisation and the effective management of the nursery. Staff are totally committed to the ongoing improvement of the setting through their training and personal development. Children benefit greatly from the high quality support and interaction from staff who are well qualified, skilled and effectively inducted. The premises are very well organised. Children thoroughly enjoy the exciting, child-focused environment, set out to maximise play and learning opportunities for all children. Clear procedures and policies support staff in working very successfully in partnership with parents. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed; however, written parental consent for emergency medical advice or treatment is needed. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Complaints 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

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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): • consider an alternative method of storage for children's tooth brushes • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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