Cherrytree Nursery School - Kingsnorth Rd

Cherrytree Nursery School Ltd

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Cherrytree Nursery School Ltd

Unique Reference Number EY286202 Inspection date 25 May 2005 Inspector Jackie Liffen

p.1

Cherrytree Nursery School Ltd

Setting Address 149 Kingsnorth Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 6NE

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Cherrytree Nursery School Ltd Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day care

p.1

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

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 satisfactory. 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 satisfactory.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Cherrytree Nursery School Ltd has been registered since September 2003. It operates from a single story building in Kingsnorth Road in South Ashford. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. It is registered for thirty eight children aged from two to under eight years. Children over the age of five years attend during the school holidays. There are seventy on roll; of these fifty seven children receive funding for nursery education: thirty three

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 three year olds and twenty four four year olds. Children come from a wide catchment area. The nursery currently supports a number of children with special educational needs, and also supports some children who speak English as an additional language. The registration does not include overnight care. The nursery opens five days a week all year round from 08:45 to 15:00, except at Christmas and the New Year. The nursery employs fifteen staff. Ten of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Three are working towards a qualification. The group receive support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and Surestart. They are also members of the Pre-School Learning Association (PLA).

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and are beginning to understand the importance of maintaining healthy routines. They are able to benefit from playing outside on a regular basis where they enjoy physical play on the equipment provided. Children are not able to help themselves to a drink whenever they need to; as a result either their thirst is not quenched until snack time or staff have to leave other children in order to provide water. Children are well nourished because the group provide healthy snacks for the children, including fruit and vegetables and parents are asked to provide a packed lunch for them. These are stored in a warm classroom so that any food containing perishables may not be suitable for children to eat at midday. Staff are aware of any special dietary requirements so that children do not suffer if they are allergic to particular food. However, some children may be affected adversely when medication

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

is administered because medicines are stored in a warm room. The staff understand the importance of isolating sick children and try to work with parents so that those with infectious diseases do not attend. They keep the premises and activities clean and well-maintained.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Staff use a written risk assessment to make daily checks so that children are able to play in safe, suitable and secure premises. They keep the age-appropriate toys and equipment well-maintained and clean plus they make sure that children are able to access everything without difficulty. However, sometimes the garden is overcrowded meaning that children are not able to explore their surroundings and develop spatial awareness without fear of bumping into another child.

p.3

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 The staff take positive steps so that children are safe on outings and ensure that all resources are available to minimise any dangers. Although fire drills are held regularly, some staff and children are not aware of the procedures and their safety may be compromised. Staff have efficient child protection procedures and check carefully to ensure that children go home safely with the correct nominated person.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Although the group are not using a key-worker system to foster children's security and simplify feed-back arrangements for parents, children relate well to all members of staff and become familiar with identified adults on particular days. Some staff are familiar with Birth to three matters and cascade information so that younger children are stimulated appropriately. Children play in different rooms containing different resources according to their needs, which are identified in individual plans. However, in some areas they are limited in choice meaning that their discretion and imagination are not always being developed. Nursery Education The teaching and learning is satisfactory because staff use the detailed planning to move efficiently from one activity to another. This ensures that children experience a number of topics relating to the stepping stones during the day. However, sometimes

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children are perturbed when they are not able to choose writing implements because there are not enough resources and suitable tools. Some children do not understand the practical basis of the worksheets and staff are not always extending their learning by explaining the possibilities and other themes linked to the worksheets. One member of staff is responsible for overseeing curriculum planning which means that all children should benefit from regular assessments and tailored activities to help them reach their potential. However, although staff follow the plans, some are not spontaneous or flexible in putting them into practice resulting in some children becoming disinterested and inactive when their interest is not sustained. Some children are not being stretched so that their imagination and ability are extended, for example, when the children roll in the garden using balls, hoops and themselves,

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

staff do not give explanations or ask open-ended questions so that they understand the purpose of the exercise. Children's self-esteem and ability is fostered by staff who encourage them to put on their own coats to go outside and be responsible for their own hygiene when washing their hands. They are polite and well behaved resulting in an orderly environment. Staff use the available resources well and help children to understand boundaries; as a result most of the older children are attentive and involved when joining in whole group activities. Some children are articulate and able to converse well with adults, although staff miss opportunities to initiate conversations and reasoning on some occasions, especially when waiting for lunch, when interaction between peers blossoms and

p.4

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 could lead to beneficial language development. Children assimilate words from the name labels around the room; they also enjoy joining in stories when staff read from large picture books. However, children are not freely choosing from the range of books displayed. Children happily play on brightly coloured, good quality, child-sized equipment in the garden which enhances their physical capabilities in some areas. However, sometimes children bang in to each other when running around, inhibiting their freedom of expression and spatial awareness because the garden area is overcrowded. Indoors, although the nursery have plenty of resources to promote fine motor skills, these activities are not always on offer for children to make choices. Some children are able to count objects up to twenty because staff use a variety of

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

methods to help them learn basic mathematics. Staff place a great deal of emphasis on the circle shape although other shapes are introduced during planned exercises. Staff miss some opportunities to introduce children to momentum but take opportunities to introduce them to lots of mathematical concepts during story time. As a result children show interest and enjoyment during the familiar, interactive story where they all join in enthusiastically. The nursery programme play in the home room so that children can explore the technology within their own environment in secure premises. However, staff miss some opportunities when they do not refer to the date or weather on a daily basis. Children are familiar with a number of songs and action rhymes and join in with evident enjoyment. They meet expectations when requested to complete similar artistic creative work.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Staff recognise children's individual needs so that each child is included and enjoys each activity. Children respond to the appropriate attention and behave well because staff are good role models and the comprehensive planning and positive reinforcement promote their self-esteem and confidence. Staff try to work with parents in co-ordination of care so that children benefit from continuity, but some parents are unaware of the daily activities and the reasons why children gain from their input. Most parents are pleased with their child's progress and achievements meaning that the partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory. Although the nursery is not using the key-worker system so that children's security is enhanced, children respond well to having a familiar face on different days and relate well to all the staff. The group have a specified, qualified member of staff responsible

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

for special needs which means that children benefit from her diligence in finding the most suitable ways of developing potential. Children are developing self-assurance and are secure within the group because staff form good relationships with them and are familiar with their home backgrounds.

p.5

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 Younger children are beginning to benefit from the implementation of Birth to three matters.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Staff use effective policies to promote the welfare, care and learning of children and to inform parents about the setting. The owners have a strong focus on meeting requirements so that the children benefit from all aspects of care. They adapt the comprehensive planning systems to ensure that staff are clear about their roles and children are able to make good progress in all areas of their development. Staff have a sound awareness of the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage which is enhanced by the lead member of staff with special responsibilities for implementing the planning and procedures. Employment, induction and appraisal procedures are sufficient to ensure that staff are able to build on their knowledge and competence in order to raise standards and provide effectively for the needs of all children. The leaders have realistic expectations and try to make sure that all members of staff have received sufficient

p.6

Organisation

training to enable them to interact with the children positively, in order to increase their welfare. They are aware of the need to keep Ofsted informed of all changes in staff and consider the deployment of staff so that children are not exposed to unnecessary infection. The leadership and management is satisfactory. Although the group do not operate a key worker system, children relate to the same member of staff on particular days of the week. As all the children are secure, confident and happy this system seems to work within the group although staff monitor the situation closely so that overall the provision continues to meet the needs of all the children who attend.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

p.6

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

p.6

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 environmental health recommendations are met regarding the storage of medicines and perishable food and consider how to enable children to help themselves to drinking water at any time • ensure that all children and staff are familiar with fire drills and routines • consider how to involve parents so that they are aware of the daily plans.

p.7

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): • consider how to link areas of learning whilst giving children good choices so that they understand the practical reasons for the exercises.

p.7

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.7

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.7