Little Monkeys Day Nursery

Little Monkeys Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Little Monkeys Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY287683 Inspection date 05 October 2005 Inspector Janet Marie Thouless

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Little Monkeys Day Nursery

Setting Address Jubilee Walk, Albion Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1AR

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E-mail

Registered person Holiday Club4Kids LTD 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?

Little Monkeys opened in 2004, operates from purpose built premises and is situated between the park and the town centre of Horsham, West Sussex. The nursery is privately owned by Holiday Club 4 Kids Ltd and is part of a group of nurseries providing childcare facilities in West Sussex and neighbouring counties. The nursery offers full day care for 60 children between the ages of 3mths and 5 years. Children attend for a variety of full and part-time sessions. The nursery is open

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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 Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18.00 and from 08:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays throughout the year excluding bank holidays. There are currently 68 children on roll. Of these, 4 receive funding for nursery education. The nursery supports children with disabilities. There are 8 full-time and 1 part-time members of staff who work with the children. All staff hold recognised level 2 or 3 childcare qualifications. The setting receives support from a mentor from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through well-established everyday routines. They know, for example, why they need to wash their hands before lunch and after visiting the toilet. They are protected from cross-contamination because staff have a good understanding of the nurseries health and hygiene procedures, and follow them effectively. For instance, staff use gloves when they change nappies, dispose of soiled nappies appropriately and they clean equipment, such as highchairs, tables and chairs thoroughly. Babies and young toddlers sleep according to their individual needs in their own cot or mat. Children are protected from infection due to staff being familiar with the nursery's policy on children who are unwell. Children's health is promoted by the wholesome, nutritious and balanced meals on offer. Meals are freshly prepared using organic fresh produce and comply with all

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Helping children to be healthy

special dietary requirements to ensure children’s individual needs are met. Meal times are sociable and relaxed; children sit together alongside friends and staff. Younger children are encouraged to feed themselves when ready. Staff gently encourage children to try all food on offer. Menus are planned and displayed for parents to see. All children enjoy the opportunity to take part in outdoor play on a daily basis, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Children make good progress in their physical development through daily visits to the local park. They enjoy walks around the park, collecting acorns and leaves, participate in balls games and access the play area enjoying the use of the swings and slide.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure environment. Risk of accidental injury is minimised because staff monitor safety arrangements regularly and take steps to reduce hazards. For instance, they complete risk assessments of play areas and take part in regular fire practises. Clear procedures are in place to ensure authorised adults only collect children.

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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 Children are well supervised and they are learning to keep themselves safe by following staff's clear guidance, for instance, they discuss safety whilst walking up the stairs and down the garden steps. Children have access to toys and resources that are plentiful, clean and in good condition and appropriate to children's age and stage of development. Children's welfare is promoted because key staff have a secure understanding about child protection procedures. Staff are aware of what they should do if they have any concerns about a child. All of these measures contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive happily and are eager to join in. They are warmly welcomed and receive good attention and support from staff. Staff take the time to build a close, trusting relationship with each child and family. This helps children to settle in well; feel confident and develop good relationships. Staff working in the baby and toddler rooms have started to make good use of the Birth to Three Matters framework to plan a wide variety of activities that take into consideration young children's individual needs. Children explore the environment around them and have regular opportunities to experiment with a range of creative materials, such as cornflour, clay or sand. They enjoy sharing books with staff who respond to them warmly and offer lots of praise. Children under two show pleasure when exploring small containers filled with spices, they shake vigorously enjoying the sounds and smells. Toddlers enjoy action rhymes,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

singing and swaying their bodies back and fourth, showing their enjoyment by smiling and laughing. Staff encourage communication skills by talking to children about what they are doing and showing an interest in their responses. Nursery education: The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children make steady progress towards the early learning goals with the support of staff who have a good understanding of the Foundation Stage. They are offered a wide range of activities that cover all areas of the curriculum and provide a variety of interesting learning opportunities. Children enjoy taking part in activities, which staff organise well. Staff observe the children during free and focussed activities and use their observations to assess children’s achievements. However, assessments do not fully cover all areas of learning or include next steps in children's learning. Children settle quickly when they come into the nursery, greeting staff confidently.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They show great interest in the activities set out by staff and concentrate well when completing tasks to their own satisfaction. There are opportunities for children to select equipment and materials for themselves, for example to design and make things or express their own ideas in art, craft and imaginary play.

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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 Children learn about numbers and count confidently during everyday activities and routines, such as, counting the number of puzzles at the table to ensure there is enough for everyone. They use appropriate mathematical language, such as, tall, short, big and small when constructing houses. They look at books in the book corner, recalling stories from memory. Children use pens and paper to draw daily, they make marks or write for different purposes during play, for instance by writing shopping lists in the home corner, some children are beginning to write their own names and recognise individual letters. Children show an interest in the world around them and staff encourage them to observe things closely, such as the growing cycle of sunflower seeds. Regular trips to the local park provide children with opportunities to investigate and question aspects

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of the natural world. Children are beginning to understand the concept of past and present events. They discuss people, places and events in their own lives, for example, a child shared her experience of camping, staff extended this by erecting a tent in the room and cooking on portable gas stove as in camping outdoors. A homemade book accompanied this to show children the sequence of events.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the nursery and they are helped to feel a sense of belonging as they share their thoughts and experiences. Staff ensure all children's needs are met and that they are fully included into everyday provision. Children learn about different cultures when they taste and experience different foods from around the world. This enables children to develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Although children with special needs do not currently attend the nursery all are welcomed. This positive approach fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well. Children behave extremely well; they learn to share and take turns, to negotiate and work harmoniously together. Staff reinforce their expectations consistently, for instance, when they remind children that it is not kind to push their friends and encourage them to give each other a big cuddle. Children's self-esteem is fostered

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Helping children make a positive contribution

when staff praise them and recognise their achievements, such as when they help tidy up or do something for themselves. Babies and toddlers experience consistent care due to effective communication between their parents and key workers, such as daily contact book. Parents are kept up-to-date with information about the provision through regular newsletters, the web site, the notice board and daily conversation with staff. The partnership with parents of children who receive nursery education is good. Children in the pre-school room benefit from friendly relationships between their parents and staff, good information is given to parents about the Foundation Stage, curriculum and curriculum planning. This enables parents to play an active role in supporting children's learning at home.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by suitably qualified staff who are appropriately vetted, due to effective recruitment procedures. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of child development and are able to get to know the children well, which helps children feel comfortable and secure. The polices and procedures in place, promote children's care, learning and wellbeing. However, some procedures, such as registration forms require updating. Leadership and management of the nursery education is good. There is a strong commitment to develop and improve the provision. Management have a clear vision for the nursery and are fully aware of weak areas in the provision, such as systems in place to record children's achievements across the six areas of learning and identifying the next steps in children's learning. Their commitment provides an inclusive nursery environment in which every child matters. This means that overall

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Organisation

the needs of the children who attend are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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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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): • update polices and procedures to promote children’s welfare.

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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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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): • continue to develop staff's knowledge in completing children’s individual assessment and planning for 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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