Happy Days Nursery (Broadmeadow) Ltd

Happy Days Nursery Broadmeadow

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Happy Days Nursery Broadmeadow

Unique Reference Number EY277588 Inspection date 23 June 2005 Inspector Janet Butlin

p.1

Happy Days Nursery Broadmeadow

Setting Address Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 9AE Telephone number 01626 770078

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Happy Days Nursery Broadmeadow Limited 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?

Opened in 2004, Happy Days Nursery is a Neighbourhood Nursery and operates from newly purpose-built premises in Teignmouth, in Devon. There is secure outside play-space which is in the process of being developed. The setting is managed by sole proprietors who also run two other nurseries in Newton Abbot. The nursery operates all year round, except for bank holidays, Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00. It is registered to care for 35 children from birth to five years. At

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 present there are 36 children enrolled, seven of whom are three and four years-old and in receipt of funding. The nursery supports children who have special educational needs. There are no children attending who have English as an additional language. All meals are provided and cooked on the premises. In addition to the two proprietors and the Person in Charge, who work across all three settings, the nursery is supported by a staff group of eight. Of these, six are qualified to the equivalent of NVQ level 3. The nursery is also staffed by a qualified teacher from the adjacent Sure Start unit and the setting works closely with this project as part of a Children's Centre service. Support is provided by the Devon Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from infection efficiently because the premises are scrupulously clean and staff observe sound hygiene when changing nappies. Children's good health and continuity of care is supported through effective communication between staff and parents, including consent forms and the counter-signing of accident and medication records. Children are generally well-nourished by the selection of healthy food that is provided. The lunch-time menu is basic but is augmented with a variety of fresh fruit at snack times and children really enjoy tasting the variety of fruits on offer. Opportunities for children to freely access a drink whenever they want one are limited and this means that they may become very thirsty, particularly in hot weather. Children develop a good awareness of space by enjoying dance and running about outside. However, they have few chances to develop their large muscles using

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

appropriately challenging climbing and balancing apparatus.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment which is welcoming, bright and well set out. They enjoy playing and resting in a very pleasant, light and airy space in a building which is well designed for its purpose. It is maintained at a comfortable temperature and the facilities meet children's needs. Overall, the children use a good range of equipment all of which is in excellent condition. Babies and small children particularly enjoy developing their muscles safely as they clamber and crawl on suitable equipment. The outdoor space is large and is due to be improved and developed. Children do not generally come into contact with unvetted visitors because the premises are secure and visitors are rigorously recorded. Staff implement thorough risk assessments which are regularly completed and are effective. Children's safety is further protected by regularly practised fire drills. They move safely around the

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 setting, demonstrating a good awareness of space and learn to handle equipment safely, for example using scissors carefully. Children are kept safe by staff who are well aware of child protection procedures and are committed to further training in this area.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children play happily in a comfortable environment. They are well supported and continually absorbed in interesting activities. They solve problems, make connections and interact with staff and each other in lively and meaningful ways. Their communication skills are very well stimulated. Children particularly enjoy the times when they all get together, for example meal times, as social interaction forms a worthwhile part of this period. The staff are aware of the Birth to Three Matters framework and this improved focus has meant they plan activities that children will enjoy. For example babies make connections between themselves and their reflection in the mirror, they work out how to open shape boxes and solve simple puzzles. They also delight in exploring well constructed obstacle courses and mastering and achieving new physical skills. Nursery Education: The quality of teaching and learning is satisfactory. Staff have a sound understanding

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of the Foundation stage and children are making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. Children enjoy a variety of activities and good use is made of naturally occurring materials, such as cardboard boxes, to inspire creative and imaginary play. Activities are not yet effectively organised so that the staff's knowledge and understanding of the children's individual needs can be used to inform planning and help them to progress appropriately. Some children do not receive sufficient challenge to extend their learning and they become bored. This also means that some children receive insufficient opportunities to receive praise and positive reinforcement. Plans, at present, contain little information regarding what children are intended to learn, how they are to be grouped or how their individual needs will be met. This means that plans do not provide sufficient information for staff to help children to progress well.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are keen to initiate lively conversation which is occasionally well supported. They also have opportunities to explore books but their encouragement to make marks and write in meaningful situations is inconsistent. Mathematical development is given good emphasis and children are regularly encouraged to think about number and adding groups of objects, such as spiders legs, together. Children use tools and manipulate clay, developing their small muscles effectively but opportunities to develop their climbing and balancing skills are infrequent.

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 Knowledge and understanding of the world is thoughtfully presented. Children grow seeds and plants and describe features of mini-beasts and their environment, evidencing they have found previous activities interesting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered. They are confident and have good relationships with staff and each other. Children use resources which generally promote their awareness of cultural diversity and activities also provide opportunities for them to become aware of the wider world. Children with special needs receive good, conscientious support and the nursery is experienced in working with local supportive agencies. The needs of children with special needs are well met. Overall children are able to share and take turns well. Staff generally manage behaviour sensitively and effectively but a lack of attention to planning for individual children's progress, particularly in the pre-school room, means that some children become bored. Occasionally informal planning and discussion takes place in the presence of children which means that they do not enjoy the full attention of the staff.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the way in which parents are welcomed into the setting. The thoughtful sharing of information means that children are cared for in accordance with their parents wishes. Parents of young children receive very helpful information regarding their child's progress and how they have spent their day and this helps children to benefit from the resulting continuity of awareness of their needs. Parents of children receiving nursery education at present, receive limited information regarding how the planned activities link to the Foundation Stage or how their children are progressing through the stepping stones. This means their opportunities to be involved in their children's learning are also limited. Improvements in this area are planned. Partnership with parents is satisfactory.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting meets the needs of the range of children attending. Children are cared for by well-qualified, committed and enthusiastic staff. They are dedicated to professional development and this is well-supported by the management of the setting. Staff show enthusiasm in their work and enjoy attending training to further enrich their practice. Children respond warmly to the obvious affection shown them by the staff. The nursery has a clear and well-organised operational file and comprehensive and appropriate policies. This, combined with the accurate and detailed registration system mean that children can benefit from being cared for in a securely organised environment. The nursery works closely with the adjacent Sure Start project and staff

p.5

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 from this unit form an integral part of the service. However, systems are not secure in ensuring that all such staff are notified to Ofsted and that regulatory checks are known to be in place. As a result unvetted people may be working with the children. Leadership and management of the nursery education is satisfactory. The nursery have access to the advice and guidance of the Devon Foundation Stage Advisory Teacher but have not yet implemented recommendations. The staff have had meetings and discussions to reflect on practice and have accurately identified areas for improvement. However, the children have not yet been able to benefit from the implementation of this plan.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Children have benefited from the good progress that has been made with the recommendations from the previous inspection. Practical steps have been taken to regulate the temperature, which is now appropriate and comfortable. The registration system now clearly shows the times of arrival and departure of children and staff which protects the security of both children and staff. Staff have either attended or are booked to attend, training to support awareness of child protection and special needs and the children will benefit from being cared for by well prepared staff.

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that Ofsted are promptly informed of persons connected to the setting and that all regulatory checks are in place

p.6

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 • ensure children can access drinks easily and sufficiently frequently

p.6

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): • ensure planning and assessment gives appropriate emphasis to all the areas of learning and enables children to receive adequate support and challenge to help them progress according to their individual stages of development • provide parents with clear and helpful information about the Foundation Stage and how their children are progressing through the stepping stones

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