Sure Start - All Saints

Sure Start - All Saints Inspection report for early years provision

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EY272351 Unique Reference Number 11 April 2007 Inspection date Cathryn Parry Inspector

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Whitehall Street, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 4SU Setting Address

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0191 420 7657 Telephone number andrea.smith@s-tyneside-mbc.gov.uk E-mail South Tyneside Council; Children & Young People Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care, Crèche Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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?

Sure Start All Saints Children's Centre opened in 2003 to serve the South Tyneside community. The centre comprises a nursery, which is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 for 50 weeks of the year; a crèche to support parents and carers attending the centre; a toy library; multi-sensory room; soft play area and a variety of courses and drop-in groups for parents, carers, and their families.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All services are housed in a purpose-built building with an outdoor play area for the children. It also uses a classroom in Stanhope Road Primary School. There are currently 35 children aged from seven months to under five years on roll in the day nursery. The crèche operates as required, to support various adult groups that meet in the centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The local authority oversees the operations of the centre, including management of the budget and recruitment of staff. There is an overall centre manager who is supported by a management team, which includes the day nursery manager, centre coordinator and social worker for family support. There is an active parent network that assists the team in delivering services to the local community. There are 11 members of staff who work with the children in the nursery. All of these hold appropriate early years qualifications and one is working towards a further qualification. In addition, supply staff are called upon when the crèche is operating.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy opportunities for large physical play, including outdoor activities and using the soft play area. They are developing their coordination as they participate in egg and spoon races and practice hopping and jumping. The flexible routine enables children to rest as needed, in line with their individual sleep patterns, and parents' and carers' wishes. Children enjoy reasonably healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, including fresh fruit. They confidently ask for drinks when they are thirsty, as well as having water and milk provided at snack and meal times. However, children cannot freely access drinking water, which has a negative impact on encouraging self-help skills. Individual health and dietary needs are met as staff gain relevant information from parents and carers before the children start.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is maintained and the risk of infection minimised as the premises and equipment are clean. A cleaner is employed on a daily basis to ensure the rooms are suitably clean. This is complimented by staff having a rota for washing toys and resources. Children are learning good personal hygiene practices through consistent routines and positive role modelling. Hand washing is encouraged following visits to the toilet and individual tissues are used when blowing noses. Staff wear gloves and aprons when changing nappies, which reduces the opportunity to spread germs. Comprehensive policies, good relationships with parents and relevant training ensure individual children are cared for well should they become ill. This reduces the risk of cross infection. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The nursery is made welcoming to children and adults. An imaginative display in the hallway, using a variety of pictures and draped cloth, depicts an 'under the sea' theme. This captures children's interest as they enter the setting. Large glass doors and windows in the playrooms enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. They are safeguarded well as premises are very secure at all times. This includes the use of an intercom system with a camera, which is used on the front door. All interior doors have security fobbed access. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children, including the use of passwords. Those children who go on outings are well protected as staff are vigilant and encourage good practices, such as holding hands. All staff have attended child protection training and demonstrate a sound understanding of associated issues. Consequently, children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All safety equipment is in place, which reduces the risk of accidents. This includes door hinge protectors and electrical socket covers. Staff respond positively to hazards in order to protect children. An example of this is where spilt sand is swept up to prevent children slipping. Risk assessments take place for indoor and outdoor play areas as well as for outings. These ensure children stay safe. They are able to explore safely using well maintained resources. These are bought from reputable suppliers and are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending. Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from practitioners not to climb on furniture, road safety activities and regular fire

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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 drill practices. This positively contributes to children developing a sense of danger and how to keep themselves safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time at the nursery and are happy to participate in the activities and experiences provided. These include sharing books, painting with water and using the computer. Children's artwork is attractively displayed, which builds their self-esteem and encourages a feeling of belonging. Staff are starting to implement a new system for planning, which follows the children's interests. This is being developed in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework for younger children and the Foundation Stage for older ones. Staff make written observations of individual children and use these to inform future planning. Consequently, children are encouraged to make progress whilst having fun. Although this method of planning is still in its early stages of development, staff are working towards an effective system. Each child has an individual file to reflect their progress. However, all of these are not up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This results in them not showing a true record of children's achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children in each of the three rooms are encouraged to participate in creative activities, such as collage, play dough and painting. They have fun and develop coordination as they explore textures and use small tools, including pastry cutters and different sized paint brushes. Staff extend activities, for instance, providing opportunities for children to dig in the garden and nurture plants. This increases their knowledge of the natural world. Children delight in using their imagination as they pretend to hide the dolls from the imaginary tigers, in case they 'nibble their toes'. Children’s communication skills are fostered through various activities, including songs and rhymes. This results in good interactions between themselves and staff. Toys are stored at the children's height, which encourages free choice and independence. However, resources are not all labelled effectively. This has a negative impact on developing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's recognition skills. Babies’ interest is encouraged through a wide variety of man-made and natural resources. Their senses are stimulated, for instance, as staff enable them to touch, see and listen to the wind chimes outside. Staff interact with children in a positive way, which supports and develops their knowledge and understanding in all areas of their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well settled in the friendly environment. An effective induction procedure is in place, which is tailored for each child and their family. Sufficient effective support is given, which nurtures children’s independence. Examples of this are where staff encourage younger children to drink using a cup without a lid, and older children to put on their own coats. All children are included in the wide variety of experiences provided, fostering a sense of achievement and enjoyment. Children show concern for each other, for instance, when they give each other a hug. The staff's confident approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a wide selection of resources and the celebration of different festivals. Staff have experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, and show a positive attitude to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

providing an inclusive environment. They liaise closely with parents and other professionals to meet individual needs well.

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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 Consistent behaviour management ensures children understand right from wrong. They are encouraged to consider the consequences of their words and actions for themselves and others. The staff's good understanding of their individual personalities promotes effective behaviour management. Excellent relationships with parents and carers are highly beneficial to the continuity of care that the children receive. Staff make written notes about each child's day, which is then shared with parents and carers before they go home. This ensures they are fully informed of activities participated in, sleep patterns and meal times. A notice board for parents holds an array of information, which is supplemented with regular newsletters. Parental feedback is encouraged in a variety of ways, including a suggestions box and questionnaires. High

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Helping children make a positive contribution

emphasis is put on partnership with parents and carers, which has a positive impact on children’s overall well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. Each of the three main playrooms have been arranged to give children a range of opportunities. They can play independently or with others as they choose. The layout of the rooms is reviewed to ensure individual children's needs are met. An example of this is where a quiet area with large cushions has been developed for the older children. The flexible routine incorporates time to use the sensory room and soft play area. Consequently, children have opportunities to be boisterous and have quiet reflective periods. Visits to places of interest, such as the farm, broadens children's experiences. The wide range of permanent resources is regularly supplemented with seasonal items, including fir cones. This inspires children to explore and investigate.

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Organisation

Staff are employed through a robust recruitment procedure, which ensures they are suitably qualified and have completed relevant vetting procedures. Consequently, children are appropriately safeguarded. Staff have a range of experiences, which has a positive impact on the high quality of care provided. This complements their ongoing commitment to training. Policies and procedures are reviewed and individual documentation stored confidentially. This ensures children’s well-being and privacy are respected throughout.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the provider was asked to ensure that any room used by the children undergoes a risk assessment and safety check, and that all issues are addressed before children are allowed access. Risk assessments are in place for each of the rooms used by children and any issues addressed. This has a positive impact on keeping children safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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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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): • ensure children have free access to drinking water • continue to develop planning • ensure all developmental files are regularly completed to show a true picture of children's progress • continue to develop effective labelling of resources.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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