Cavendish Lodge Nursery School

Cavendish Lodge Nursery School Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338408 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2007 Inspection date Sarah Street Inspector

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52 Lewin Road, London, SW16 6JT Setting Address

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0208 835 8500 Telephone number cavlodge@btconnect.com E-mail Cavendish Lodge Nursery School Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care 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?

Cavendish Lodge Nursery School is run by individual proprietors. It opened in February 2007 and operates from a converted house in Streatham Common, London.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are six base rooms. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for 51 weeks of the year, excluding bank holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 65 children may attend at any one time. There are currently 40 children from 6 months to 5 years on roll. The nursery supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs 6 members of staff. Of these, 4 hold appropriate early years qualifications and 2 are working towards a qualification.

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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 outstanding. Children are developing an excellent understanding of healthy eating as they regularly participate in the growing and preparation of food. Children have their own garden where they are growing fruit, vegetables and herbs. In their own children's kitchen, daily cooking activities help children take an interest in meal preparation and the enjoyment eating home cooked food brings. For example, children become absorbed in the preparation of a fruit salad. They name the fruits, competently and eagerly cut them and place them into their individual bowls. Staff encourage children's learning as they discuss shape, size and colour. All children have freshly cooked, well balanced meals. Excellent procedures ensure staff meet all the children's dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive because staff follow highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical and health needs. Excellent use is made of the outdoor area which ensures children have regular access to fresh air. In the garden children happily dig in the soil, crawl through the tunnel and manoeuvre ride-on toys. On the covered balcony area children are able to play out in all weathers. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children develop their understanding of hygiene and staying healthy. For example, children brush their teeth after meals. Staff are vigilant in reminding children to wash their hands before food preparation and after using the toilet. Access to hot water, liquid soap and paper towels effectively minimises the risk of cross infection. Children who become unwell are very closely monitored. This allows staff to take prompt action if a condition worsens.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accidents are effectively dealt with as several staff have first aid training. Well stocked first aid boxes are accessible in the premises and on outings. The sharing of accident records with parents enables them to watch for any further symptoms which may develop. Rigorous procedures ensure that children do not receive too many doses of medicine. For example, when a parent completes a medication consent form they have to state when they last gave their child a dose.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Risks of accidental injury are minimised because staff are extremely vigilant and use comprehensive risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. For example, several staff closely supervise the children when they use the stairs and agency staff have to confirm their identity before entering the premises. Staff remove any animal soiling before children use the garden and regularly monitor children as they sleep. Daily opening checklists ensure the premises are safe before children arrive. Excellent procedures help keep children safe. For example, staff are extremely vigilant in ensuring that all children wear hats and sun cream when playing in the garden. Highly effective evacuation procedures ensure staff can manage emergency situations. Regular evacuation drills take place at various times of the day. An easily accessible emergency evacuation bag is available. Staff are able to use this to help keep the children safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

while contacting the emergency services and parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in very clean premises where excellent procedures ensure areas stay clean during the day. For example, staff clean the children's bathroom several times during the day recording when they have done so. Children use an excellent range of high quality equipment appropriate

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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 to their age and stage of development. Children are able to make choices as they confidently select from low level shelves and baskets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Knowledgeable staff are able to protect children from possible abuse. All staff attend child protection training and through discussion demonstrate a very good understanding of when they may have concerns. They are fully aware of their responsibility to promptly inform senior staff. Referral procedures and the settings commitment to protecting children give top priority to their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good relationships with staff who obviously enjoy their time with the children. Staff interact warmly with the children responding promptly to their needs. For example, when babies are upset staff promptly pick them up for a cuddle, talking warmly as they do so. Children are happy and confident to approach staff who respond with interest and enthusiasm. When playing in the sand tray children talk about the seaside. The staff member joins them and suggests they can pretend to be there. Lots of happy laughter takes place as the children pretend to undress and climb into the sand pit.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a varied range of activities which interest them. Appropriate adult support encourages concentration and development. Babies and toddlers happily explore puzzles, musical instruments, shape sorters, wheeled toys, puppets and books. Older children happily make choices. For example, in the art room several children take part in different activities. One chooses to play with the water while other children confidently design collages selecting feathers, shapes and tissue paper from the well resourced shelves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the Birth to three framework. Written plans refer to the framework and demonstrate that staff plan a varied range of activities which link to the children's interests. Staff use their written observations to monitor individual progress. Parents develop an understanding of the purpose of activities as staff provide written information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued as staff are aware of their individual needs and take time to support these. For example, when a child says he does not like the story he has just heard staff ask which he would like and then read it. In the baby room staff are aware of individual personalities and explain these to agency staff. Children who speak English as an additional language receive good support as staff use sign language to communicate and obtain familiar words from parents. Resources and books help children develop a positive view of the diversity of society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are polite. Staff are positive role models who calmly deal with any behaviour incidents. Clear explanations help children to develop an understanding of the impact their behaviour has. Children learn about the importance of good manners as staff prompt please and thank you and give praise when it is said. The written behaviour management statement is in place. However, it does not refer to bullying and this is a requirement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are made to feel welcome as friendly staff greet them. Effective links ensure children receive consistent care. Parents receive daily verbal and written feedback and are aware of the routine as this is on display. Parents are aware of the polices and procedures as these are in an

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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 accessible folder. Newsletters encourage an exchange of information and parent consultation meetings enable staff and parents to discuss their own child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Staff work well as a team and communicate clearly to ensure they meet the needs of the children. The clear recruitment procedure ensures that staff working with the children are suitable to do so. Effective induction ensures that all staff are aware of policies as well as their roles and responsibilities. The setting demonstrates their commitment to ongoing professional development as they attend courses. They encourage unqualified staff to work towards a childcare qualification. Staff deployment is generally effective. However, there are times at the start of the day when the setting do not maintain ratios in the baby room.

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Organisation

All legally required paperwork which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place. In addition the setting has additional polices to encourage the effective running of the nursery.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

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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): • include reference to bullying in the behaviour management statement • ensure ratios are maintained at all times in the baby room.

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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 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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