Little Gems Nursery

Little Gems Inspection report for early years provision

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EY339580 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2007 Inspection date Shaheen Matloob Inspector

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Unique Mill, Belfield Road, Hamer, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL16 2UP Setting Address

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01706 516609 Telephone number nursery@kyp.org.uk E-mail Little Gems 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?

Little Gems Private Nursery operates from within the Kashmir Youth Project Organisation at Unique Mill in the Belfield area of Rochdale. Although autonomous, the nursery is responsible to the organisation and it's committee. The nursery has sole use of the designated nursery area with it's own monitored entrance. Children have access to five playrooms and secure soft impact outdoor play areas. A maximum of 37 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open from 07.30 to 18.00, Monday to Friday, closing all statutory holidays and over the Christmas and New year period.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 29 children aged from three months to under eight years on roll. Children come from the local community and surrounding areas. The nursery currently 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 five members of staff. All of these hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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 good. Staff endeavour to promote good health and hygiene for all children and high levels of hygiene are maintained throughout the nursery. Children learn and understand the simple hygiene practices through daily routines and gentle reminders from staff encourage them to wash their hands before mealtimes and after using the toilet. Children have a secure understanding of personal hygiene and how to keep themselves safe. Children have a clear understanding of personal hygiene and know that hand washing 'keeps your hand clean and stops germs'. Effective hygiene practices, such as the use of anti-bacterial soap and individual paper towels ensures that the high levels of hygiene are maintained. Staff promote dental hygiene and all children brush their teeth after lunch. They know that brushing their teeth 'stops your teeth falling out'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from illness. A clear sickness policy ensures that staff act in the best interest of children who are ill and infectious. For example, records are kept of a child's illness if they fall ill whilst at the nursery, such as temperature checks and any additional medical support. Arrangements for accidents, medication and first aid fully meet requirements and protect and keep children safe.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thoroughly enjoy outdoor play as they participate in vigorous physical activity daily as they make good use of the available outdoor play area. Children have good opportunities to use their bodies as they use a range of play equipment. They develop control and coordination as they use wheeled toys and learn to balance and steer whilst riding a scooter. Effective arrangements are in place to allow children to rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit enormously from a freshly prepared, wholesome and nutritionally balanced diet, which promotes their healthy growth and development. Clear records indicate children's dietary requirements and staff work effectively with parents to meet children's individual needs and preferences. Children are given adequate quantities of food in accordance with their age and needs. Children eat at their own pace and clearly enjoy their food. For example, when questioned about what they enjoy the most at nursery, they reply 'eating'. Mealtimes are a relaxed, happy, social occasion where opportunities for children to develop their social skills and promote language development are maximised. Children learn about healthy eating through discussion and they begin to differentiate between good and bad foods. They know that 'cereal is good for you and sweets and crisps are bad and hurt your tummy'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are offered a warm and welcoming environment where children's work is displayed attractively at child-height to promote a sense of belonging and ownership. The decor is bright, airy and colourful and children have access to good quality furniture which is comfortable and creates an accessible and stimulating environment. Children have access to a broad range of good quality equipment and toys. These are set out attractively on low level tables and clear plastic boxes to allow children to self-select and independently make informed choices about their play. All toys and equipment is checked and sterilised in rotation and are checked before they are set out for weakness and damage to prevent later accidents.

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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 cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. Staff take effective care and action to ensure that the premises remain safe. Daily visual checks and risk assessments ensure that steps are taken to eliminate or control any risks identified. Effective security arrangements mean that children are only released in the care of responsible adults. Children begin to learn about safety and they know that they are not allowed to touch the heaters because 'they are hot' and electrical equipment will 'shock' them. Fire evacuations are carried out periodically and recorded to promote children understanding of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because staff have an adequate understanding of child protection issues. The designated person is aware of their responsibility to safeguard children's welfare in line with relevant legislation. The designated person understands confidentiality issues and that the protection of children is of the utmost priority. However, not all staff have an effective understanding of the nurseries procedures and child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the welcoming setting. They are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children relate well to others as they cooperate and negotiate without adult intervention. They demonstrate care and consideration for each other as they help to push each other on bikes and tractors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children demonstrate a keen interest in technology as they confidently explore and investigate computer equipment. They show excitement as the inspector uses her commuter in the nursery and eagerly gather round to look. Children happily discuss how they 'have got one in my home'. They show competence when using the keyboard to identify letters of their name and control the mouse to create pictures. Children are involved in a range of activities, which support their development and learning. They have good opportunities to use construction materials and enjoy building and connecting using construction materials, such as bolts and washers. They use their imagination skills to create objects of their choice, using the available tools to construct headphones and an aeroplane. Children then place headphones and pretend to listen to music.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore play dough and use manipulative skills to pat, mould, and stretch and pull play dough to create their desired shape. Children use dry flour to ensure their play dough does not stick to the table and relish this activity. They use magnetic equipment as they play a game to catch fish on the end of their magnet. Staff promote numeracy skills as children are encouraged to count the number of spots on their fish, they learn about simple calculations and predictions as they estimate how many spots they think are on the fish and they use language, such as more and less.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are attentive whilst listening to a story 'Down in the jungle'. They show great excitement as they are asked to identify animal noises and staff involve children in the story by asking effective questioning techniques. Children respond with enjoyment and enthusiasm to the story and imitate the animal noises and movement, such as stamping their feet like a rhinoceros.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and included and their individuality is respected. The nursery provides a positive environment which is free from discrimination and children are treated as individuals and their thoughts and opinions are valued. Children feel a sense of belonging and their self-esteem is promoted through positive and sensitive interaction. Staff provide good role models for children and promote their learning about trust and respect. Records completed in partnership with parents contain information about children's religious requirements including diet. All children are encouraged to join in all the activities available and staff modify activities and equipment to ensure that inclusion is promoted. Staff have regard for promoting understanding, respect and awareness of diversity in the planning of activities. They help children to express their cultural and religious identity by providing a wide range of appropriate

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Helping children make a positive contribution

resources and activities, which help them to value diversity. They have access to a range of activities which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. For example, children celebrate festivals and special events through creative activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respond to expectations for their behaviour as staff provide good role models. Children have good relationships with each other and they share resources and negotiate without adult intervention, and play together harmoniously. Children help to tidy up and have a sense of pride as they say 'I am a good boy aren't I, I helped to tidy up'. Staff recognise the importance of positive behaviour and use clear and consistent behaviour strategies to manage children's behaviour. Methods, such as time out, which are supported with sensitive explanations, help children to understand the difference between right and wrong doing, and understand the consequence of their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff foster confidence and promote children's self-esteem through providing praise and encouragement. Children respond to gentle reminders of 'stop, look and shhh' to ensure that children sit and pay attention and take into account other children's needs whilst listening to stories. Good behaviour is rewarded with stickers and an opportunity to take 'Nellie the Elephant' home. As a result, children are consistently well behaved, polite and considerate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. The nursery staff work effectively with parents to support children's individual needs. Parents feel a sense of partnership based on mutual trust and confidence in the staff and setting as a whole. Information about the setting and its provision is provided for parents in the form of a welcome pack. Daily verbal communication and a written progress report provides parents with opportunities to comment about their child's development and keeps them informed of their child's progress and well-being to enhance continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The premises are generally organised well. Indoor and outdoor space is created to maximise play opportunities for children. Staff have a sound understanding of child development and a positive regard for the well-being of children. They spend time talking and playing with children on their level. Required adult: child ratios meet requirements and appropriate staff deployment means that children are fully supported in their care, learning and play.

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Organisation

Staff generally understand and follow the settings clear policies and procedures to protect children, promote their well-being and support them to develop to their full potential. The

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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 majority of legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is available, clear and organised with the exception of complaints records. Record keeping systems are used well to meet children’s needs and keep them safe. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the 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. 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

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): • develop staffs' knowledge of child protection issues and the nurseries procedures • display the complaints policy for parents and keep a log of complaints made.

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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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