Tuffkid

Tuffkid Inspection report for early years provision

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EY216919 Unique Reference Number 05 July 2007 Inspection date Deborah Wilkinson Inspector

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3 Western Avenue, Golders Green, London, NW11 9HG Setting Address

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E-mail

Tuffkid Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Sessional care Type of 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

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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 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?

Tuffkid is a private nursery run by the Kisharon Charity Ltd. It operates from a purpose converted house in a residential street in Golders Green in the borough of Barnet, and serves the orthodox Jewish community.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 26 children attend the nursery which is open each week day during term times between the hours of 09: 00 and 13:00. Currently there are 25 children aged from two to under five years on roll, of these 18 receive nursery education funding. The nursery actively promotes the integration of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has places reserved for children under this criteria. The setting also supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs nine staff including the manager, deputy and administrator, seven of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. A speech therapist, an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist regularly work with the children in accordance with their individual education plans and a music teacher visits weekly.

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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 Ongoing support is provided by the early years advisory teacher, the Pre School Learning Alliance and the area SENCO.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well protected from the risk of infection because staff follow clear procedures and carry out effective hygiene practice. Children are encouraged to learn about the importance of hand washing and other aspects of personal care from an early age and are familiar with daily routines. Children's welfare is protected by staff who act in their best interests should they become ill and there are written health policies that all staff adhere to. The premises are clean and bright, however some of the resources require cleaning.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's wellbeing is safeguarded by the thorough systems in place to deal with accidents and any medication given.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy snack of fruit with a drink of milk or water during the session, and bring a packed lunch which they eat before going home. Staff sit with the children and talk about the food they are eating and how the fruit and vegetables they bring are good for them and taste nice. Guidance about the type of foods to provide is given to parents and fresh drinking water is always available.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children have opportunities to get fresh air and exercise when they have fun in the outside playground. They practise their physical skills when they balance on the low beams, use the climbing frame and slide, ride bikes or pedal cars. During the music sessions children have opportunities to dance, stretch and move to music, and each week they use the swimming pool in a local school. Children are also divided into small groups to use the soft play room within the nursery.

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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 secure setting and are well supervised. They use the space with confidence and are able to play in safety and comfort because staff take good practical precautions to protect them. Children enjoy using a range of equipment that is safe and generally well maintained. The organisation of the equipment in low storage units ensures children are able to help themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the good overall safety awareness of staff who effectively minimise the risk of accidents. A record is kept of visitors to the nursery and daily sheets log children's arrival and departure times, however these are not always fully completed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare of children is positively safeguarded. Staff have a good understanding of Child Protection issues with up to date written procedures to follow if there are any concerns about a child.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children come into the nursery happily. They are very familiar with their surroundings and settle quickly at the activities. The programme is planned to enable all children to participate at their own level according to their needs and abilities. Staff know the children well and monitor their progress through observations and planning for individuals. A varied programme is provided that is based around the Jewish calendar and linked to themes. For example when following the life cycle of the butterfly which have been hatched from eggs in the nursery, children make butterflies by dripping paint onto paper. They shape caterpillars out of play dough, bake butterfly biscuits and listen to the story of the 'Hungry Caterpillar', linking this into the Jewish day by talking about the blessings, and did the caterpillar say these before he ate the food?

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy exploring a range of play materials that offer them different sensory experiences. They listen to music and dance. When making their chickens they practise blowing the feathers to make them fly. Sand is available both inside and out and clay is made into pots which are decorated and planted with daffodil bulbs. Children paint at the easel using different colours, or use just water when they have large brushes to paint the fence. Children’s independence and self confidence are fostered by their access to resources and they help themselves from the easily reached shelves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The overall quality of teaching and learning is good. Children participate in interesting and worthwhile activities and are making steady progress. Staff are starting to develop plans which show how activities are linked to the learning goals. However, the evaluation of activities is informal so no written records are available as a reference point for staff. Individual observations are completed and staff collate portfolios for each child which provide a photographic record of progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children communicate well. They are able to listen to others and contribute their own ideas. Two talk about their visit to their new school and the pictures they drew there. Staff develop children's vocabulary when they ask does the chick feel spiky? and do you know what multi-coloured means? The children enjoy story times and use a selection of books. Children have seen examples of different languages that reflect the diverse makeup of the group, and examples of free art work are displayed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Size and shape are explored as children use the velcro squares and circles to make a bus, and they join in the song 12345, when a member of staff starts to sing spontaneously. During the baking activity they look at the recipe which has pictures and numbers by the list of ingredients, and know if they roll the dough too thin it will stick to the table and they won't be able to pick it up. During the music session children count when they match the animal cards and recognise the written numerals when looking at the birthday chart.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about the natural world through exciting first hand experiences. They observe the pet fish and gerbils and see the newly hatched chicks that live under the light in the office. They discover about food processes, visiting the supermarket to choose the ingredients for fruit salad and enjoying the doughnuts brought in by the local baker. The children have great fun being encased in giant bubbles during a show brought to them by the Science Museum and they enjoy visits from the children who will start at the nursery the next term. Children are starting to learn about technology when they use the computer.

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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 The role play area is very popular and the children are busy, baking and making tea. They play well together, two are a family looking after their doll baby, others dress up in multi coloured wigs and hats. The selection of resources is good, however children cannot easily see what dressing up is available as there is currently no provision for hanging up the clothes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The partnership with parents is outstanding and this enhances the children's experiences in the nursery. Due to planning restrictions, parents are not permitted to drive to, or park outside the nursery en masse, so children are collected from and delivered back to a central point by mini bus. To inform parents about the inspection the notice was displayed on the bus and contact made by phone. As a result eleven parents sent letters to the nursery, all were united in their praise for the nursery and the care provided. Comments included; Tuff Kid is a place full of love and passion where each child is celebrated for their own special ways and talents; dedicated, highly motivated staff who are patient and caring; the consistent happy atmosphere and the rich programme that has enhanced my child's social skills; staff have been able to instil values such as tolerance, patience, ability to give and share with others; children learn an

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Helping children make a positive contribution

incredible number of things; I appreciate my child being part of an integrated approach; my child comes home full of excitement; the news letter allows parents to continue and reiterate things children have learned; my child has flourished; the head teacher is to be commended for her role in managing the staff, one can feel the true sense of team work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's needs are very well known and understood by the staff team. Home visits made prior to the children starting at the nursery and the comprehensive information that is recorded is used to provide appropriate care for each child and helps them settle. Excellent communication systems are in place. Parents receive an information guide when they make their initial enquiry and a detailed handbook is provided when children start. Also available are the comprehensive policies and procedures. Staff talk to parents each day when children are collected from the mini bus and there is an open door policy with parents encouraged and welcomed to visit and participate in the nursery day. The weekly newsletter details the activities that the children have been involved in informing parents of the themes followed and what children have learned. Each child's portfolio provides a photographic record of their progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to value their own and others differences and similarities in highly effective ways. This is due to the philosophy of integration and the excellent planning to ensure the inclusion of all children in all aspects of the programme. During circle time the children learn a new song about each child being special and different. They respond eagerly when asked what colour eyes they have, and are engrossed as the member of staff talks to them explaining, some people are special because they have special chairs, some are special because they have lovely smiles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children relate extremely well to each other. They are accomplished at taking turns and including everyone during group activities such as circle times. The staff support them very positively, constantly praising their good behaviour for example "that's lovely dancing and wonderful balancing, I like the way you listen so carefully". Valuing the children's contributions helps them to build their confidence and self esteem. The children learn about taking care of other living things when they look at the week old chicks, some stroking them gently with their fingers, marvelling at the softness. Children see the positive results of their kindnesses and good behaviour both at home and in the group when post it notes recording these acts are attached to the tree on the nursery door.

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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 The philosophy of inclusion and the high staff ratios ensure that children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are extremely well cared for. The staff team have a sound knowledge of each child's specific needs and the individual education plans identify the targets that are to be aimed for. Staff work closely with the parents and the therapists to ensure children are fully integrated and helped to achieve their potential. The children are very happy, they participate in activities helped by staff when necessary, and thrive in the secure, caring environment. Staff liaise closely with parents using daily link books to record all aspects of the child's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's spiritual, moral, social and emotional development is fostered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The leadership and management of the setting is good. Children benefit from the positive relationships they have with staff, and the high ratios and deployment of the adults throughout the nursery ensures that all children receive individual attention.

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Organisation

Staff are enthusiastic and organised sharing responsibilities and supporting each other in the care of the children. There are opportunities to discuss their work at regular staff meetings and during individual appraisals. There is a commitment to develop staff's knowledge and skills through training and they have regular inset days and attend a variety of courses. Further support is provided by the early years advisory teacher, the Pre-School Learning Alliance and the therapists who visit weekly to work with the children.

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Organisation

Children are happy and learning at the nursery which is well organised and resourced. The arrangement of the equipment fosters children's independence. Written policies and procedures are in place to support good practice and promote children's wellbeing.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the following recommendation was made; to ensure that staff hold an appropriate first aid qualification.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the manager has completed a three day course. All other staff did one days training this year, however this does not meet the minimum requirement of 12 hours, this will be addressed and additional training completed.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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): • maintain all the resources are in a clean and hygienic condition • ensure the daily log in sheets for children are accurate

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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): • put in place a system to evaluate activities, that will provide a reference point for staff

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 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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