Brambles Childcare Centre

Brambles Childcare Centre Ltd Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY283199 Unique Reference Number 02 July 2007 Inspection date Anthea Errington Inspector

p.1

Coquet Enterprise Park, Amble, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 0PE Setting Address

p.1

E-mail

Brambles Childcare Centre Ltd Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Full day care, Out of School care Type of 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

p.2

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.

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 good. 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 good.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Brambles Childcare Centre Ltd has been registered since 2004. It operates from a purpose built unit located within the Coquet Enterprise Park, Amble, Morpeth. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The provision is registered to care for a maximum of 65 children from birth to five years. As well as full day care, the provision also provides out of school care and nursery education provision. A drop off and collection service is provided to and from schools within Amble.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Opening times are 8.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday. The provision closes for one week over the Christmas period. There are currently 137 children on roll; of these, 24 receive nursery education. Children with additional needs and English as a second language are welcomed into the group.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to a main play area organised to provide a range of age-appropriate resources and activities. A separate sleep room is available for younger children and another room is allocated for out of school care. Children can independently access toilets and appropriate nappy changing facilities are also available. A fully resourced kitchen and laundry facilities support the provision.

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 A fully enclosed outdoor area with both grass and paved surfaces provides children with the opportunity for outdoor play and exercise.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the provision follows detailed procedures and practices, which meet their physical, nutritional and health needs. Children's health is well protected because staff have very good and consistent hygiene practices and procedures in place. The very good adult support and guidance helps children gain an understanding of hygiene routines and a desire to be independent in their personal care. Children are made aware of good personal hygiene through positive role modelling provided by the staff, who enthusiastically encourage children to wash their hands at appropriate times.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

A detailed policy is in place regarding the admission of sick children, which helps to minimise the risk of cross-infection and, therefore, safeguards children's health further. Injured or sick children receive appropriate care because staff members have up-to-date and suitable training in first aid. Most required documentation is in place with regard to accidents and medication.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

A qualified cook, supported by staff with basic food hygiene qualifications, ensures that children enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables are provided on a daily basis. Mealtimes are seen as social occasions where children sit and chatter together, enjoying each others company. Children are encouraged to try new foods and eagerly help themselves to a selection of fruit and yoghurt at snack time.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to take part in stimulating indoor and outdoor physical activities. Staff's good knowledge and understanding of each child's stage of development means children are confident to try out new skills, asking for assistance when needed. Children take part in a range of activities that further contribute to their good health. They are able to develop their physical skills, such as running, jumping and confidently pedalling a tricycle. Children's need for rest is also considered and they are given opportunities to rest according to their needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, welcoming and pleasant environment. They move around freely and safely which assists them to become independent. Floor space is imaginatively and creatively organised into various areas to accommodate suitable age-appropriate activities. For example, the craft area is effectively positioned so that children can independently access and safely play in the area.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff ensure the premises are safe and secure so that children are well protected. Comprehensive safety measures have been taken, for example, there are secure and effective entry systems to the building. Through extensive daily risk assessments, staff ensure all areas accessed by children are very safe. Staff have a very high regard for children's safety and have comprehensive policies and procedures in place.

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 Children use a wide variety of good quality equipment, appropriate to their ages and stages of development. It is regularly monitored to ensure it is safe and well maintained. Toys and resources are replaced, updated and added to, on a regular basis.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff display a high level of awareness with regard to their role and responsibility in protecting children from harm, therefore, children are efficiently safeguarded. Staff have completed relevant training and there are comprehensive policies and procedures in place.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals; their needs and preferences are thoughtfully incorporated into the organisation of the daily routine. Children are motivated, enthusiastic and happy in their play, through the staff members providing a good standard of care. They receive purposeful attention which helps to develop their confidence and feelings of self-worth, ensuring that they feel good about themselves and their abilities. The children's social skills are being further developed as they confidently interact with their peers.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A range of stimulating activities is well-organised; they provide the children with good levels of challenge appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Children use a range of art and craft materials in many ways to make interesting pictures and models. For example, they thoroughly enjoy playing with cornflour, food colouring and water. Staff use skilful questioning to develop children's understanding of texture and colours. Children's artwork is clearly displayed and daily discussions, children's files and photographs, keep parents informed about the activities their children have experienced.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Staff plan activities well and skilfully incorporate the areas of learning into activities. Staff use clear and appropriate language and guidance which positively promotes children's learning and development. For example, children thoroughly enjoy role play with staff members, which is linked to the story of the 'Runaway train'. They excitedly chatter to one another as they pretend to sit on the train to visit the Metro Centre. Staff skilfully use this opportunity to encourage children's language and thinking skills. Children gain confidence in their abilities and build very positive relationships with their peers and staff.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Planning and assessment are good and are used to provide children with activities that bring challenges which are appropriate to their levels of development. Individual targets for each child are identified by the key worker who works with them to achieve their goal. Staff use detailed observations and children's progress is clearly recorded, so staff are aware of areas for development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The nursery environment is well defined, containing a good range of resources which are readily accessible to the children. Staff are friendly and courteous and act as good role models.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a sense of belonging and confidently make attachments to members of the group. They form good relationships with adults and show concern for their peers. Children confidently initiate interactions, for example, they welcome visitors to the nursery, sharing toys and resources with them. Children are able to operate well within the environment and take responsibility for their own self-care. They happily approach staff when requiring assistance. For example, they know when to request a change of clothes, following a water play activity.

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 Children enjoy story time and enthusiastically participate when appropriate to do so. They regularly select books to look at alone or to share with a member of staff. They have opportunities to write for purpose and are beginning to form letters; mark making resources are consistently available for them to develop their skills. They have free exploration of creative resources and thoroughly enjoy painting pictures. Children think about what they are saying and use language to relive past experiences. For example, they talk about past experiences as they discuss the modes of transport they used for holidays.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children recognise simple shapes and colours and sort resources according to their size and colour. For example, they place the correct coloured 'dog figures' into groups, place them on their fingers exclaiming 'This is the big one and this is the tiny one'. Children show an interest in simple number calculations as they add one more 'dog figure' to their group, stating 'now there are two dogs'. They confidently count to three before songs, however, they are not given the opportunity to develop their counting skills further.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children efficiently use one-handed tools and equipment, such as paintbrushes, pens and pencils. They show sufficient awareness of using information and communication technology. For example, they press the buttons on the till whilst enjoying role play. Children competently use construction toys with a purpose in mind and talk about people familiar to them. For example, they 'make a birthday cake' with the bricks, stating 'this is for my mum's birthday'.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and staff aim to ensure all children feel welcome, happy and settled in the provision. Staff work very closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Children are beginning to develop an awareness and understanding of the wider world, as they have access to a sufficient range of multicultural resources. They learn about the community they live in through walks to local resources, such as the beach, harbour and town centre.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the staff's very positive attitude towards diversity and to respecting individual needs and differences. From discussion, staff members display very good knowledge and understanding of caring for children with additional needs who are valued as individuals.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. Children interact very well with the staff members, who skilfully and purposefully make use of praise and encouragement which helps to further develop children's good behaviour and self-esteem. Children are learning respect for each other; for example, they hug one another when sorry for their actions. A comprehensive behaviour management procedure is in place and shared with parents to keep them fully informed of the group's procedures. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Parents are extremely positive about the very good quality care their children receive. Staff are very friendly and approachable; they are always willing to spend time talking to parents and responding to any questions or queries. A range of information is displayed on the parents noticeboards and they receive regular newsletters, as well as receiving a detailed information booklet which informs them about the service provided and most policies and procedures. To further improve communication, parents are invited to an open day to discuss the care and nursery education that their child receives. They have access to their child's development files and plans are clearly displayed.

p.5

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

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Leadership and management are good. The managers offer very good support and motivation to help build the committed and very positive staff team. They have a good awareness of strengths and weaknesses and are committed to making appropriate improvements. Staff have an extremely professional approach to their work and the daily care and education of the children. They are well aware of their roles through good communication and regular team meetings. This is reflected in the service provided, the very well-organised childcare areas, the effective safety measures taken and in the very good range of quality resources and equipment provided.

p.6

Organisation

The grouping of children and the effective deployment of staff reflects and meets children's individual needs. Children can safely access play areas and have sufficient space to move around freely and independently.

p.6

Organisation

The provision is aware of the need to maintain, display and keep documentation including a record of complaints. All relevant documentation is in place, including comprehensive policies and procedures, however, this does not include Ofsted's correct contact details.

p.6

Organisation

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

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the group was asked to practise, record and establish a meeting point for fire evacuation purposes. Parents were to be made fully aware of the group's policies and procedures and to sign all accident details.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

Children's safety is now further protected as the provision has updated its fire evacuation procedure and a safe meeting point has been identified. Parents are kept fully informed and receive copies of policies and procedures within the parents information booklets. Accident details are fully completed and contain parents' signatures.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

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 good. 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 good.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND 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.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 details are correct within the policies and procedures.

p.7

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): • provide further opportunities for children to develop their counting skills.

p.7

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

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