Kingswood Day Nursery

Kingswood Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY283772 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2008 Inspection date Christine Tipple Inspector

p.1

C/o David Lloyd Leisure Club, Gibraltar Road, Kingswood Retail Park, Hull, North Humberside, HU7 3DB

p.1

E-mail

Asquith Court Nurseries Limited Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Full day care, Crèche 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?

Kingswood Day Nursery, Hull is part of a national chain privately managed by Asquith Nurseries Limited. It opened in 1999 and operates from six self contained rooms which are sited in the David Lloyd Leisure centre, on a large industrial estate in Kingswood, east Hull.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 85 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07.30 to 18.00 for most of the year which includes a sessional crèche service for parents who use the leisure centre. There is an enclosed outside area for all the children to access.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 121 children aged from birth to under five years on roll. Of these 26 children receive funding for nursery education. The nursery supports children for whom English is an additional language.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs 23 staff. Of these 19 hold early years qualifications and seven staff are attending further training to extend their current qualifications. The nursery has completed the Quality Counts Accreditation Scheme and they are members of the National Day Nursery Association.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well supported in all aspects of their health and hygiene practices in the nursery. The clear routines and facilities in place enable the children and staff to manage these effectively on a day to day basis. Older children have a good level of independence in managing their personal care and know the reasons why they need to wash their hands, such as after activities and using the bathroom. Nappy changing procedures in place are clear and staff use disposable gloves and aprons for each change. Laundry of the bedding used by individual children is done on a daily basis so it is clean for each child. Clear details are provided on the care of children when ill and the appropriate exclusion periods required before a child returns, which is effective in minimising cross infection. Additional information is displayed for parents to keep them up dated with any current infections, such as mumps. Children have regular activities that support

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

them in understanding about keeping healthy through their diet and exercise.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to be outside and have exercise and fresh air, but there is not yet continuous access for all the children. The babies go outside which is monitored by staff and is dependent on the weather. The nursery have a range of good fixed equipment which promotes effectively the children's larger muscle skills in their climbing, balancing, running and in developing their spatial awareness. They access peddle equipment, balls and bats, as well as crates to build and climb on, along with other related physical games. The positive use of space indoors for the younger children and the relevant furniture enable them to crawl and pull themselves up and be free to be mobile. The range and selection of well presented smaller tools and equipment provide all the children with ongoing opportunities to extend and develop their smaller muscle skills as well as their hand and eye coordination in a

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy snacks and hot meals every day. There are two menus provided, one for the summer and one for winter which are displayed for parents. The food provided has been assessed for its nutritional value by a nutritionist. The children have a variety which includes fish, such as salmon and cod pie as well as rice, pasta and meat dishes. The children have a range of vegetables with their meals which are thoroughly enjoyed by them. The older children serve themselves at meal times and manage very well with their knives and forks. Snack time is a fruit platter which again is self service except for the youngest children. A selection of sandwiches, fruit and yogurts are some of the choices provided at teatime. Children have their own drink bottles which are filled with water and these are accessible all day for them. Staff sit with the children at mealtimes and this is promoted as a positive social

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

time for the children. Dietary needs are well recorded and additional plans in place ensure clear details of children's allergies are listed for staff to monitor on a daily basis.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in well maintained, warm surroundings which have good natural light. Each room is self contained and the space is effectively organised to meet and support the developmental and learning needs of the children. The children access a range of resources, toys and equipment which are well presented and provide a good selection, variety and balance for the children overall. The nursery have developed an inspiring range of natural resources

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 and equipment for the children. Provision for children to eat and sleep is well managed and little tables and chairs enable the youngest children to sit and eat and play together.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is managed efficiently by the staff who are conscientious in their approach. A detailed and well informed policy and risk assessments are in place for both inside and outside. There is a health and safety member of staff appointed who overseas all daily checks with staff in their rooms, and keeps up to date with health and safety requirements which links into the company's risk management operations. The children participate regularly in the evacuation procedure with staff which is instigated through the leisure centre. Staff check the children when asleep and for the under two year olds this is recorded every ten minutes. Activities and visitors to the nursery provide the children with experience of safety issues, such as road safety and what to do in an emergency situation. The emergency services visit the nursery and provide the children with first hand experiences of the fire engine and ambulance and how they assist

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

people. Children help to tidy up and are informed about using tools and resources in a safe way, such as scissors and the stapler. This encourages them to take a level of responsibility for their own safety in the nursery.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The nursery have a detailed policy and procedures in place for the safety and well being of the children which is currently being reviewed. Staff have regularly attended child protection training to ensure they keep up to date and informed of their roles and responsibilities in relation to concerns about a child in their care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The babies and toddlers arrive very happy at the nursery and settle quickly to their activities. The baby room environment provides a rich, stimulating and calm place where the babies have space to move around and access a wide range of natural resources. They choose these from a lovely selection of floor level baskets. These provide them with a variety of sensory experiences which promote and enable the babies to express themselves enthusiastically, such as banging the wooden spoon on the metal lid. The wonderful relationships established with the key worker and the babies enhances their security and ongoing development. They have regular cuddles and close contact, such as when they are fed and when they are tired. The staff continue to talk and engage the children when they change their nappies. This approach and commitment by the staff fully promotes the babies' sense of belonging and self assurance very effectively.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The staff use the 'Birth to three matters' framework which is implemented effectively in providing a varied and fun curriculum for the children in this age group. The staff support and enable the toddlers and older children to become confident communicators and learners through their positive play experiences. The good range of low furniture enables the children to self select and make choices from the range of well presented resources and activities in place which supports their developing independence and confidence. Communication and language is fully promoted through the positive relationships formed with the staff and children in engaging them about what they are doing, what they see and think. The staff regularly observe and assess the children's progress and this informs staff of the next steps for each child. This approach is currently being reviewed to ensure this links effectively to the areas of development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The teaching and learning is good. Children are motivated and interested in what they do. Staff are informed and have a sound understanding of the Foundation Stage and how children learn

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 and progress. They provide the children with a variety of activities and resources which are linked to areas of learning. Children make decisions on what they do and this is promoted through continuous play opportunities. The children are involved in their learning through their interests being recognised by staff who provide additional information and resources to extend their interest further, such as 'the bear hunt' story. The children's key worker observes them on a regular basis and this information is collated into the six early learning goals. This provides staff with the information on individual children's next steps and planning for their individual needs. However, the observations and assessment process does not always link effectively to the stepping stones of where children are in each stage of their learning and progress.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy their role play and are actively engaged in what they do in acting out and expressing themselves. Children and staff interact well and this enables the children to be confident in their language and communication skills. Children use books and enjoy having stories read to them as well as looking at them by themselves. Children self register on arrival and have some opportunities to write their name on their work. Mark making is promoted through a suitable selection of resources and mediums which they have free access to through the day. Numbers and mathematical language are encouraged through activities, such as numbers on the clock and the magnetic board. Children calculate the number of knives and forks required for the table at lunch time. The sand, water play and baking activities offer the children additional experiences of weight, volume, shape and size.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have appropriate provision to plant and grow both flowers and vegetables. They have a selection of equipment to explore and investigate their surroundings. The weather chart provides the children with an understanding of the changing seasons. There is a selection of construction materials of different sizes and the children enjoy building and putting together tracks for the cars and trains and to make enclosures for the animals to live in. There is some programmable equipment in place and this continues to be reviewed which includes replacing the computer. Children have good opportunities to be creative and use their ideas in what they do. There is a selection of paints and other materials and mediums for the children to explore and use in their creations. The children have additional props, such as puppets and other small world resources which promote their imaginary skills effectively. Children are confident in

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

talking about their families and those close to them and where they have visited for their holidays.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The staff in each of the rooms in the nursery know the children and their families well. These positive relationships benefit the children in meeting their individual needs. The younger children's sleeping and feeding routines and other needs are discussed, and these are changed as required through ongoing discussion with parents. There is a varied range of resources and displays that promote diversity effectively in the nursery. Children for whom English is an additional language are well supported and staff work with parents to provide an inclusive environment for all who attend.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children celebrate a range of occasions through the year which includes other cultures. Visitors come into the nursery, such as the dentist and students with different animals from the agricultural college. Children have some outings in their community, for example, visits to the theatre and local supermarket. Children take part in a range of causes through sponsored activities and they sponsor a child in another country.

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 Children behave well and this is well supported through the caring relationships they have with the staff. The toddlers and older children are familiar with the routines and expectations in place. Staff have worked with them in addressing behaviour which is not acceptable and for them to take a level of responsibility for this. The use of egg timers ensures there is a fair approach for the children in accessing a resource or activity. Children have a positive attitude to taking turns and this is also evident with the younger children in their development of learning to share. Manners are used positively by the children and the older children wait for each other to serve their lunch before starting. Staff are skilled in promoting the positives with the children through effective and meaningful praise and encouragement which develops their

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

self-esteem and confidence effectively. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. There is a very good range of information provided when parents register their children with the nursery which includes the company's information and the nursery's own parent handbook. The nursery promotes a positive open door approach with parents. The policies and procedures are clearly displayed which are informed and detailed and promote the children's welfare and safety. The range of information outside each of the rooms is more limited. There is information for parents about their child's key worker, the weekly planning sheet linked to the 'Birth to three matters' and the Foundation Stage, and menus for the food provided through the week. The other displays around the nursery are more detailed and have photos of the children engaged in their activities. The key worker system is well established and effective in providing the parents with a consistent contact person for

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good settling in programme which supports both the children and parents at this time. Staff work well with parents enabling them to stay with their children as long as it takes. Contact with the staff in their children's rooms and the daily sheets completed by them provide parents with meaningful ongoing information about their children's day and enables them to discuss any other points or issues they may have. There are open evenings in the year and this enables parents to see their children's files in more detail and discuss their progress. There is a monthly newsletter which has additional relevant information relating to individual rooms. Other events, such as social occasions are organised through the year to include and involve parents. Feedback from parents is very positive; they value the continuity of the staff and the caring and supportive relationships their children have formed as they talk about the staff and

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

other children and what they have done at nursery. Their children are happy and enjoy coming to nursery.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the nursery. The space and facilities effectively meet the needs of all the children attending. However, the organisation of the outside areas does not fully provide continuous access or provision for all the children in promoting their ongoing learning experiences. The routines and systems in place are efficient and promote the children's safety and welfare very well. Staff cover is well organised and this provides consistency through lunch and staff breaks as well as staff holidays and sickness. The key worker approach is effective in ensuring children's individual needs are monitored and their developmental progress is fully supported.

p.6

Organisation

Recruitment and selection procedures are robust and effective. All appropriate checks are carried out on both staff and students to ensure they are suitable to work with children. There

p.6

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 is a good induction programme in place for new staff which is supported by the manager in order to complete it within a manageable timescale. Policies and procedures are clear and detailed; they are reviewed as a company to ensure they continue to be up to date in all areas of the nursery operation. All other documentation and records are in place and are monitored to ensure they remain relevant. These are stored securely and maintain confidentiality.

p.6

Organisation

Leadership and management is good. The strength of the nursery is the staff and their positive commitment as a team. They work cooperatively and very well together. They are a consistent group of staff which benefits both the children and their parents. The management and staff provide a shared attitude to the ongoing development of the quality and efficient organisation of the care and education provided. Staff have regular meetings which are recorded and enable staff to contribute. Regular supervision is provided through the year for all the staff and yearly appraisals which are a positive system for staff development. Training is well supported at all levels and this is provided by both outside agencies and through in house training programmes. There is a positive approach to the evaluating and monitoring of the care and education provided, and this is coordinated with the management of the company in providing the support to

p.7

Organisation

develop all areas identified. This looks at both the nursery's strengths and those areas which need to improve. All staff share in this approach so they feel their comments and contributions are valued. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

The last care report recommended the nursery: revise the medical form to include parents' signatures to acknowledge when medication is given to their children; to improve the use of the visitor's book to ensure a record of all those persons who visit the nursery is recorded; and for staff to review the risk assessments particularly the storage of knives.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

Staff have revised the medication log to include clear details of parents' signatures both for consent to administer medication and to acknowledge when given. The knives are kept in a container away from the children except when they use them under supervision for cutting up their fruit.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

The last nursery education report recommended the nursery: improve the staff's behaviour management of the children particularly when in larger groups; to increase children's opportunities to access and use larger equipment and resources for physical play and construction; and for the nursery to improve planning in the short term to ensure the learning intentions were made clear and that all areas of the curriculum were sufficiently covered.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

Staff have attended in house training to develop skills in relation to managing children's behaviour in certain situations and this has been effective and is reflected in the children's positive behaviour in nursery. The ongoing development of the larger materials and resources provided for the children has increased their experiences in their physical skills effectively. Their access to various construction resources to build and make things from is well used and received by the children. The pre-school planning is currently being reviewed and the short term plans provide sufficient information on the learning intentions for each child and these link to the learning outcomes. The system to ensure the stepping stones are covered and identified on a longer term basis is still not fully implemented by the nursery.

p.7

Improvements 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

p.7

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.8

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.8

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.8

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.8

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

p.8

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): • review the organisation of the outside areas to provide ongoing opportunities for all the children in promoting a continuation of their learning experiences.

p.8

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): • continue to review the recording of individual children's assessment and observations in relation to next steps and how these link to the relevant stepping stones.

p.8

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.8

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.8