Apple Tree Day Nursery Ltd

Apple Tree Day Nursery (Hilbaldstow)

Inspection report for early years provision

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Apple Tree Day Nursery (Hilbaldstow)

Unique Reference Number 955860 Inspection date 15 July 2005 Inspector Rosemary Beyer

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Apple Tree Day Nursery (Hilbaldstow)

Setting Address 18 Brigg Road, Hibaldstow, Brigg, South Humberside, DN20 9PD Telephone number 01652 658 201

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E-mail

Registered person Mr I and Mrs G Cameron Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day 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 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?

Apple Tree Day Nursery (Hibaldstow) is one of two nurseries owned by the same partnership. It opened in August 2001 and operates from five rooms in a large domestic dwelling. It is situated on the main road to Brigg, in Hibaldstow, North Lincolnshire. The nursery is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 all year round, except Bank Holidays. A maximum of 44 children may attend at any one time. There are currently 77

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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 children from 3 months to under 8 years on roll. Of these, 32 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from a wide catchment area, as most of their parents travel to work around the Scunthorpe and Brigg area. The nursery currently supports children with special educational needs. The nursery employs 14 staff. Eleven of the staff hold appropriate early years qualifications, 3 staff are working towards National Vocational Qualifications at level 3 or level 4. The babies and toddlers use the three ground floor rooms, being grouped according to their age and development stage. The pre school children use the two rooms on the first floor, the front room for general play and the rear for role play activities. All children share access to the secure rear outside area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The provision has effective cleaning procedures in place and staff employ good hygiene practice to prevent the spread of infection. The older children wash their hands independently before food and after personal care or outside play. They know they need to cover their mouths when coughing and blow their noses. The pre school children are developing well and their physical control is good. They enjoy a wide range of outside activities to ensure they have fresh air and exercise, with ride-on toys, balancing equipment and role play opportunities provided. The children know they need a healthy diet to grow strong and fit. They enjoy eating the healthy meals, prepared on the premises by staff, and most chose fresh fruit rather than apple pie at lunch time during the inspection. Mid morning and afternoon children help themselves to drinks and healthy snacks from the juice bar in the pre

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Helping children to be healthy

school room, sitting with their friends to enjoy a chat while they eat. Drinks are available all day as needed. The younger children are also developing their physical skills well, all enjoy being outside. The babies play on the grass or if less mobile sit in prams or pushchairs to play. Some babies sleep in prams in the garden, depending on parents' wishes and the weather. The younger children also have a healthy diet, adapted from the main menu to meet their needs. They enjoy healthy snacks, and are encouraged to drink sufficient fluids to prevent dehydration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The staff identify and minimise risks for children both in and out of the nursery. The premises and grounds are secure. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Staff give a high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. The pre school children learn about road safety through

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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 their topic work. The children and babies select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and are easily accessible. Staff carefully monitor and supervise the children's choice of toys to ensure they are suitable for their age and stage of development. They promote and safeguard the children's welfare and have all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, they have appropriate current first aid qualifications and have a secure knowledge of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children and babies settle well. They enter confidently and are comfortable in the setting. They relate well to each other and the staff. The children develop independence as they choose from the wide range of resources and activities available. Staff are starting to use Birth To Three Matters to support the activities for the younger children to promote their learning, such as singing, story telling and mark making. They relish the experience of baking gingerbread men, washing the dolls and using sand, paint and glue. All the children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities such as dancing, listening and moving to music, playing instruments, painting, baking and model making. Children are developing their language well through conversation with both staff and their peers, through questions and suggestions. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is good. Staff have a good knowledge of the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Foundation Stage and of how children learn. Through comprehensive planning, evaluation and assessment, the children's experiences and development are monitored. Activities are planned that are interesting and can be adapted to suit the needs and interests of the children present. The children themselves are enthusiastic, motivated and keen to learn. They enjoy being able to choose activities and are able to make suggestions. They are confident speakers and good listeners, listening avidly to stories read by the staff and contributing when appropriate. They have independent access to a wide range of books in the book corner and use them correctly. All the children understand print carries meaning and use mark making in their everyday activities such as menus in the role play café. Children's mathematical skills are developing well through the use of mathematical language and counting in everyday activities as well as focussed adult led activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They enjoy games about number and shape, and are developing an understanding of addition and subtraction. Creativity is developing well through a wide range of art work, music and role play. The rear room upstairs is used by the children as a shop, travel agent, café, newsagent, hospital or just a home, depending on the current topic. They also enjoy model making, music and singing. Overall the children are making good progress in all the areas of learning. This is

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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 recorded in photographs, children's work and written observations which link well to the stepping stones. Children's work is creatively presented and shared with the parents. Children have individual books for the different topics. Records are used successfully by the staff to inform future planning and also to pick up on any concerns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The preschool children are settled and comfortable with their peers and the staff. They are confident, share, take turns and co-operate when playing, help themselves to drinks and independently visit the toilet. The are developing good social skills and manners. They behave very well, all being clear about what is expected of them. The children are very positive in their relationships. They encourage and praise each other. Children are developing a positive view of the wider world through a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example the children learn about festivals around the world, their own community and through their holiday topic talk about other countries. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is being fostered well. All the babies and toddlers are settled, comfortable with staff and each other. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are confident in the presence of visitors. Older children help the younger ones to learn the procedures of the setting; a new child was helped to settle and follow the lunch time procedure by a more experienced and confident child. Partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. Parents expressed great satisfaction with the care and education provided for their children. Staff are approachable, interested in children's achievements at home and keep parents informed. They like the diaries and record books they receive, and thoroughly enjoy the Sports Day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Leadership and management of the setting is good. The nursery has appropriate paperwork and recording in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. All the children are settled, at home and at ease in the well organised environment, which means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's development is effectively monitored and recorded. Children's care is promoted through the use of information from parents which ensures continuity. Staff ensure parents are kept informed about the child's care and progress, either verbally or through the daily record sheets or diaries. Information is stored securely in the office and staff respect confidentiality. Comprehensive planning, monitoring and assessment systems ensure the children are safe and

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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 enable them to make good progress in all areas of learning. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection policies and procedures for lost children and for allegations against staff have been included in the operational plan and made available to parents. Staff also monitor the temperature of the premises to ensure it is comfortable for the children and babies. A wide range of toys and resources is available to meet the needs of all the children who attend the day nursery, with their individual needs monitored to ensure their development is supported. The outside toys and equipment are well maintained and easily accessible to the children, who enjoy using the garden for role play, digging and balancing games as well as the ride-on toys or climbing frame.

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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): • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the development of young children for example by the implementation of Birth To Three Matters.

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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): • use the outside area to develop children's knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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