Thornleigh Day NurseryOfsted inspection, 30 Aug 2005

Thornleigh Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Thornleigh Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY217276 Inspection date 30 August 2005 Inspector Sandra Elizabeth Williams

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Thornleigh Day Nursery

Setting Address Thornbarrow Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 2EW

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Thornleigh Day Nursery

Telephone number 015394 48399 E-mail carlamilburn1@btopenworld.com Registered person Janice Grant and Carla Milburn Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

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Thornleigh Day Nursery

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

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?

Thornleigh Day Nursery is a privately run nursery which was opened in 2001. It operates from six rooms in a house in Windermere, Cumbria. All children share access to an outdoor play area. The nursery provides out of school care and full day care for children in the Windermere and surrounding area. There are currently 50 children aged from birth to 8 years on roll. The nursery is open from Mondays to Fridays from 8.00 until 17.30 all year round. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently no children attending who have special needs or who speak English as an additional language.

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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 There are eight members of staff who work with the children. All of the staff hold appropriate early years qualifications apart from two, one of whom is currently working towards a qualification. The nursery is a member of the National Day Nurseries Association and is currently working towards the Quality Counts Award.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, very clean environment where staff implement highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Young children demonstrate their developing understanding of good hygiene and personal care as they independently wash their hands before eating their snacks and after using the toilet. Staff support and guidance helps children to gain an excellent understanding of hygiene by acting as good role models. All the staff are able to attend to the children's health and medical requirements as they are trained in first aid and they have good systems in place for recording accidents and medication. Children are developing a good understanding about healthy living as the staff plan and provide activities about being healthy. The children have recently been learning about oral hygiene and have received a smile for life award from the National Health

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Helping children to be healthy

Service. Staff work closely with parents to establish the children's needs in terms of sleep patterns and ensure that the children's routines are catered for and are consistent with their routines at home. Children's physical skills are fostered as they engage in a good range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. The children particularly enjoy playing in the outdoor play area where they have access to a climbing frame, ball games and bikes, all of which provide good opportunities for them to develop their physical skills and gain control of their bodies. The staff encourage the children to develop their physical skills by engaging them in ball games such as throwing, catching and by using the basket ball net. The children also develop their movement skills by undertaking physical exercise in the form of dance and football. Outings to the nearby lake and park provide wonderful opportunities for the children to enjoy the

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Helping children to be healthy

fresh air and exercise in very pleasant surroundings. Children are well nourished because the staff provide extremely appetising and wholesome, home cooked meals such as meat, mashed potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower, followed by fruit and custard. The children enjoy the food so much that they enthusiastically accept second helpings. Children learn about nutrition and the importance of balanced diets as the staff talk to them about foods that are good for them. Staff discourage children from eating processed foods and sweets. Children are also provided with a good range of healthy snacks such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, breadsticks and toast. Children enjoy trying different types of fruit such as kiwis and strawberries.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 help themselves to easily accessible drinking water in their own labelled bottles. Children's special dietary requirements are well met. When children have intolerances to certain foods, the staff work very closely with parents to provide alternative foods for the children.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment where potential hazards are identified and minimised by regular risk assessments. This allows children to move around safely and play independently. Children are provided with well set out play rooms which provide ample space for children to easily and safely access the play equipment, allowing them to make choices and develop their independence. Children use high quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development and which complies with safety standards. Children are protected from harm as the staff regularly check the equipment for any damage or hazards. Equipment is child-sized and play equipment is organised well to ensure that children can access them easily and safely. Children learn to keep themselves safe because staff explain acceptable boundaries. For example, children know that they must tidy up their toys periodically to avoid

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

tripping accidents. They also know that they must not run in the setting or enter the kitchen. All reasonable steps are taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, particularly when they are playing outside. The staff are watchful and vigilant at all times, ensuring that the children are safe as they play. When on outings children are kept safe as the staff talk to them about road safety. They also wear badges indicating that if they are lost they should be returned to the nursery. Children's welfare is given high priority as the staff recognise their responsibilities to protect young children from harm. They have a clear understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect, also who they should contact to report any child protection concerns. The staff take prompt action if they feel that a child is at risk of harm, thus protecting children from abuse or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, happy and enjoy their time in the nursery. Children enjoy very positive relationships with the staff which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because the staff regularly praise them for their achievements and good behaviour. For example, children are presented with stickers for good behaviour. Children's communication skills are very well supported

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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 through high quality adult-child interactions. The children particularly enjoy taking turns to stand up and talk to their peers about what they have done at the weekend. They also like to read stories to each other. This fosters confidence and teaches children to sit and listen to each other. Children show interest in what they do and have a dynamic part to play in the setting. Staff gain the children's opinions about how much they have enjoyed activities. Creative opportunities with paint are popular with the children as they proudly display a large collection of paintings and mobiles that they have recently completed. Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong because the staff teach them to take turns when playing games. The children learn good manners and respect for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

others because the staff act as positive role models. For example, when sitting at the table at lunch time, the staff encourage the children to say please and thank you.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and play a full part in the nursery because staff value and respect their individuality. There is a welcome sign in the entrance hall which is written in several different languages. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes about a diverse society through the activities and resources provided by the staff such as books, dolls and jigsaws. A map of the world displayed on the wall is used to illustrate where children and staff have visited for their holidays. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met. Children with special needs are very well supported. For example, children with hearing difficulties are provided with extra support and the staff work closely with the parents and other professionals in order to maximise the support to these children. Some of the staff extend their communication skills by attending a sing and sign

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Helping children make a positive contribution

course. With support and guidance children are happy to share, take turns during their play, learn to play co-operatively and develop skills in negotiations. For example, when playing games, the children demonstrated self control by waiting their turn. Positive behaviour is encouraged by the use of praise and encouragement. Any behaviour management problems and shared with parents who are encouraged to work with the nursery staff to resolve the difficulty and support the children by providing consistency. Children benefit from the very positive partnership the staff have with the parents. The staff work closely with the parents, sharing information on a daily basis to ensure that the children's individual needs are recognised and their welfare promoted. Staff provide regular information to parents about children's progress and they also send out parental questionnaires to obtain parental views about the setting and the service

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the sound quality of organisation and leadership and management of the provision. Children are relaxed and confident in the environment due to the appropriate organisation for their care and learning. Children's play opportunities are maximised as the staff organise the premises well, thus allowing children to move about easily. Indoor space is well laid out to maximise play opportunities for children, however, the outdoor space is small and this does limit the children's movement slightly if there are large numbers outside at any one time. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. However, the full names of children are not currently recorded in the daily attendance register. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was agreed that a designated member of staff would be appointed to take responsibility for behaviour management issues. This has been addressed and the system ensures that children with any behavioural problems receive the support required. It was also agreed that staffing levels are regularly monitored and maintained at appropriate levels. The manager monitors staffing levels and ensures that ratios are correct at all times which ensures that children receive a good level of supervision and support. It was also agreed that parents would sign all entries in the medication book, giving staff permission to administer medication to children. This has been implemented and enhances the level of safety to children. It was also agreed that staff arrival and departure details would be recorded. This information was in place during the last inspection but was not requested by the inspector, however, the system is in place and works well and ensures that sufficient

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the full names of the children are recorded in the daily attendance register • give some consideration to the number of children in each group during out door play.

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The quality and standards of the care

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 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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