Honeybear House Day Nursery

Puddleducks Day Nursery (Witham) Ltd

Inspection report for early years provision

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Puddleducks Day Nursery (Witham) Ltd

Unique Reference Number EY276157 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Lynn Amelia Hartigan

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Puddleducks Day Nursery (Witham) Ltd

Setting Address The Rickstones School, Conrad Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 2SD

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E-mail

Registered person Puddleducks Childcare Limited 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?

Puddleducks Nursery opened in 2004 and operates from purpose built premises within the grounds of Rickstones High School in Witham. A maximum of 56 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07.30 to 18.30 all year round. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 75 children aged from 3 months to under 5 years on roll. Of

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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 these, 24 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local catchment area and wider community. The nursery currently supports children with special educational needs, and also supports children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs 14 staff, 13 of whom, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy through regular and efficient routines such as hand washing before snack and lunch and after using the toilet. Hygienic, safe nappy changing procedures ensure children are protected from infection. They are protected from illness as the nursery follows well documented policies regarding illness, medication and accidents. However, Ofsted should be notified of any significant incident regarding a child's health. Children stay healthy as they are offered fruit at snack time and water or milk for drinks. They are able to independently cut their own fruit and pour their own drinks with skill. Lunch and tea menus take into account different dietary requirements as the staff are aware of the children's individual needs. Babies are fed around their own individual routine, for example a baby sleeping at lunch time will have their meal when they wake. They are given spoons and make

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Helping children to be healthy

early attempts at feeding themselves. Children enjoy outdoor play and have opportunities for physical exercise. The children show great enthusiasm when playing outdoors and have been practising for sports day. Good resources such as ride on toys, balls, racquets, hoops and a wooden playhouse are used well. Younger children show great excitement and skill when playing with a large parachute and trampoline.

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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 very welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. Staff regularly risk assess both the premises and resources, fire drills are practised and policies and procedures are implemented well ensuring the children's safety at all times. Playrooms are bright, child friendly and attractively decorated with children's art work, photographs and posters. They can access good quality toys and resources easily. Children move freely around the room between well positioned tables and chairs and have ample space to play on the floor and at tables. Children feel secure and settled within their environment.

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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 Children are protected from harm, as they are cared for by adults who have been vetted and have a secure knowledge of the nursery's child protection policies and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show interest in the many activities available to them. They play happily, have fun asking questions and using their own initiative. Sessions are planned well and are designed to help them make progress in their learning and development. Relationships are well established between children and staff. Children respond well to the staff who have high expectations of behaviour and are good role models. The learning experiences of younger children attending the nursery are effectively enhanced as most staff have a good understanding of how children under 3 years develop. Activities are planned and assessment records are in place. Good resources are available and children particularly enjoy messy play, such as shaving foam, cornflour and pasta activities. Rooms are bright and welcoming. Posters, photographs and children's art work are now displayed at children's eye level. Babies

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and toddlers are made to feel special and secure as staff respond to their needs in a warm and affectionate manner. Nursery Education. The quality of teaching is satisfactory. Staff have a sound knowledge of the Foundation Stage and how children learn. Children are busy, eager to learn and concentrate well on tasks and activities. The staff observe children, record their progress and use this information to effectively inform the next steps of learning for the children. Good quality resources such as sand and water trays, puppets and a well stocked book trolley are available to support their creativity, however these are not always presented effectively to encourage children to use them. Children's imagination and listening skills are effectively developed as well planned activities such as interactive, musical stories are enjoyed with enthusiasm and concentration. Children show interest in counting and simple mathematical problems such as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

counting cups and plates at snack time and sorting fruit shapes into groups. Very good construction kits encourage children to investigate, build, design and solve problems. Children are not always able to explore real experiences such as weather, creatures in their natural environment and plants as outdoor activities are restricted. However, the children enjoy meeting a local vet who visits the nursery. They are able to discuss caring for animals. Children's learning with regard to different cultures and religions is developing. Acknowledgement of different cultural festivals and traditional days are included within the plans and celebrated. This promotes children's learning and respect for others and their beliefs.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by staff who have good communication with parents to ensure the children's individual needs are met and ensure that they are fully included within the setting. Very good resources are in place such as books, puzzles, small world figures, cooking utensils and posters, these promote positive images of a diverse community. Children who are learning English as an additional language can access dual language books, signs in designated areas such as home corner and craft area are also written in several languages. Children develop self-esteem and respect for others as they receive appropriate support. Their behaviour is very good. Children are kind towards each other and share. They are encouraged and praised for their efforts, for example at tidy up time and when independently setting the table at lunch time. Staff interact well with children and talk to them with respect and kindness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. They are provided with very good information about all aspects of the setting, for example prospectus, newsletters, informative notice boards that detail children's development. However, there is an inaccuracy within the complaints procedure. Parents are kept informed about their children’s progress and can view records at anytime. Parents have opportunities for informal discussion with staff every day. They are encouraged to extend learning opportunities at home and are able to contribute to their children's development records, particularly the two to three year profiles. Parents speak positively about the setting. Children's spiritual, moral, social and emotional development is fostered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Good recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are protected and cared for by staff with a sound understanding of child development. Children feel comfortable and settled within the well organised environment. A good adult to child ratio positively supports children's care, learning and play. Children's safety, enjoyment, health and achievements and ability to make a positive contribution are supported by the policies and procedures within the operational plan. The leadership and management is good. Children benefit as the manager is very committed to developing the nursery and is forward thinking. Strengths and areas for improvement within the nursery have been identified and a committed staff team talk enthusiastically about the care and education offered and how these can be developed further. There is effective team work with most staff aware of their roles and responsibilities; the manager values their contribution. An effective appraisal

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Organisation

system ensures professional development for individual staff.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the nursery was asked to ensure a washing line was made safe or inaccessible to children. This has been removed and as a result the children's safety has improved. The nursery was also required to monitor the use of equipment and resources within the baby and toddler rooms. Babies and toddlers are now provided with their own cot or mattress, sheets and blankets. Resources within the toddler room continue to be developed. As a result the children's individual needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received a complaint raising concerns about National Standards 1 (suitable person), 2 (organisation), 6 (safety) and 12 (working in partnership with parents). Ofsted conducted a visit to the provision. Upon investigation Ofsted found no evidence to substantiate the allegations. However, the provider was issued with an action under National Standard 14 to ensure that Ofsted is informed of all staff changes as soon as possible and in any case within 14 days. Ofsted received a satisfactory response to the action in December 2004. Ofsted also received information which raised issues about National Standards 2 (organisation), 12 (communication with parents) 4 (physical environment) 7 (health) 6 (safety) 8 (food and drink) and 3 (care learning and play). Ofsted requested the provision to conduct an internal investigation and report back within 10 working days. The provider has identified areas of improvement for which action has been

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Complaints since the last inspection

implemented. Ofsted is satisfied that the provider has taken appropriate action to address the concerns raised and they remain qualified for registration.

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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): • ensure Ofsted are notified of any significant incident (accident/illness that requires medical attention)

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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 nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • extend opportunities for children to use and access all resources available to them. This should include the indoor and outdoor accommodation to support children in all six areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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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