King Edward VI Community College

Hedgehog House Nursery School Inspection report for early years provision

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113520 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2007 Inspection date Shan Gwendoline Jones Inspector

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8 Homefield Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2HZ Setting Address

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E-mail

Lynn Brown Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Full day care Type of 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

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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.

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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?

Hedgehog House Nursery opened in 1987. It is a privately owned group, which operates from a self-contained unit in the grounds of the owner's home in Worthing, West Sussex.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery is registered to provide care for 24 children aged from two to five years. There are currently 29 children on roll. Of these, 16 children receive funding for early years education.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery is open five days a week during term-time only. Sessions are from 09:00 to 12:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday sessions run from 09:00 to 11:30 and afternoon sessions from 11:45 to 14:45. More afternoon sessions are provided as the number of children increases throughout the academic year. Children can attend a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are nine members of staff including the manager who work directly with the children and one member of staff is currently working towards an early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Local Authority.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in attractive, clean premises. Children's hygiene is promoted well by staff who implement appropriate procedures for reducing the risk of cross infection. For example, surfaces used for eating meals are regularly wiped down by staff. Children are also encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Staff reinforce positive messages regarding the importance of good hygiene practices. For example, a child stated he did not need to wash his hands before snack time. A member of staff replied, 'It is important to clean your hands, to remove the dirt which could transfer from your hands to your mouth spreading germs'. They are suitably looked after if ill and appropriate procedures and policies protect them from infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy snack menu. They sit together to enjoy biscuits or fruits in a relaxed and social atmosphere, which fosters their social skills and good manners. Water is always made available for them to drink, keeping them hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity is highly regarded, children are able to develop their physical skills as they frequently take part in a wide range of activities on a daily basis. The outdoor area is well equipped, children show great delight and excitement when playing outside, as they are having fun and becoming proficient as they learn to climb. Older children enjoy running around freely in the garden, riding their bikes with great confidence and skill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Admission to the building is closely monitored. A security camera allows staff to view any visitors at the main gate, ensuring no unauthorised people have access to the children. All visitors are greeted by a member of staff and are required to sign in and out of the building. Children stay safe in the setting because there is a good deployment of staff who are vigilant in closely supervising children both indoors and in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a variety of age appropriate, good quality, stimulating toys and equipment to support children's play and learning in all areas of development. The equipment is clean, well maintained and checked routinely which ensures children are able to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's safety in regard to child protection is secure. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and this helps to ensure children are protected from harm and neglect. For example, staff know how to implement local child protection procedures and have the required policies and documents in place to safe guard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the time they spend at the nursery. Upon arrival they display their name tag to mark their arrival, this immediately gives them a sense of belonging. They then set about independently choosing an activity from the varied range offered to them. Their security is strengthened as they have established positive relationships with the staff who are always pleased to see them. Children all benefit from individual attention. They are listened to and

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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 staff value what they say. They enjoy their time at the group and appear comfortable in their surroundings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show delight in receiving lots of praise and encouragement from staff as they achieve new tasks. Staff and children have mutual respect for each other. Children are very well behaved and they are learning to share and take turns. They enjoy quiet times as they listen to a wide range of music from around the world, for example, Greek and Brazilian.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of the teaching and learning is good. Children are progressing well because of the staff's knowledge of how children learn through play. However, planning lacks the necessary details and needs to be developed further covering all the six areas of learning. Children are confident learners, they are curious and happy to try new experiences and share their knowledge. They have a good sense of friendship and take care of each other, showing empathy and understanding. Children enjoy helping in the nursery and can take care of their own personal needs. Children are confident communicators. They initiate conversations and pass on information skilfully, as well as share their ideas for co-operative play. Children listen attentively during group story time, however they have less opportunities to independently select books as these are not readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They have many opportunities to practise their emergent writing skills for a variety of purposes during the day. They have access to writing materials at all times. Staff use everyday situations to help children learn mathematical language. Children delight in counting how many children were needed for the song 'five current buns'. They subtract with ease as the 'buns' are taken away. Children measure how tall they are on the height chart and are beginning to understand bigger and smaller as they compare each other's sizes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are a wealth of opportunities outdoors for the children to learn about the world they live in. Children help to take care of their nursery pets including chickens and rabbits. They participate with enthusiasm as they collect and count the freshly laid eggs into a basket. Themes consolidate their learning of the food cycle as they make Spanish omelettes and home-made vegetable soup. Each child was asked to bring a vegetable from home, they contributed carrots and potatoes and enjoyed cooking and tasting the finished produce.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to explore a wide range of materials in their art and craft work. They participate in music sessions and enjoy singing, recognising many favourite tunes. Children enjoy role play and dressing up, building narratives into their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children enjoy being fully included in all activities. Children benefit from good individual attention that is given to all of them. The positive ethos within the group ensures that children are well behaved and get on well with each other. Staff act as good role models and offer clear and consistent guidelines for good behaviour. Occasional incidents of unacceptable behaviour are handled calmly and consistently by the staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered appropriately. They express themselves well through the good opportunities to role play or act out situations. Their understanding of other cultures is fostered through posters and toys designed to widen their

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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 knowledge of the world, and through talking about festivals familiar to the children attending. Children learn to appreciate a wide range of languages as they practise counting to 10 in French and Italian.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. They receive information about topics and are encouraged to support their child in bringing in items from home linked to the activity of the week. Children’s individual progress and achievements are discussed and shared through regular meetings and they receive a written report each term. Children’s learning is significantly enhanced by the contributions parents make and the secure links in place between home and nursery.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The leadership and management of the setting is good. The manager is clear on her role and responsibilities. The staff team have complimentary skills, which enables them to work well together and ensures the smooth running of the nursery. Children’s care and learning is enhanced by the effective deployment of staff because the manager maintains the child staff ratios which helps to ensure children's well being. This ensures that all children are secure and engaged in activities. Children are happy and confident with each other and staff.

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Organisation

Children also benefit from the good working relationships staff enjoy with the parents. They share all relevant information with them, and involve them in the life of the nursery. This effective partnership contributes towards the children's sense of well-being and contentment.

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Organisation

Robust recruitment and vetting procedures are in place to ensure children are well protected and cared for by staff with relevant qualifications and experience. Appropriate staff records are held, including qualifications and relevant criminal record checks.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the knowledge that, in the main, staff have knowledge of many of the group's policies and procedures. Most of the legally required documentation, which contributes to children's health, safety and wellbeing, is in place and is regularly reviewed. However, some of the policies lack the necessary detail, for example the complaints procedure and the behaviour management policy. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the setting was to review and amend some of the policies and procedures. This has been partially met, the setting is currently revising some of the polices in line with the national standards. Security has improved, a visitors book is in place to monitor visitors to the nursery school, these measures further safeguard children's safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous nursery education inspection the setting was asked to improve the provision for developing children's initiative by allowing more them independent access to resources and redressing the imbalance of over-directed teaching. Staff allow children to be more spontaneous, for example when participating in creative activities. Children are given choice of materials and they are guided and supported by the by staff team rather than directed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

They were also asked to increase the opportunities for children to use everyday technology. Children have access to a range of programmable toys such as computer programmes, tills and telephones. Children are developing their skills, such as, being able to navigate the mouse and move from one programme to another.

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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 As a result, this has greatly improved children’s care, well-being and development.

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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.

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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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 written records, policies and procedures in line with the National Standards

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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): • develop the curriculum planning and observation records to help children progress in each aspect of the six areas of learning • develop ways in which children’s independent access to books is encouraged and supported

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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

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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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