Temple Learning Academy

Woodlands Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Woodlands Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number 141883 Inspection date 12 September 2005 Inspector Patricia Joan Latham

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Woodlands Day Nursery

Setting Address Byerly Place, Downs Barn, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK14 7QE Telephone number 01908 690999 E-mail woodlands@childbase.com Registered person Child Base Ltd Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day care

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Woodlands 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 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 satisfactory.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Woodlands Day Nursery has been registered since 1990 and is owned and run by Child Base Limited, who manage a chain of nurseries in the south of England. Woodlands is a purpose built nursery situated in Downs Barn, near the centre of Milton Keynes. The children are cared for in separate age groups, each having their own designated areas. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play

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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 area. The nursery is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 throughout the year. There are currently 80 children under 5 years on roll. Of these, 14 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from a wide catchment area. The nursery supports children who have English as an additional language. The nursery employs 20 staff. The manager and 9 staff hold appropriate early years qualifications. There are 4 staff working towards a qualification

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a healthy environment. All children learn the importance of good hygiene. They know to wash hands after toileting and wipe their hands and faces before eating. Regular cleaning of areas children use, plus a policy of excluding children with contagious illnesses, helps to minimise the risk to children of cross infection. Staff have training to deal with any accidents that occur and medical recordings are kept accurately. All children in the nursery receive a nutritious diet to ensure they remain healthy. They have a balanced mid-day meal and fruit at snack time. Babies receive the same food as older children, when it is appropriate, which is prepared according to their needs. Children with individual dietary needs are catered for. Children throughout the nursery benefit from regular outside play to aid their physical development and maintain their health. Children are able to run, jump, and gain skills

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Helping children to be healthy

in balancing and spatial awareness. Older children also have planned activities, which include regular sessions with a Physical Education teacher. Young babies have use of a separate area where they may enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. Children aged one year to five years sometimes use the outside area at the same time. This is bewildering for some of the younger ones and compromises staff’s ability to support their emotional well-being adequately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. All areas of the nursery are bright, with child friendly posters and displays. There are designated rooms for differing ages and appropriate areas for children to sleep, or enjoy quiet play. There is sufficient equipment to meet the care needs of all ages. Resources available to children are of good quality and support their learning in all areas. Staff provide a varied selection each day for the younger ones. These include toys to aid their physical development, such as small climbing equipment, and role play equipment to encourage social skills. Resources available enable all children in the nursery to take

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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 part in creative, sensory play activities such as painting or using sand and water. Older are able to easily access resources themselves, to extend their play and learning. All areas of the nursery are kept secure and staff encourage children to follow safe practice to maintain their safety. Children learn not to run inside and to use indoor equipment safely. Staff regularly check areas to ensure they remain safe and the nursery has written policies and procedures for staff to follow. On some occasions, the use of the outside area by children of differing ages compromises their safety. The supervision of children using this area becomes inadequate as staff attempt to meet the care needs of individual children. Staff have training concerning child protection issues and follow clear procedures to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

refer any concerns they may have about children’s welfare. However, the procedure for recording the presence of visitors, and the supervision of visitors when they are with older children, is inadequate. This compromises children’s safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. All children in the nursery benefit from a well planned daily routine and a programme of stimulating activities linked to interesting themes. Young children learn the names of bodily features whilst washing the dolls; others practise matching skills by pairing up socks and shoes. Young babies can use a large mirror to view themselves as they play, as well as appropriate floor toys, which develop their senses of sight and sound. Staff follow Sound Foundation training established throughout all nurseries within the chain. Each area has a sensory play area where resources enable children to experience the effects of light and sound. Children have individual key workers, which promotes consistency of care. However, use of relief workers to cover staff shortages, who are unknown to children, can compromise this. All children are able to follow their own personal sleep and eating

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

routines. Staff join in children’s play, engaging them in conversation and making children laugh as they take part in activities. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is satisfactory. Staff have a good understanding of the Foundation Stage stepping stones. Children are enthusiastically engaged in activities and concentrate well. They behave well and understand the need for group rules. Children enjoy listening to stories and frequently choose favourite books to look at. All children practise writing during role-play and planned activities enable them to develop these skills further. All children learn basic French and sign language and those who have English as an additional language receive good support as they take part in activities. Children have a good knowledge of the world around them, exploring the garden for

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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 insects and experimenting with ice balls made from balloons. Children learn about differing cultures and customs and take part in activities to raise awareness of the differing needs of others. Planned activities enable children to develop mathematical skills, such as counting and calculating. However, there are missed opportunities for children to develop this further in daily activities, for example calculating the differing number of boys and girls present or using relevant resources during role-play. The mathematical activity available each session is often not chosen by children; staff do not deploy themselves well enough to ensure that those that do are effectively furthering mathematical skills. Children take part in a wide range of creative activities that enables them to use their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

imagination and explore all senses. A dance teacher provides regular musical activities, and this, along with other planned activities, enables children to develop good physical coordination. Staff make regular observations regarding children’s attainment. They record these to show progress through the stepping stones, however, they do not record this consistently enough to indicate clearly, children’s ongoing progress. For example, some children's records have not been completed since December 2004.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered. Children are developing respect for themselves and others. They are caring towards each other and help each other during activities. Children’s behaviour is generally good and staff offer clear guidelines to help children understand how to play well together. Staff plan all room activities effectively to ensure all children can take part. However, sometimes individual children’s needs are compromised when differing ages are grouped together. Children take part in interesting activities to raise awareness of differing cultures. The nursery also involves children in supporting those less advantaged than themselves, sponsoring a particular charity each year. Satisfactory systems are in place to support children with special educational needs. Partnership with parents is good. Parents receive a short written report each day and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

staff are always available to speak individually to them at the beginning and end of sessions. This ensures continuity of care for children. Full details of all activities and daily routines are displayed in each room, which enables parents to be involved in their child’s care and learning. Parents are able to see their child’s records at any time and staff follow their wishes regarding children’s personal routines.

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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 The organisation and deployment of staff, during planned staff absences compromises children’s care and support for children's learning. Low staff ratios, and inappropriate grouping of children, results in the safety of children being inadequate during these times. Leadership and management are satisfactory. There is a good procedure for employing suitably trained staff to work with the children, and staff extend their knowledge through relevant training courses. The nursery has clear policies and procedures in place for staff to follow and there is regular evaluation of staff’s performance. All staff are involved in the planning of activities and make written observations of children’s progress. The nursery maintains all necessary records; however, attendance registers of

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Organisation

children, staff and visitors are not always completed accurately. This compromises children’s safety. All paperwork is kept secure, to safeguard children’s confidentiality, and retained for the required timescale to protect children’s interests. Overall, the setting does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been improvements made within the nursery. To safeguard children’s interests staff have improved their recording of accidents and medication administered. There is a planned programme of activities for children under 3 years, and some equipment available, to enable them to investigate and explore. Staff working with older children have further developed observational recordings to show children’s progress. These are available for parents but are not completed regularly enough to enable them to easily identify children’s ongoing progress.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A complaint was received relating to National Standard 8- Food and Drink and Standard 1- employing suitably trained staff. The provider was asked to investigate and report back to Ofsted within 7 working days. They did so and provided details of how they investigated both issues and how they have ensured compliance with the National Standards. We are satisfied that the registered person has taken appropriate steps to address the concern. The provider remains 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 satisfactory.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that staff: child ratios and the deployment of staff working directly with the children is sufficient to ensure children’s safety and quality of care all times • maintain an accurate daily record of children and adults present at the nursery to ensure children’s safety at all times. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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): • ensure that the deployment of staff working directly with the children is sufficient and ensures appropriate support for children’s learning • ensure time children spend at activities is maximised to support children’s learning, especially in relation to Mathematics • improve the regular recording of children’s achievements in order to clearly indicate ongoing progress.

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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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