Redlands Day Nursery

Redlands Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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508415 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Sandra Davies Inspector

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4 Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 1RE Setting Address

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E-mail

Mrs Janet Kidd (Proprietor) Registered person Childcare 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

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?

Redlands Day Nursery registered in 1985. It is situated in a residential and commercial area, close to the town centre in Redcar. All children share access to a secure outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 24 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00, all year round, closing only over the Christmas period and bank holidays. There are currently 32 children aged from eight months to under five years on roll. There are no children with learning difficulties and or disabilities attending the setting. However, appropriate procedures are in place to support children with additional needs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs three members of staff to work directly with the children, plus the nursery proprietor, on a full time basis. There are also four part time members of staff employed to work directly with the children. A cook is also employed to prepare children's meals on a daily basis. All childcare staff, including the proprietor, hold an appropriate qualification. Some members of staff are working towards further childcare qualifications.

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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. The nursery environment is warm, clean and well maintained. Children are protected from illness and infection as staff follow effective hygiene routines. For example, staff wear disposable aprons when handling food, equipment is cleaned on a regular basis and tables are sprayed and cleaned before meals. Children are helped to understand the importance of good hygiene practice and are moving towards independence in attending to their personal care. For example, children are observed washing their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. Staff hold paediatric first aid certificates and appropriate documentation is in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff consider parents' wishes so that children's individual health and dietary needs are met. Children enjoy a varied seasonal menu including lots of fresh foods and snacks, promoting healthy eating. Activities such as growing vegetables and making soup from them, and visiting the local supermarket to learn about different fruits helps children's understanding of a healthy life style. There are opportunities for children to develop independence and socialise as they sit down for their meals together, and learn to use cutlery appropriately. Individual drinks bottles are readily available throughout the day, and milk or water is offered at meal times

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily physical activity, outdoors when possible, which contributes to their overall good health. They are developing co-ordination and control of their bodies as they negotiate the outdoor space, ride on bikes and play with balls and hoops. Children are able to develop confidence and move safely when they successfully negotiate obstacle courses. Outings include walks to the local parks where they can develop their gross motor skills when using the available equipment. Indoor activities include musical movement. Babies have suitable equipment to encourage crawling and walking, and are effectively supported to develop and extend their physical skills. They happily explore their immediate environment, encouraged by staff who stay physically and emotionally close. They are given opportunities to enjoy fresh air as staff take them into the outdoor play area and on walks. Staff talk with parents and follow children's

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Helping children to be healthy

routines with regard to sleeping and meals, so they are well rested, alert and enjoy their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are able to play freely as immediate risks are identified and minimised. Children are cared for in a secure, safe indoor and outdoor environment. Vigilant staff protect children by ensuring the main door is kept locked at all times, children's arrival and collection times are well organised and a visitor's book is kept. Children's art work and posters displayed enhance the environment. This promotes children's learning and their sense of belonging.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are of a suitable design and condition and well maintained. The good range of play equipment covers all areas of learning and development. Children's safety is enhanced as equipment is checked regularly for breakages.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe due to good explanations from staff. They participate in fire drills, are instructed on road safety and beach safety and for example, are reminded not to climb on the table as they might fall. The rooms are well organised, enabling the children to move freely and develop independence. The baby room is free from hazards. Children are

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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 kept safe on outings as individual risk assessments are carried out. There is a comprehensive health and safety policy and procedure in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a good understanding of their role and responsibilities under child protection, and procedures are in place in the event of an allegation against staff. This means the welfare of children is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are eager to participate and settle well in the nursery environment. Caring relationships foster children's self-esteem and warm interactions enable them to explore and enjoy learning. Overall, children make sound progress and are busy and occupied. They confidently make choices about their play, independently selecting activities from the suitable range available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children enjoy lots of cuddles and physical closeness, enabling them to feel secure and play contentedly. They are learning to share and enjoy being with others, reassured by the presence of familiar adults. Staff implement the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help them enhance daily experiences for younger children. Staff's knowledge and understanding about the framework is good. Young children enjoy a good range of discovery and sensory resources, and staff encourage them to interact and use sound, gesture and basic language by playing with them on their level and responding to them appropriately. The children showed delight as they played with bubbles, trying to catch them and also enjoyed glitter sand play. Activities are planned and individual profiles are kept. Staff also keep a daily diary which is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are developing good levels of confidence, are well behaved, share and take turns. They show interest in a range of purposeful, first hand activities and are confident to try out new experiences. Planning covers all areas of learning enough so that children enjoy a balanced range of experiences within the daily environment. Individual profiles are completed to ensure that children are making progress. Children are generally interested and motivated to learn. They engage purposefully in solitary play and can play co-operatively with their friends. They communicate well and confidently share their own ideas and experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy stories and are able to listen attentively. They enjoy numbers and measuring as they divide out the play dough or pour the water. There are good opportunities to learn about the natural world through themes involving the seasons, birds, having natural materials to hand and keeping stick insects and snails. There are lots of opportunities for children to be creative and use their imagination as they become involved in craft activities, dressing up and having pretend birthday parties.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy physical development and have regular opportunities to develop their balance and co-ordination. They increase their fine motor skills as they confidently use paint brushes, glue sticks and pencils. Children explore activities, such as sand and water play, and discover what they can do with paint and play dough.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to learn about their community through a range of outings which include parks, the library, the beach and the owl centre. They have access to a range of resources and activities which promote positive images of the wider world. Resources include small world figures, puzzles, books and dolls and activities have been based around the Chinese New Year,

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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 a Japanese Flower Festival and American Independence Day. This helps increase children's awareness of diversity and develop a positive attitude to others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equal opportunities are well promoted within the nursery. All children are welcomed by familiar staff who have a good understanding of their individual needs. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of all children within the setting, in partnership with parents. Staff work closely with parents and access information to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff encourage children to understand responsible behaviour, play harmoniously with others and be aware of their own needs and the needs of others. They present as good role models, encouraging co-operation and good manners. Staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to behaviour management and parents are made aware of the behaviour management policy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. A positive relationship has been established with parents, promoting children's sense of security. Children benefit from the two way sharing of information about their needs and daily routines. Parents receive an information pack about how the nursery operates, including the complaints procedure. They are verbally informed about their child's day. Parents of babies are given a daily diary. They can also access their child's records. Information is displayed and policies and procedures are available. The last inspection report was made available to parents in the entrance hall. However, not all parents were given an individual copy. Parents made positive comments about the nursery.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Effective recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected. Children are cared for by staff who are qualified in child development. There are training opportunities for staff to further their knowledge and understanding, and some staff are taking further qualifications. There is an induction procedure in place. However, the induction document is not always fully completed and therefore does not demonstrate that staff have read and understood the polices. Ratios of staff to children are well maintained. The organisation of space and the layout of easily accessible resources supports children's learning.

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Organisation

The required records, policies and procedures are in place, promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. However, at the time of inspection, the daily register was not totally accurate. This compromises children's well-being. Records are stored securely and individual information is shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was given notice of action to improve on the following points. To ensure that prior written permission to administer medication is always obtained from parents, to ensure that the child protection policy includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer and also includes contact telephone numbers for the local police and social services. These procedures are now in place, further enhancing the safety of minded children.

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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 The provider was also asked to ensure that the system for registering staff's attendance on a daily basis shows hours of attendance and includes all staff. This is now in place and completed on a daily basis. However, on the day of inspection the register was not totally accurate.

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

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further develop the systems in place to ensure that all parents are provided with a copy of the inspection report within five working days of receiving the report • ensure that the staff and children's register is completed as staff and children arrive and leave • further develop the induction procedure by ensuring the induction record is completed by all new staff with evidence that staff have read and understand the policies and procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

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 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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