The Priory Nursery

The Priory Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285495 Unique Reference Number 12 December 2007 Inspection date Jo Rowley Inspector

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St John Ambulance Headquarters, Stanmore Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 3QA

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E-mail

The trustees of St John Ambulance 1077265 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 satisfactory. 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Priory Nursery opened in 2004 and operates from one large room in a designated building in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. A maximum of 26 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each week day from 07:45 to 17:30 for 52 weeks of the year, excluding Christmas and Bank Holiday's. All children have access to a secure enclosed outside play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 32 children aged 18 months to under eight years on roll, of whom eight receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local and widening catchment area. The nursery is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs nine staff and a cook, seven of the staff, including the manager, hold appropriate early years 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 satisfactory. Children's health is generally promoted because staff follow appropriate health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. There are routines in place, such as wiping down tables before and after children have eaten and the staff encourage children to maintain satisfactory hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Most staff hold an appropriate first aid qualification and the setting has a fully stocked first aid box. Accident and medication records have recently been rewritten and are completed correctly, therefore children's health is protected. Staff are aware of the specific requirements for children's health and dietary needs because there are relevant records in place and these are updated as necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered nutritious and balanced meals which are freshly prepared by the nursery cook and include a variety of fresh produce which is cooked on the premises. The children sit together with a member of staff at meal times and they are encouraged to use their manners appropriately, for example, children are reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children's independence is promoted as they are fully encouraged to serve their own drinks and meals and drinking water is available throughout the day, for children to pour themselves. Further promoting their independence. There are opportunities for children to enjoy a range of physical activities, for example, they clearly enjoy the large secured outside play area where they use equipment, such as bikes, scooters, bats, balls and hoops. Children also take part in daily music and movement activities where they are learning, for example, to hop, skip and balance. This

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Helping children to be healthy

promotes children's physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitably maintained environment which is welcoming to both children and parents. Children's work is displayed on the area dividers and walls for parents and visitors to see. Equipment is stored within the nursery and accessible for staff to put out at each session. Children are given choices about their play as staff regularly ask what they would like to play with before getting these resources out for the children. However, there is a limited selection of toys and resources that promote positive images of the wider society. Children's safety is sound and appropriate steps are taken to ensure that children are kept safe on the premises. For example, there is a secure entrance system for parents and visitors to use when they arrive at the nursery and children are signed in and out of the register, as are visitors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are daily visual checks carried out by staff to ensure that that the resources and areas used by children are safe, therefore, children's safety is protected. Children use child size furniture and are regularly reminded about keeping themselves safe as staff ask them to follow simple rules such as no running inside the nursery, in case they fall and hurt themselves. Their welfare is protected as the setting has in place the relevant policies and procedures. There is a designated staff member who has received updated training in child protection and she ensures that other staff are informed of all changes and that they know what procedure is followed should a concern arise.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children separate happily from their carers, they settle well and use the activities and play opportunities that are available. They are beginning to develop social skills and interact with other children effectively, playing side by side as they are learn how to take turns. Younger children are supported by most staff as they participate in activities. However, some of the children are not attracted to or are interested in the activities offered because there is no real thought or planning of these. Consequently children are not always engaged and sometimes appear bored. Younger children generally respond to challenge, for example, during a matching game a member of staff asks the children "can you find something that will go with the birthday candles" they respond effectively by finding the cake that matches the card with the candles on.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is inadequate. Children are not making sufficient progress towards the stepping stones. Some staff have little knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals and the Foundation Stage. Children's learning is not promoted as activities are not planned and therefore, all six areas of learning are not sufficiently covered. Children's starting points are not known to staff, consequently they are not able to take the next steps in the children's learning as their achievements and progress are not assessed. Planning systems are not in place for staff to use and activities are not well-organised or effective in meeting children's needs. Consequently, staff frequently have to improvise and this means that it is difficult to ensure that the curriculum is broad, balanced and that the children are making progress. Staff do not evaluate activities to identify the next steps in children's individual

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning. Observations and assessments of children's progress are inconsistent and although basic observations are kept, they are not used effectively. There are currently no systems in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of nursery education and activities and opportunities are not presented to take account of what children know and need to learn next.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

It is difficult to see how children are making any progress in the six areas of learning because of the lack of information with regard to starting points and assessments. However, children's personal, social and emotional development is generally promoted. This is because most staff generally participate in their activities and help them to gain in self-confidence by encouraging them to talk about what they are doing. However, opportunities are sometimes missed in introducing new vocabulary and extending children's thinking. Most staff praise children and acknowledge good behaviour during activities so that children are beginning to learn right from wrong and therefore, children behave well at the nursery. Staff encourage them to say please and thank you and, as a result, children are beginning to develop their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's independence is generally encouraged by most staff as they pour their own drinks, serve their own food at meal times and help themselves to drinks throughout the day with the jug of water and beakers that are available. However, during art activities there are missed opportunities for children to further develop their independence skills as staff complete tasks for them. Children's progress in communication, language and literacy is limited. For example, although the children have individual named drawers there are no name cards or pegs for the children to use to enable them to further recognise their own names. Some children can already write their name, although staff do not routinely encourage them to try and write this on their work or encourage the ones who cannot yet do so to try for themselves. Children are not encouraged to write independently for different purposes, for example, as part of home corner

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play. As a result, learning in this area is not sufficiently promoted, particularly for older children. Most staff are generally aware of the importance of extending children's language and vocabulary

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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 by asking questions. However, some staff miss opportunities to extend children's vocabulary because of their limited understanding of the foundation stage.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to learn about mathematical concepts, for example, at meal times children are asked to count the children on their table and work out how many cups and plates will be needed. Children are sometimes encouraged to practice their counting skills through fun activities like number rhymes and songs and they participate in matching and number games such as dominoes. However, children's learning is not enhanced by relating what they've learnt in a practical way, for example, by looking for shapes in the environment because staff have a limited understanding of the foundation stage. Children have some opportunities to express themselves imaginatively, for example, in the home corner where there is a limited selection of props including furniture and dressing up clothes. Children also enjoy regular opportunities to play with a range of small world equipment, for example, dinosaurs, farm and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

zoo animal figures. Children also have opportunities to sing together for enjoyment and often make their own music with musical instruments and they have daily opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, they have daily opportunities to take part in vigorous play, exercise and use equipment to develop their physical skills. The outdoor play area is well used and children skilfully use wheeled bikes, scooters and bats and balls. Children take part in regular music and movement sessions where they are encouraged to join in, for example, moving their bodies to music whilst signing along.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making limited progress in their knowledge and understanding of the world. There are few opportunities for children to learn about other cultures, for example, festivals and celebrations. As a result, children's understanding of cultures and beliefs is not adequately supported. There has been no outings organised recently and there have been no visitors to share their knowledge and experiences with the children. Consequently, children have very limited opportunities to learn about their environment and local community. Children have some opportunities to build and design, for example, with construction resources. They are also beginning to learn to use simple tools, for example, when children use the play dough they use rollers and cutters. However, there are no opportunities for children to learn about nature and the natural world, for example, a nature table or growing things. Children have daily

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities to learn about technology because they have access to a computer which they can use with a member of staff or independently. The children use the equipment with ease and more able children are seen helping the younger children on occasions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are warmly welcomed at the nursery. The new manager ensures that children's achievements are celebrated and children's sense of belonging is encouraged, for example, the children's work is displayed around the room and each child has a daily diary in place. There is little evidence to suggest that children celebrate different festivals as there is no formal planning or evidence of any previous activities, that children have been involved in, where they learnt about the wider society. However, children are observed to take part in craft activities with regard to celebrating Christmas and the new manager is keen to ensure that different festivals form part of the future planning that is required. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcomed in to the group, although there are currently no children attending with either.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Most staff are positive with the children and praise them throughout the day with statements, such as "well done". However, some staff do not manage children's behaviour effectively and

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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 therefore, speak to the children inappropriately, consequently children's self-esteem is not consistently promoted. Children benefit from the friendly relationship that staff have with their parents, they are warmly greeted by staff and are encouraged to communicate regularly, both verbally and written. On discussion with some parents they stated that the nursery staff are "very friendly" and they are happy with the changes that the new manager has made. There is a complaints procedure in place and this informs parents of whom to approach if they are unhappy about any aspect of the nursery.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is inadequate. Although parents are warmly welcomed into the setting and they have opportunities to speak to staff at the beginning and the end of each session, informally exchanging information about the children, there is a lack of information shared with parents in respect of the Foundation Stage. As there are no assessment records in place parents do not find out how their children are progressing through the early learning goals. Although they respond to the inspector positively about the nursery and the staff, they are not actively encouraged to become involved in their children's learning. Parents have access to the notice board, although this is not in a clear position so parents do not benefit from the information displayed. The new manager has made some relevant changes within the nursery and one of those changes is that a monthly newsletter is now sent to parents informing them

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, the needs of all children are not met, this reflects the nursery education judgement. Children's safety is generally protected by the organisation and routines recently changed by the manager. Most records, policies and procedures were available for scrutiny at the time of the inspection visit and all policies have recently been reviewed and are now linked to National Standard outcomes. These have been shared with staff, although the manager has only just started to hold regular staff meetings so that information can be shared more effectively. Children's care and welfare are generally promoted through the staff's practical knowledge and daily implementation of these policies and procedures. The team of staff are adjusting to the new routines and organisation of the day and they are beginning to work together. The manager has reviewed children's registration forms to ensure that they contain the relevant information

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Organisation

that is required to enable staff to provide appropriate care and promote children's welfare consistently. However, there are currently no children's records in place. The manager has appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures in place to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children and she has implemented new appraisal systems to effectively monitor staff practice.

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Organisation

The leadership and management is satisfactory. Though this is a new staff team they are generally working well together, developing strategies to identify the strengths and areas for improvement within the setting. The manager shows a strong commitment to staff development and each member of staff is beginning to understand their role and responsibility in extending children's learning and ensuring that children make sound progress towards the Early Learning Goals. Most staff prompt discussion and ask appropriate questions extending language development. Although the manager has been in her role for a short time she is very aware of the nursery short falls and is working very hard to develop the staff team and written documentation. For example, the manager has devised a written development plan where she has been proactive in making changes that will benefit the nursery as a whole. She has made significant changes to the setting already in a short time.

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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 staff agreed to ensure that parent's signatures are obtained in the medication book when medication has been given. New medication documentation is in place and all parents are requested to sign this, protecting children's health.

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Improvements since the last inspection

They agreed to increase resources reflecting disabilities to meet equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices. There are still a limited amount of resources that promote equal opportunities and a further recommendation is given. The nursery staff agreed to obtain a copy of the National Standards and increase their knowledge of the standards. There are two copies of the National Standards and staff are encouraged to regularly read these, therefore, developing their knowledge.

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Improvements since the last inspection

They were asked to ensure that a member of staff was named as having responsibility for behaviour management. The new manager has taken over this role. She ensures that the staff are kept up to date with new legislation and they have awareness for the behaviour management policy. The nursery were asked to ensure that the disabled toilet is accessible at all times. There is nothing stored in this area to ensure that it is accessible at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were received relating to safety issues regarding the installation of a disabled toilet (Standard 6: Safety); availability of a suitable first aid kit (Standard 7: Health) and the disposal of nappies (Annex A). Ofsted investigated this concern by conducting an unannounced visit on 03/02/05 and actions were raised relating to Standard 7, to ensure that the first aid box complies with Health and Safety Regulations and under Standard 14 to ensure that accidents and incidents are recorded in the appropriate book. A recommendation was also given to ensure that the disabled toilet is accessible at all times. Ofsted received a satisfactory response to the actions and the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 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 satisfactory. 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve.

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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): • improve the toy resources to reflect equality of opportunity and develop children's understanding of the wider world

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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 • develop and plan activities that help younger children make progress in their individual learning and development • develop staff awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children’s behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of development.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that all children are effectively challenged, in order to explore and develop their play and learning • improve staff knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage in order to ensure that all six areas of learning are promoted • develop systems to ensure that children’s starting points are known, ensure that planning and assessment records are used to track children’s progress and effectively plan the next steps in their learning • develop methods of sharing information with parents about the foundation stage and provide opportunities for them to contribute to their children’s learning. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice. The Department for Education and Skills and the local authority have been informed.

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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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