St Mary's Catholic School

Happy Child Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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118118 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Christine Bonnett Inspector

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2b The Grove, London, W5 5LH Setting Address

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E-mail

Happy Child Limited 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?

Happy Child Day Nursery, is one of 17 nurseries run by Happy Child Limited. It opened in 1992, and operates from a converted building in Ealing Broadway in the London borough of Ealing. A maximum of 50 children may attend the nursery at any one time. It is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for 52 weeks of the year. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 59 children aged from three months to under five years on roll. Of these, 17 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local community. The nursery currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and also supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs 16 staff, of whom six hold appropriate early years qualifications, and seven are working towards a qualification.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery receives support from the Foundation Stage Consultants from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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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's health is promoted by the 'no shoe' policy operating in the room used by the youngest children. Because all adults remove their shoes before entering the room, the carpet is clean to enable babies to crawl and play on it with no risk to their health. Older children are learning the importance of adopting good hygiene routines as they wash their hands at appropriate times during the day. They understand why it is important to their health to have clean hands before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's wellbeing is safeguarded as all staff hold a current first aid certificate. Effective systems are in place to manage accidents and administer medication. Children have the opportunity for healthy exercise each day in the garden. The equipment provided allows them to climb, cycle and run around within a secure environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of nutritious meals that take account of their individual dietary requirements. A social time is created at meal times as older children sit around tables together and talk to their friends and staff. The menu has recently been reviewed to include more fresh fruit and vegetables. However, not all children are routinely offered healthy options, such as fresh or dried fruit, at morning snack time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children spend the day in an environment that is bright, welcoming and provides adequate play space. A suitable range of play equipment is presented for them that is interesting and fun. Children are also able to self-select what they wish to use from storage shelves and drawers. The garden is well used and enjoyed by the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Older children are not afforded privacy and dignity when using the toilets. The lack of doors, the low partitioning between the toilets and their location facing the cloakroom door enables children using them to be seen by each other, and everyone passing by in the corridor outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted as staff carry out routine safety checks both indoors and out to make sure they are not exposed to danger. Security of the premises is good. Unwelcome visitors cannot gain entry to the nursery, or children leave unnoticed. The escape plan from the premises is practised regularly to ensure children are taken to safety quickly in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is also promoted as staff have a sound understanding of child protection matters. They understand that the child's wellbeing is paramount, and would identify and report any concerns they may have in relation to child abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Younger children benefit from the staff's good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework that supports their learning. Suitable activities are provided that are fun to do as well as promoting children's all-round development. A particular favourite is messy play with

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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 jelly. Gentle care is given to young babies, and good eye-contact to enable them to feel secure and valued.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy music sessions as they play instruments with enthusiasm, and begin to understand rhythm. They also show great excitement when anticipating what comes next in a well-loved story. Children grow in confidence as staff give them good support and kindness.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of the teaching and learning is good. Staff have a thorough knowledge of the Foundation Stage and how to deliver it effectively. Observations are carried out on the children to assess their attainments. These are then evaluated and the next individual step for each child is planned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are generally making good progress in all areas as staff understand that they learn through play, and plan a well balanced curriculum that is linked to the stepping stones of the early learning goals. However, the physical lay-out of the building restricts children's independence and freedom of choice as it does not allow them ready access to the garden for physical development, or routine access to all the equipment, such as the computer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children quickly settle into their nursery day and engage happily and enthusiastically with the toys and play equipment. They show an interest in what they do, and curiosity to explore. Their social and emotional development is well promoted as they show concern for their peers, and learn to take responsibility for tidying-up and keeping themselves safe.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated with respect and equal concern at the nursery. Staff know the children well and ensure their individual needs are met. Children are developing a positive view of diversity within society as they have access to a range of play materials and posters that reflect how other people live. A wide range of world faith and cultural festivals are acknowledged, including Eid, Christmas and Diwali. Project work is also carried out to link in with 'Black History Month'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good as they are busily engaged in meaningful activities throughout the day. Staff implement the behaviour management policy, which focuses on positive discipline, when any difficulties arise. In addition, staff attended a behaviour management training session together to ensure that their approach to any problems is uniform. This provides consistency and common boundaries for the children to further promote their sense of security. The nursery works closely with parents and other adults involved in the care of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Individual learning plans are devised, and extra staff brought in to enable each child to be fully supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers of children who receive nursery education is good. Curriculum evenings are held to inform parents about the Foundation Stage. Parents are also able to discuss their child's progress with staff at any time. Parents are encouraged to support the staff on trips, such as to the local park, to look at the natural world. The staff welcome parents involvement in the life of the nursery as they understand that it has a positive impact upon the children. This positive approach fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The leadership and management of the setting is good. The nursery is run by an experienced and highly motivated manager who is committed to providing good quality care and education for children. She maintains a good overview of the work of her staff to identify weaknesses, and build upon strengths. The manager encourages staff to attend relevant courses to increase their knowledge and skills. Consequently, they have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities and focus on the needs of the children. Staff are also motivated and enthusiastic, to ensure the children's experience in the nursery is positive and in line with current good practice. The deployment of staff around the nursery is good and ensures that all children are happily engaged in purposeful activities, and are safe. Robust recruitment procedures are used to make sure all staff are suitable to work with children.

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Organisation

Children's welfare is safeguarded because all required records and documentation are in place ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery. Parents are kept well informed about the service provided and how their child is progressing. In addition, the written policies and procedures practised by staff also help ensure children's wellbeing and protection. 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 inspection, a recommendation was made to enhance the safety of the nursery by ensuring it complied with relevant fire regulations. A fire officer was consulted and ensured that all procedures for the evacuation of children in an emergency were suitable.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A recommendation was also made to promote the welfare of children by including their surnames in the attendance register and medication log. Both records now contain each child's full name to ensure accuracy.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendations were also made at the last inspection to improve the nursery education programme. The nursery was required to review the teaching methods during art and craft activities with the aim of reducing some of the pre-prepared art and craft work. This has been achieved, and children are now able to produce their own unique work which allows them to be more spontaneous and imaginative.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A further recommendation was to promote children's independence at meal times by allowing them to serve themselves, and choose the size of their portions. Children's independence has been enhanced as they now serve themselves with skill and help decide what and how much they wish to eat.

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

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Complaints 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

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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 more healthy options, such as fruit, are available for all children at morning snack time • improve the toilet facilities for the older children to ensure that their privacy and dignity is respected.

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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): • continue with plans to develop the environment to enable children to access all areas and equipment routinely and independently.

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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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