Redbrook Middle School

Pennies Day Nursery Ltd Inspection report for early years provision

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127442 Unique Reference Number 25 March 2008 Inspection date Clare Stone Inspector

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Thornbank, 149 Hockers Lane, Weavering, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5JY Setting Address

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01622 630207 Telephone number trudi.mayes@pennies.co.uk E-mail Pennies Day Nursery Ltd Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Full day care Type of care

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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 outstanding. 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 outstanding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Pennies Day Nursery opened in 1999. It is privately owned and operates from four rooms in a converted house in Weavering, near Maidstone. The nursery serves a wide area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery is registered to take 43 children. There are currently 80 children from three months to five years on roll. This includes 24 children who are in receipt of Nursery education funding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery opens each week day throughout the year with the exception of public holidays. Children attend for a variety of sessions and they are grouped according to their age. The setting currently supports some children with learning difficulties and who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are 11 staff who work with the children. Two of these work with the funded children. All the staff have an appropriate 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 outstanding. Children benefit from playing in a extremely clean environment. Effective systems are in place to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, for example, all surfaces are cleaned with anti bacterial spray. Children who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments. There is also plenty of information available for parents to read so they can be sure on what actions to take if their child is unwell. All staff hold a current first aid certificate so are able to administer first aid in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a wide range of healthy snacks such as rice cakes, fruit and raw vegetables. This helps children develop healthy eating habits. They learn about nutrition through topics such as 'Healthy Eating' and 'Ourselves' and parents are provided with a menu of the week's meals. The nursery work in partnership with parents to ensure that all the children's individual dietary requirements are being met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Under threes have close relationships with the staff, who are responsive to their needs. Babies are encouraged to express their feelings verbally and non verbally. Staff know their children well and understand their needs such as being hungry, tired or frustrated. Babies and toddlers are learning to control their own bodies and mastering the physical skills appropriate to their stage of development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a fantastic outside area to play in. Staff are aware of the importance of outdoor play and plan their sessions accordingly. Children move confidently in a variety of ways and are very competent when using the climbing frame, tyres and crates. They also show good co-ordination when jumping, running and balancing. In the garden there are lots of areas for children to explore and investigate. This enables children to use their imagination and take risks in a controlled and safe environment. Opportunities for children to develop their fine motor skills take place as part of the daily sessions. Children are able to handle tools such as pencils and scissors with increasing skill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Staff plan the environment to ensure it is vibrant, stimulating and invites children to learn through play. Staff continually evaluate how different areas in the room are being used and whether the environment is aiding children's development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources are within easy reach and children are comfortable about making their own choices. The wide range of resources are carefully chosen and the equipment not only develops children's intellectual and physical progress, but their emotional and social skills. All the equipment is in very good condition and well maintained ensuring it is safe for children to use. There is nursery size furniture that enables children to play and relax in comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff carry out regular risk assessment of the premises and resources. All staff are aware of the outcomes, this enables them to take appropriate care of the children. Staff identify potential hazards and safety equipment is in place to prevent accidents. Regular fire drills are undertaken to ensure the children's safety in the event of a fire. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety and staff help children understand how to keep themselves safe when crossing the road.

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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 Staff have an excellent understanding in their role of protecting the children in their care. They are aware of the four possible signs of abuse and fully committed to making their nursery a safe place for children to be. Clear and written policies provide staff with additional guidance and ensure parents are aware of the nursery's responsibilities in protecting their children. There is a child protection officer appointed within the nursery who follows up any concerns and keeps staff informed of any changes in legislation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a vibrant and nurturing environment. They really enjoy their time at nursery and are very happy and confident in their surroundings. Relationships between the staff and children are excellent. Children approach the staff for comfort with a clear expectation that they will receive support and encouragement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff are professional and have a very good knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework. This ensures that staff understand how young children develop and plan an age appropriate curriculum. Children take part in free choice and adult led activities allowing children to follow their own interests. This promotes self help skills and independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Staff have an extensive knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum and how children learn. They plan a range of activities that cover the six areas of learning. Staff observe the children during their play and use their notes to assess each child's achievements. These are then recorded in the children's folders and staff use this information to plan their next steps. Staff increase children's interest by arranging activities to look inviting and fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about colour, texture, shape and form using a wide range of media. They enjoy worthwhile activities which explore three-dimensional space such as junk modelling and collages. Children enjoy music and respond enthusiastically during music sessions and have made their own musical instruments. Planned role play activities are varied and interesting. The staff join in to encourage and extend the children's imagination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show a lively interest in the world around them. A wide range of topics allow children to explore and investigate aspects of the natural and man made world. They are beginning to understand past and present events and staff use their skills to ask open questions to help children organise their thoughts. Children also receive plenty of opportunity to learn about their environment with regular trips to the park, woods and other locations of interest. Children spend time using simple technology and demonstrate good mouse control when playing games on the computer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are developing very well. They are encouraged to talk, share ideas and listen. Children listen to stories with excitement and can tell what is going to happen next. They understand that marks have a meaning and these can be used to spell out their names. Children's work is celebrated and proudly displayed on the wall allowing parents to share in their children's achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a very good understanding of numbers and most are able to count to 10 and beyond. Opportunities are provided for children to sort by shape, size and quantity. They are

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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 beginning to use mathematical language correctly and are developing an awareness of weight and volume.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly valued as individuals. They are developing positive attitudes towards others and are gaining a good understanding about their community and the areas they live in. Staff introduce various festivals and cover many topics to enrich children's knowledge of different cultures, and to see differences as an important influence in their lives. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff are aware that some children in the nursery will need extra support. They provide one to one support when this is appropriate and all children take a full and active role in the activities. If they identify that a child is experiencing learning difficulties they will work in co-operation with the parents on an Individual Education Plan that identifies achievable targets to help them progress. Staff work directly with outside agencies to ensure that children receive the support they need. As a result, children feel secure and enjoy their time at nursery.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is excellent. Staff are very good role models and the nursery has a calm and harmonious feel. Staff provide the children with clear and consistent boundaries which enables them to learn right from wrong. Parents are always involved in any behavioural issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is outstanding. Parents speak very highly of the nursery and confirm that they have an excellent relationship with the staff. Children are delivered directly to parents at the end of each session and this provides a good opportunity for staff and parents to exchange any information. Each child has a contact book or sheet and this is filled in daily so parents know what activities their children have been involved in. The nursery has a parents' forum where parents meet on a regular basis and give feedback to the manager and staff. This is an ideal opportunity for parents to voice any concerns and ask any questions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive detailed information about the Foundation Stage curriculum. The information outlines what children are expected to learn and how they will learn. This ensures parents understand that play has an important role in developing children’s skills for the next stage of learning. Parents and staff work together and share information about children’s individual progress and development. Continual assessment and monitoring, both within the nursery and at home, ensures children’s individual needs are fully met.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from an extremely well-organised environment. The rooms are well laid out and staff have a clear understanding of their role in supporting the children in their play and learning. There are robust procedures in place for appointing staff and all the necessary checks are taken to protect children from unsuitable adults. All staff who work in the nursery have had enhanced checks with the Criminal Records Bureau.

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Organisation

Child to adult ratios are high and staff training and qualification requirements are fully met. Documentation is clear and inline with current legislation. Staff are aware of confidentiality and store all records accordingly. Children's care and learning is enhanced by the documentation held in the nursery.

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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 Leadership and management is outstanding. Staff work very well as a team. They are well supported by the management and encouraged to access various courses for their personal development. There are regular supervision and appraisals that identify training needs and celebrate staff's achievements in other areas. There are clear aims for the provision and staff understand their role and responsibility in making this vision a reality.

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Organisation

The nursery meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the following recommendations were made:

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Improvements since the last inspection

1) Consider keeping an accident book rather than separate sheets. Separate sheets are still in place, but they are numbered and clearly indexed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

2) Ensure sick children policy is readily available for parents to refer to. This is now in place.

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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 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 outstanding. 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 outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of nursery education are outstanding.

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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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