The Aunties' Old School Nursery

The Old School Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

133499 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2007 Inspection date Tracy Bartholomew Inspector

p.1

School Lane, Stanton St. John, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX33 1ET Setting Address

p.1

01865 351215 Telephone number aunties@theoldschoolnursery.co.uk E-mail The Aunties Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Old School Nursery is a family run setting and opened in 1989. It operates from the old school building in a rural setting in Oxfordshire.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 42 children from birth to five years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There is one child with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and the group supports nine children who speak English as an additional language.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 8:00 until 18:00.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are two part time and six full time staff members who work with the children. Of these, seven staff members have early years qualifications and one member of staff is currently on a training programme. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the nursery due to the ethos of healthy living. They follow methodical practices and procedures which maintains children's good health and welfare. Staff have an excellent knowledge of the procedures for promoting effective health and hygiene as they follow robust procedures such as, wearing disposable gloves when changing children and dealing with accidents, constantly washing their own hands and acting as affective role models. This in turn maintains the high levels of hygiene and minimises the spread of infection. Children are fully aware of their own needs and are developing independence in their personal care. Suitable hand washing facilities, with child friendly taps aid the children's development in their independence skills. Children contribute to the changes in their care routines such as tidying up and preparing for snacks, where they confidently help to chop up the variety of fresh fruit

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's healthy growth and development is commendable as staff show an excellent understanding of their individual dietary requirements. All snacks and lunch boxes comply with individual children's dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy and safe. Children select and serve their own portions of pineapple, apple, pear and banana for snack. They are aware drinking water is available to them at all times. Children are proactive learners whilst at the setting, and learn about the importance of recycling, taking an active part to place the material in the correct boxes. The staff are excellent at engaging the children, whilst growing their own fruit and vegetables. Children excitedly explain the importance of eating healthy, how they have grown blackberries and that beans grow from seeds and what they needed to help them grow. This involved them and their parents to dig and bring in worms from their own

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

gardens, to help their plants grow. Children are extremely knowledgeable and fully comprehend the living cycle, which demonstrates their awareness of nurturing and healthy living.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children experience varied opportunities to develop their physical skills through well planned and spontaneous activities both indoors and out. As a result, they develop an excellent understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The premises are bright, welcoming and suitably ventilated. Children play in a warm, clean and well maintained setting, which is delightfully laid out to ensure children have an environment to play freely and safely in. Children use a fantastic range of high quality equipment which is appropriate to their age and stage of development, and meets their individual needs. They have plenty of space to reside in and develop their play, with low level accessible furniture to positively support the flow of activities.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's work is prominently displayed in all areas which gives them a sense of belonging and that staff value their efforts and achievements. Children are cared for in premises where staff are vigilant about safety. The risk assessment procedures for walks around the village, and outings are exemplary. Staff employ innovative systems to make sure everyone understands which adult takes responsibility for which child. Children develop their understanding of road safety extremely well through excellent discussions and singing the 'down by the station'. Older children already look for reversing light and moving traffic before crossing roads and the car

p.3

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 parks, with younger ones often imitating their lead. Staff constantly emphasise safety messages and keep the children alert to possible dangers throughout. They use a daily checklist to ensure the premises and the perimeter around the setting is protected and safe for the children to enter, and regular risk assessments are undertaken, which includes the children’s involvement. This ensures the children’s safety is excellently maintained and possible risks are absolutely minimised throughout.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the detailed and excellent awareness that the staff have in relation to child protection. There are meticulous policies and procedures in place, which are available to all. The staff are confident with the routes for referral and are assertive with their training, to maximise their first-rate practice to protect all children in their care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in this nursery. They are secure and very confident; they settle well and are totally relaxed in this well established home environment. They relate exceptionally well to each other, showing each other care and consideration, whilst interacting and playing together. The staff provide the children with a wide range of developmentally and educational experiences. These are dynamic and offer first-hand activities that support all areas of the children’s development remarkably well.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have access to an extensive range of appealing toys and art activities, such as play mobile and tunnel caterpillar. The children clearly enjoy working together on group and individual tasks, where they show tougher enjoyment in. This fully supports and promotes their development and learning in all areas, including educational next steps. Children share toys with little or no prompting during their play. For example, they happily share and negotiate the use of scissors, glue and assorted art materials.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The staff understand the uniqueness of each child and are understanding to their individual needs; children make excellent progress because of the effective ongoing support they receive. Staff enjoy playing with the children and listening to them, which in turn the children thrive upon. For example, in relation to language development, staff are highly competent in developing children's communication and expanding thinking through questions and discussion. Children are beginning to understand the world, by expressing their ideas and communicate animatedly as they eagerly take part in the range of activities on offer. For example, art and craft, dance, music and imaginative play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children arrive at the setting happy and confident. All children and parents are made to feel welcome as they self-register and eagerly look forward to the day's activities. Children's individual pegs and labelled drawers provide them with a sense of belonging as they store their pictures and personal possessions. Staff are pro-active in ensuring the needs of all children are met. They demonstrate an excellent knowledge of the individual needs of the children in their care, fully understanding which children have allergies and specific parental requirements. The educational needs coordinator demonstrates a secure knowledge of the code of practice. This results in, the staff working together with parents, careers and other professional bodies, including the sensory bus to enable children take part in activities designed at a level which is

p.4

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 appropriate to their needs. Children develop a positive attitude to others through varied positive images displayed around the setting and through planned activities such as building a monument to Sibelius and cooking Indian, Chinese and Japanese foods.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit exceptionally well from staff who adopt a consistent and positive approach to the management of their behaviour. Staff support all the children in sharing and turn-taking. Children know right from wrong, they are sensitive to the needs of others, and willingly and cooperatively share toys and resources well. Staff increase children’s understanding of right and wrong, they respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment and peers, which as a result ensures the children's behaviour is commendable overall.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel valued in the setting and relationships are excellent overall. Staff actively seek parents’ views about their children’s needs and interests before the child starts at the setting. They share relevant background information, play activities and discuss children's specific needs. Parents have clear and informative notice boards which are detailed with relevant and up to date information. Children benefit from the open door policy and two-way sharing of information, with opportunities for parents to speak to staff at all times. Parents receive excellent opportunities to contribute to their children’s assessments and they are constantly included in their learning. As a result, parents and carers have a very good understanding of their child's progress.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care and learning is exceptionally improved by the outstanding organisation and management team of the nursery. Children are eager and confident to learn and do so through the highly skilled staff. Children benefit from the well-organised environment where they receive substantial adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Clear, precise and detailed policies and procedures are fully incorporated within the nursery, which effectively support and underpin the staff’s knowledge and understanding. The nursery prides itself on the flourishing links between home and nursery, which in turn allow the children to settle effectively.

p.5

Organisation

The staff are proactive and use their time well; a flexible approach allows children the opportunity to effectively pursue their own interests within an activity. Staff are dedicated and committed to improving their knowledge on childcare; they work to an excellent high standard. The staff team constantly reinforce their excellent practice through available courses, such as the Birth to three matters framework. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures ongoing knowledge of current childcare practices. This ensures effective support, care and learning of the children. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the group were asked to consider how child protection issues would be dealt with.

p.5

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 group have fully analysed Standard 13 and are secure in their knowledge and procedure to safeguard all children in their care.

p.5

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. 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

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

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6