Huntly Lodge PRU

Little Angels Day Nursery & Pre-School Inspection report for early years provision

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131707 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2007 Inspection date Moreen Johnson Inspector

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217 Blackstock Road, London, N5 2LL Setting Address

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020 7354-5070 Telephone number littleangels@btconnect.com E-mail Caroline, Mary Thompson 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 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 outstanding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Little Angels Day Nursery was registered in 1998. It is situated in Finsbury Park in the London borough of Islington. Children have access to four play rooms and to a secure outdoor play area. A maximum of 72 children may attend at any one time. The group opens five days a week for 49 weeks of the year. Opening hours are from 8.00 to 18.30.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 88 children from 10 months to five years on roll. Of these, 22 children receive funding for nursery education. The nursery currently supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs 27 staff most of whom, hold Early Years qualifications. The manager holds a BA honours and is working towards Early Years Professional Status ( EYPS). In addition, several staff are working towards NVQ level 3 and 4. The setting employs a full time qualified teacher.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Little Angles Day Nursery is a member of the London Borough of Islington Quality Assurance Scheme ‘ Raising Quality’.

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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. Medication procedures meet with requirements. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. Children are appropriately treated in the event of an emergency because many staff are trained in first aid. However, staff does not always ensure that parents sign accident recording to confirm that they have been notified.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through well organised routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Many children use the toilet independently and wash their hands; staff reinforce this good practice by praising the children. When some children use the toilet and forget to flush it, they are given gentle reminders when staff asks 'what do you do now'. Children are well protected from infection because there are good written policies which are well implemented by staff. For example, staff ensure that the premises is well maintained and that no-one is allowed to enter the kitchen before washing their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. Staff promote healthy eating well by offering children a varied, healthy balanced diet. Children are given a meal such as savoury turkey mince, green peas with rice or vegetable stew with rice and yoghurt with fruit. Children are offered drinks throughout the day. Babies are given milk according to their individual needs or in accordance with their home routine. Water is easily accessible to older children and they confidently help themselves. Special dietary requirements are complied with and this ensures children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have excellent opportunities to engage in a variety of physical play experiences. Children have daily access to the large outdoor play area which is covered so that it can be used in all weathers. Whilst engaging in outdoor play children enjoy energetically, they run, peddle and climb. Some children are allowed to take risks by walking up the slide and staff are close at hand to supervise them. Other children throw sponge balls high into the air with great skill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's wellbeing is generally well safeguarded. Staff have a good awareness of the group's child protection policies and procedures and how to implement them. Staff are aware that they must report any concerns to a senior staff member. The group has a comprehensive policy which is shared with parents. However in the event of the need to check historical record, children are not fully protected because the register is not accurate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in extremely well maintained premises. The effective use of displays makes the nursery an attractive child-friendly environment. Staff organise the indoor and outdoor space effectively, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. All group rooms have a comfortable cosy area where children can engage in quiet activities. Pre-school children benefit from having access to a separate room where staff do focused activities with them. Children have access to a wide range of good quality resources and activities that are easily accessible to them. There are good arrangements made for children to rest. There

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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 is a quiet comfortable sleep room which allows children to have undisturbed sleep. When children are sleeping staff make regular checks on them to ensure that they are safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure building and are protected from intruders because staff monitor the arrival of all parents and visitors. There are effective systems in place for carrying out risk assessments to protect children from potential hazards. Children are developing an understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a fire because these are regularly practised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children in the nursery are happy and thoroughly enjoy their time at nursery. Children are well stimulated as they engage in a wide range of activities. Children demonstrate their independence; they move freely within their group rooms and the outside play area and initiate their own play. Children have positive relationships with staff who provide them with excellent encouragement and praise them for achievements. Babies and young children have regular opportunities to play and eat together which means that they are learning to communicate and develop good relationships. Children are supported well to move to the next stage of their development, because staff have a very good understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum and the Birth to three matters framework, and use this knowledge well to plan for the children's individuals needs. Pre-school children have daily opportunities to do small group work in the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

quiet room which ensures that their individual learning is met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Staff have an excellent understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum. Planning is very good. There are effective systems in place for carrying out observations and assessments on children that clearly identify children's progress and how they are supported to move to the next stage of their learning. Children are making very good progress towards early learning goals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning to use basic mathematical language such as 'long' and 'short' and they confidently identify 'circle, 'triangle' and 'rectangle'. Children are learning to problem solve for instance whilst pouring drinks for their friends they count the number of children and select the appropriate number of cups needed. Children are encouraged to express their creative skills. They are engrossed in painting rainbows, they confidently differentiate between colours and know that they get purple by mixing red with blue together. Children enjoy exploring textures; they squash the wet pasta shells and watch with interest as they spring back into shape. Some children play well together filling a container with sand and making hole in it and talk about the number of holes that they make. Children are developing an appreciation of music and movement by singing a range of familiar songs and dancing to music and playing instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy listening to stories and are captivated when the staff member read 'The Smartest Giant in Town'. Children are actively encouraged to participate and confidently talk about what happens next. Some children make up their own stories and use hand gestures and facial expression to get their point across. Children are developing good writing skills; they draw complex figures and some are beginning to write their names. During a large group story session some children initially show no interest, a member demonstrates good team working skill by intervening to engage the children.

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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 Children are encouraged to explore information technology. They use the camera confidently to take a picture of other children with good support from staff. Children have regular opportunities to use the computers, they skilfully drag and click with the mouse. Children learn about different cultures and beliefs through well-planned topics on community festivals and by visiting places of worship. Children are introduced to different languages by having weekly French and Spanish lessons.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are gaining a positive understanding of non stereotypical role by being cared for by male and female staff. Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude to other cultures and have access to a range of resources that reflect diversity. Children behave well and respond positively to intervention. Children have positive relationships with each other and adults. They are encouraged to develop and appreciate music and movement. This positive approach fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is good. Children experience consistent care due to good communication systems between parents and staff. Parents have regular opportunities to meet with staff to discuss their children's progress in the six areas of learning and agree how they are supported in their development. Parents receive good written information about the nursery and information on Birth to three matters and the Foundation Stage curriculum. The complaints procedure is readily accessible and how to contact Ofsted as the regulator is clearly displayed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

Children are making good progress due to staff's good knowledge and understanding of how to meet each child's individual needs. The effective recruitment procedures ensure that staff are appropriately vetted. Staff work well together as a team and are deployed well to ensure that children are not placed at risk. All policies and procedures are in place. However, accident records are not always signed by parents. Staff use a tick system in each room to mark children in on arrival. However, the setting is in breach of regulation because records of children's arrival times are not always recorded.

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Organisation

Leadership and management of the nursery education is good. The proprietor and management team are committed to developing the provision. Staff meet regularly to plan the curriculum and to discuss children's progress and to address relevant areas for improvement. Staff are valued and are supported in their work through training.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspections recommendations were made to improve both education and care practices. The group has made good progress in addressing these by updating the child protection policy to include action to be taken in the event of allegation made against a member of staff. This ensures that children are protected from harm. The group now celebrates a wide range of festivals which provide opportunities for children to develop an understanding of

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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 other cultures. Children are now given good opportunities to develop skills in solving practical mathematical problems.

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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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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 outstanding.

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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): • maintain up to date written documentation of the children's daily attendance register with all details of arrival times • ensure that parents sign all accidents records

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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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