Small Wonders P D N Limited

Small Wonders P D N Limited Inspection report for early years provision

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EY291032 Unique Reference Number 18 March 2008 Inspection date Sylvia Cornock Inspector

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Small Wonders Nursey, Connaughton House, Mount Road, Manchester, Lancashire, M19 3BH

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Setting Address

0161 248 8690 Telephone number enquiries@small-wonders.co.uk E-mail Small Wonders P D N Limited Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Full day care Type of care

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Setting Address

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?

Small Wonders Nursery is run by Small Wonders P D N Limited. It was registered in 2004 and operates from four rooms within the premises in Levenshulme, Manchester. A maximum of 80 children from birth to under five years of age may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open from 07:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, 49 weeks of the year. Fully secure areas are available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 104 children aged from birth to five years on roll. Of these 32 children receive funding for nursery education. The nursery currently have no children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The nursery supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs 25 members of staff who work directly with the children. Of these, 23 hold appropriate early years qualifications and one member of staff is currently undertaking a relevant child care qualification.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting receives support from a local authority pedagogue.

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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 and well-being are promoted as good health and hygiene procedures help to prevent infection and cross contamination. Staff have clearly established routines for cleaning surfaces, toys and equipment. The clear nappy changing routine is followed appropriately by staff. These measures help to protect children's good health. Older children are developing a good awareness of simple hygiene procedures, such as hand washing at appropriate times. Older children show awareness of the purpose of hand washing in removing germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected due to good sickness, medication, accident and emergency procedures. A clear sickness policy helps protect children from the spread of infection. Staff are careful to ensure that medicines are appropriately administered so that children's health is protected. Many staff hold up to date first aid qualifications, helping to meet children's needs in the event of an accident or emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished and are developing an awareness of the importance of healthy eating. Menus are carefully devised taking into account dietary requirements. Children's particular dietary needs and preferences are well catered for. As a result, children benefit from the provision of excellent quality menus, offering children a balanced and nutritious diet. Children learn to develop a healthy lifestyle through daily outdoor play. They are offered and can access drinking water on a regular basis, further promoting their good health and development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development throughout the nursery is promoted exceptionally well. Children have daily access to the large arena with an excellent range of play equipment; they also have access to an outside play area which further develops their skills. For example, as the older children have many opportunities to climb and balance on the apparatus and equipment. Younger children show confidence in exploring their physical capabilities using the wheeled toys, weaving in and out as they enjoy and have fun in the covered arena. There is an excellent and broad variety of both indoor and outdoor equipment provided which extends children's progress and capabilities appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a dynamic and welcoming, secure indoor and outdoor environment. They are eager to attend and relish their time in the vibrant and safe setting. Children are cared for in a highly innovative planned and organised environment which is conducive to their very good learning and development. The individual rooms are well set out and prepared prior to the children's arrival offering them access to excellent activities and opportunities which are supported by an extensive range of resources and equipment. A parents' notice board with detailed information, colourful posters, photographs and children's work displayed, creates a welcoming atmosphere. Children benefit from a good amount of space indoors which is arranged effectively to provide them with good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an extensive range of toys and equipment on a daily basis and which is continually built upon. This wide range of resources supports an excellent programme of

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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 themes and activities. Equipment is of a very high standard and checked regularly for safety and hygiene ensuring children are safe at all times. Children are independent as they make choices and self select toys and equipment from those on offer.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because staff are extremely vigilant and assess possible risks to reduce potential hazards. Staff have an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits, and how to involve children effectively in organising their environment. This allows children to learn some sense of danger and knowledge about how to protect themselves from harm. Regular evacuations of the premises are practised to ensure children know the procedure to follow in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for within a safe environment as staff employ rigorous safety policies and procedures ensuring children's safety at all times. Staff are extremely diligent in their care of children and the provision of a safe environment through the use of suitable safety equipment, high staff ratios and supervision. Staff hold regular meetings to raise or discuss any issues or concerns. Children learn to keep themselves safe through discussion with staff, for example, about the importance of not running indoors or using toys and equipment safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is given a high priority because staff have an understanding of recognising possible signs and symptoms of children at risk. Staff know who the identified member of staff is with responsibility for child protection issues. Some staff members have undertaken child protection training. However, not all staff are aware on how to implement the policies and procedures in the absence of the designated member of staff. This compromises children's safety and well-being. Good well written policies and procedures are shared with staff, parents and carers at all times. Staff very clearly understand their responsibility in maintaining a safe environment for all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children throughout the nursery arrive excited and ready to participate in the excellent activities and experiences which await them. Children’s ability to relate to others is quite striking; not only do they relate well to adults, but they have developed very good relationships with each other. This is evident when they tell staff and each other about their news, such as where their parents work and what uniforms they wear. Children enjoy listening to stories being read to them and have fun during free play time when they can select an activity of their choice. Children are happy and contented and are extremely confident and self-assured.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Those who are new are helped to settle by staff who are sensitive towards their individual needs. The youngest children make excellent progress because staff recognise the uniqueness of each child. Close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Children under three benefit greatly from the planning of activities that are specifically geared to enable them to become fully involved and engrossed in an exciting range of highly innovative activities. Staff have an excellent understanding of 'Birth to three matters' framework which supports children's learning effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children are captivated and greatly inspired by an extensive range of stimulating, relevant activities related to their needs. They access a very broad range of high quality resources, which supports children across all areas of learning. Staff

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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 consistently make excellent use of their time and resources to support children's learning. Teaching highly motivates the children who are eager to learn, self assured in their play and confident to try new experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The setting has developed a highly comprehensive system to track both the delivery and receipt of the curriculum. Assessments of children's achievements are good and linked to the stepping stones, resulting in children who make very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning, given their capability and starting points. From the start, staff find out about children’s skills, interests and needs and build on this information effectively to help children achieve as much as they can. A flexible approach to planning and an excellent balance between adult and child-led activities allows children to learn at their own pace. Staff are perceptive of children’s interests during self-initiated play and use questions very successfully to challenge children’s thinking and developing language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a language rich environment where they develop very good speaking and listening skills. Children know how books 'work' as they explain it is written by the author, the illustrator writes the pictures, the spine holds it together and bar code tells you how much it is. They participate in the 'hen' story showing confidence as they add rhyming words, such as ten and pen. However, children do not freely access the book area independently, as the presentation of books or the area used is not sufficiently inviting to attract children's interests. Children very successfully recognise letters of the alphabet and volunteer to share their knowledge with their friends when looking at the alphabet posters. Pads and pencils are freely used in role play helping children understand that words and print have meaning. Children demonstrate a thorough understanding of number and shape recognition. When using the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

computer children listen to instruction and confidently select the correct number and place it on the required article. They confidently count the number of children and adults present and recognise numbers through a range of purposeful songs, stories and activities. They easily describe and point out various shapes around the room.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Many good opportunities to make music are enjoyed by children. They enjoy their daily session of 'boogie bebe's' where they listen to the music and complete exercises to keep them healthy. They experiment with musical instruments with great enthusiasm. Children enjoy meeting people from the community and supporting various charities within the area, such as bringing in chocolate Easter eggs to be given to others. They show an interest as visitors to the setting talk about their jobs and some wear their uniforms. They celebrate many and varied festivals throughout the year. They have completed themes on 'people who help us' and 'other languages' using excellent recourses and tasting food from around the world. These experiences help children understand diversity and differences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are inquisitive, fascinated by how things work, such as using the digital camera, computer and programmable toys. They show skill and concentration as they make various pictures and items in art and craft activities and display them in 'all our own work area'. Children’s sense of discovery is exceptionally well supported and their physical skills developed superbly through using the excellent large arena, outdoor and indoor activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's equality of opportunity is given a very high priority and is very well addressed. All children are included in all the activities provided; their individual needs and circumstances are well known and provided for by staff. All children are welcomed and play a full part in the

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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 setting because staff value and respect their individuality and the family context for each child. Children have access to a rich and varied range of resources, play opportunities and activities which reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. They have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through planned activities, visitors to the setting and occasional walks to the post office. Staff work very effectively with parents, carers and outside agencies to ensure that children who have learning difficulties and disabilities are appropriately cared for and given support to enable them to participate fully in all activities. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary. Their very good behaviour is a direct result of highly effective staff interaction and involvement with children in their activities. Children receive lots of positive praise and encouragement for their efforts, attempts and achievements aiding the development of their self confidence and self-esteem. Staff are excellent role models, showing respect and consideration for children, each other, parents and carers. Children are extremely polite, well mannered and show care and concern for each other. A very positive behaviour management strategy encourages children to be polite, have respect for oneself and others and the environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Children's well-being and development is significantly enhanced by the excellent partnership with parents and carers. Parents and carers have access to and receive plenty of very good information about the setting and what it has to offer in terms of care and education. They also have access to detailed information on themes, along with access to the planning and information on the educational provision. Staff make excellent use of the entrance area making this welcome to children, their parents and carers. Staff report good support from parents and carers as they discuss their child's achievements and progress. Those parents and carers spoken to were very positive and supportive of the provision and what it offers their children. This highly effective communication between parents, carers and staff helps to promote children's learning and progress towards the early learning

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Helping children make a positive contribution

goals along with their overall development and well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The quality of leadership and management is good. Children’s care is significantly enhanced by the exceptional quality of organisation and the very good leadership and management of the setting. The manager’s and pre-school leader's clear sighted educational vision is founded in an in-depth understanding of the needs of young children. The commitment and overall ethos of the setting promotes an inclusive environment in which every child matters. Regular staff meetings and very good staff training effectively contributes towards the professional development of the staff. There are extremely high staffing levels in place, which contributes significantly to children’s care and development. Comprehensive staff induction and staff information folders are available to all new and existing staff.

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Organisation

All legally required policies and procedures are individual to the setting, robust and fully support the expert practice of knowledgeable and highly skilled staff. The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to provide children with realistic and challenging play opportunities. Parents are valued and the excellent systems in place to share information contribute to the children’s confidence and well-being.

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Organisation

All staff are committed to continuous improvement and development. Qualified and experienced staff use the curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage and the 'Birth to three matters'

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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 framework guidance extremely well to provide high quality care and education. They regularly reflect, monitor and improve the quality of their care and education; this means that children thrive and make very rapid progress.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure the pipes in the arena were made inaccessible to the children. The provider has covered the pipes with foam covering. They were also asked to ensure the times of arrival and departure for the children in attendance are recorded accurately and that children's medical details and dietary requirements remain confidential. The provider has reviewed the systems for recording the children's attendance and for the medical details and dietary requirements to ensure confidentiality. These measures enhance the safety and well-being of the children.

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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 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 that all staff are aware of child protection issues and are able to implement the policies and procedures in the absence of the designated member of staff.

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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): • organise the book corner and presentation of books to encourage children to use this area independently on a regular basis.

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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 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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