Busy Bees at South Staffordshire Water

Busy Bees at South Staffordshire Water Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY347282 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Permjit Tanda Inspector

p.1

South Staffordshire Water Plc, Green Lane, WALSALL, WS2 7PD Setting Address

p.1

E-mail

Busy Bees Nurseries Limited Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care Type of care

p.1

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

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Busy Bees at South Staffordshire Water opened in 2007. It is located in the Leamore area of Walsall. The nursery operates from self-contained premises within the South Staffordshire Water Board's building. Facilities include two main playrooms, one of which is separated into two areas and an enclosed outdoor area.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Currently there are 22 children on roll. The nursery is open all year round except bank holidays from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday. There are effective systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. Eight staff work directly with the children of whom all hold an appropriate early years qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a clean environment where they can play, rest, sleep and be active according to their needs. Children stay healthy because staff follow current and appropriate

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. The consistent adult support and guidance helps children gain an appropriate understanding of hygiene and they become increasingly independent in their personal care. As part of the daily routine children learn about the importance of hand washing before meals and after using the toilet. All the required formats for administering medication and recording accidents are in place. Most of the staff hold a current first aid certificate and therefore the children's welfare is promoted well.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children make effective use of the outdoor play area through organised outdoor play sessions. The area is safe, secure and allows children some opportunity to increase their physical skills. The developing range of resources allows the children the opportunity to climb, use wheeled toys with control and co-ordination and use smaller play equipment such as bats and balls. Children enjoy running around chasing each other and adults. This helps increase their fitness and develop a positive attitude towards physical exercise. Babies acquire new physical skills because they have a safe space indoors to lie, roll and crawl. Staff support and encourage babies to acquire new and practise learned physical skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished and hydrated throughout the day. They benefit from nutritious meals, snacks and drinks which appeal to them. Meals are prepared freshly on the premises. Healthy options are incorporated well, for example, at snack time children enjoy a good selection of fresh fruits, juice and water. Children’s special dietary requirements and preferences are catered for well. Staff are attentive to the needs of babies who are weaning and they are fed according to their individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are grouped according to their age and the rooms used are welcoming and inviting. Staff carry out written risk assessments to reduce potential hazards in the environment and therefore children can move safely and freely. Children learn the importance of staying safe and understand that certain rules are in place for their own safety. Staff are vigilant about the children’s safety and supervise the children well. Fire safety is given appropriate consideration and children learn to keep safe through taking part in the fire evacuation procedure.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use toys and equipment which are appropriate and safe because staff regularly check and monitor for safety. However, there are insufficient toys and resources available to provide a broad range of stimulating activities and play opportunities and this impacts on the quality of the children’s play and learning. All of the required policies and procedures for the safe management of the setting are in place and regularly updated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by staff that have a sound understanding of child protection policies and give priority to children’s welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children arrive happy and eager to participate. Staff's sensitivity towards children's individuality and needs ensures that children settle easily. The setting’s policy of encouraging parents to attend initial sessions with their children allows them to become accustomed to the environment and staff. The consistent, warm and caring relationships developed by staff foster the children's trust and sense of well-being. Staff are aware of the children’s individual needs and routines,

p.3

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 for example, babies are fed and sleep according to their individual needs and routine throughout the day. They are well-nourished and staff are attentive to their needs at mealtime.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The babies benefit from time for play, quiet time and physical activity. Staff are developing their knowledge of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and are learning how to use it to help support the children’s development. Babies have access to toys such as sound toys, shape sorters and activity centres. Adults support their play and communication through physical contact, good facial expressions, eye contact and through talking to them about what they are doing. Babies have fewer opportunities to develop their natural curiosity through using their senses to explore activities such as sand, water, cooked pasta and jelly. Adults engage the babies well but do not always successfully plan or adapt activities according to the development needs of the more able children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children aged from two years enjoy their time at nursery and make steady progress. Staff plan a varied range of activities according to the theme and children show appropriate levels of interest in their play. There is a clear routine in place but the organisation of the room and activities do not allow children to freely select from a broad range of first hand experiences to build on their natural curiosity as learners. Also activities such as the water, sand and role play area are not always well-maintained or offer further challenge for the more able children. Therefore children do not always show good levels of interest in what is available. Children have regular opportunities to practise their skills in mark making, learning their colours and increasing their mathematical thinking, however, often these experiences are over directed and do not always allow children the opportunity to build on their own creativity.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to simple instructions and join in well during group activities. They enjoy playing with their special friends. Children show a sense of belonging and understand the routine well and are familiar with their environment. They easily adapt to changes in the routine such as getting their coats for outdoor play and have positive relationships with the staff.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed and are given the opportunity to take part in the session. Staff value and respect their individuality and children learn to understand that they can expect others to treat their cultures and beliefs with respect. Children have been actively involved in celebrating Eid and Diwali through tasting various foods. There is a moderate range of positive image resources and play materials which helps them learn about diversity. Staff are able to adapt the environment and activities to meet the needs of children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties. There are appropriate systems in place to support children who speak English as an additional language.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good. Staff support children in sharing and turn taking. Staff adopt a positive approach to help children understand values and codes of behaviour. Children respond well to gentle reminders to care for the environment, the resources and for each other. Staff set consistent boundaries for the children, which helps them learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children develop their self-esteem because staff build on their good behaviour through praise and reward.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s needs are met well because staff and parents share information about the children daily. Parents are kept well informed of their child’s day through daily discussion and daily written report sheets for children under two years. Staff ensure that all parents know how their

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 children are progressing through annual parents evening. Parents are kept up-to-date about nursery routines, policies and events through regular newsletters, the notice board and daily contact. They receive a comprehensive information pack and the settings policies and procedures are made easily accessible in the entrance hall to the nursery. Children benefit from the involvement of their parents in projects this contributes to their well-being at the nursery.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. An effective recruitment and selection procedure means that children are cared for by suitably qualified staff. Some staff are more secure in their knowledge of the Foundation Stage and ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and therefore the quality of enjoying achieving varies throughout the setting. Staff work well as a team to meet the needs of children.

p.5

Organisation

The person in charge is supported by the area manager through regular meetings and consultation to ensure consistency across all of the nursery settings. The management team are committed to improving the service provided and this is addressed through staff monitoring and training opportunities. The running of the nursery is not always effective this is especially evident in the pre-school room during afternoon sleep time. During this period children are encouraged to engage in quiet activities and often show little interest in what is made available.

p.5

Organisation

All of the required documentation which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. Children benefit from a committed staff team who are appropriately inducted and supervised. There is a commitment from the whole staff team to continuous improvement and development. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

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): • provide sufficient, suitable toys and play materials to offer stimulating activities and play opportunities for the children indoors and outdoors • plan a broad range of experiences daily for children to build on their natural curiosity as learners and to promote their creativity • plan more effectively for the learning needs of the more able children • ensure activities such as the water, sand and role play area are maintained and regularly replenished to keep the children's interest • consider the organisation of sleep-time to ensure it does not interrupt children's play and learning.

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