Fledglings Too Ltd

Fledglings Too Ltd Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362027 Unique Reference Number 06 May 2008 Inspection date Christine Lynn Williams Inspector

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Chapel Lane, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6JX Setting Address

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E-mail

Fledgings Too Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care Type of care

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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

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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

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Fledglings Day Nursery is one of two nurseries run by Fledglings Too Ltd. It opened in 2007 and operates from a purpose-built building in Wythall, near the Birmingham and Worcestershire border. A maximum of 27 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07:30 to 18:00 for 51 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 54 children aged from three months to three years on roll. Children come from a wide catchment area. The nursery has suitable systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities as well as those who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery employs a total of nine staff of which most hold appropriate early years qualification. One member of staff is working towards a qualification.

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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 is well protected by the high levels of hygiene which are maintained within the nursery. Effective cleaning routines and practices are followed to reduce the possible risks of infection. For example, staff wear aprons during nappy changing, carefully handle food and keep toys and equipment clean and hygienic. Staff set good examples by helping the youngest children to wipe their hands and faces and prompt older toddlers to wash their hands frequently. Well equipped toilet areas allow older toddlers to move towards independence, while attractive nappy changing areas are integral to each room so that keyworkers can bond with children as they change them. Children's health and medication needs are carefully recorded and they are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wealth of outside play and get plenty of fresh air. The nursery's large outdoor area is used widely throughout the day and a safety surface insures that even the youngest children can benefit from lots of outdoor learning experiences. There are plenty of shaded areas and staff regularly apply sun creams to ensure children are well protected from the dangers of sunburn. Sensory toys, soft play blocks, a play house and bikes and swings are taken outside to allow babies and toddlers to learn to move with increasing control and dexterity. There is plenty of space for babies to crawl and kick within their care room; armchairs and specialist equipment encourage the youngest children to learn to sit, pull themselves up and develop early walking skills. Older children often use soft play blocks to learn to scramble, climb and negotiate uneven surfaces within a safe environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet of freshly cooked food and are encouraged to drink frequently throughout the day. Toddlers are able to help themselves to drinks at all times and baby's feeder cups are frequently monitored to ensure that they drink sufficient. Hot meals are cooked on-site each day, meals are specifically chosen for their nutritional value and avoid the use of artificial additives, sugar or salt. Children are given breakfast, lunch and tea at the nursery and enjoy a wholesome range of foods such as pasta, rice, and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Careful consideration has been given to ensuring that all food provided for children is appropriate to their individual dietary needs and weekly menus are produced and displayed so that parents know what their children are eating. Children sit together in their care rooms to enjoy their food in a family atmosphere. They are encouraged to feed themselves

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Helping children to be healthy

independently using appropriate training cutlery and there is lots of chatter as they enjoy each other's company.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The nursery is warm and welcoming, with children's care rooms attractively decorated and specifically designed to provide interest and stimulation. Children are cared for in individual age rooms, with nappy changing and sleep areas being integral to each care room. There is also a separate library area where children enjoy stories, yoga and music times; children use a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. Colourful wall displays, photographs and stimulating sensory areas are used effectively to create a very child-friendly environment and children are well supervised at all times by qualified staff.

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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 Children are kept safe at all times due to staff's keen awareness of safety issues. They are vigilant in ensuring proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents and some have received training on how to minimise identified risks to children. For example, staff wear soft indoor shoes, the outdoor play area has a soft safety surface and both heating radiators and electrical sockets are protected. Effective security measures are in place to ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised and all visitors are monitored. The emergency evacuation procedure has been carefully considered and well thought out and this is displayed around the nursery for parents and all adults to see. A detailed risk assessment is used as the basis for all safety measures and checks; this has recently been reviewed and amended to reflect the lessons learnt

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

during the nursery's first few months of operation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a good understanding of how to safeguard children and recognise this is their first priority. They are vigilant, aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and know the appropriate procedures to follow should they have concerns about a child. Staff's willingness to record existing injuries, incidents and to discuss this with parents, further protects and safeguards children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and involved in a broad range of activities and spontaneous events. Good, warm and caring relationships are developed and this is evident. Children are encouraged to make friends with each other and to approach and talk freely with the adults who care for them. The keyworker system is used effectively to gain information about young children's starting points, individual routines, needs and preferences; this provides a continuity of care that ensures children feel secure and nurtured. For example, in the baby room staff respond to children's moods, facial expressions and the sounds they make; taped music often plays in the background to soothe or stimulate children. Children's individual daily routines are known for such things as sleep and feed times; their special toys and comforters are placed within easy reach to help children feel emotionally secure. A diary of children's daily care is kept by staff

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and this is shared with parents so that a constant two-way flow of information between the home and nursery is maintained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from staff's attitude and enthusiasm. They plan and provide activities to help young children’s development and assessment records are kept for each child as a result of observations made by keyworkers. However, these have only recently been introduced and are not yet fully effective in helping staff to plan for children's next steps.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff work closely with children to stimulate their interest and help them to explore the world around them. Young children are widely encouraged to use their senses; their care rooms are colourfully and attractively decorated to capture children's interest and imagination. Within the baby room a sensory den provides a safe area for children to lay, crawl or sit surrounded by colourful, reflective and interesting objects that stimulate their natural curiosity. There are ball pools, mirrors and shiny objects to look at, grasp and hold, as well as toys that make sounds or reflect the light. Toddlers enjoy many different tactile experiences such as sand, water and pasta; their care rooms provide a variety of creative learning experiences. Babies learn to imitate sounds and words through playful interactions with staff and each other; toddlers use their imagination and act out familiar situations through imaginary play. Baby yoga and 'rhythm

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

time' sessions are held each week and a separate a library area is used for looking at books, stories, singing and music.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a strong sense of belonging and benefit from the strong family atmosphere created within the nursery. Staff give babies their full attention, actively respond to their smiles and the noises they make and use gentle tones to help them feel secure and well cared for. There are plenty of opportunities for young children to be cuddled and comforted; close and supportive relationships are developed. Sensitive guiding and lots of praise are used throughout the nursery; staff use soft tones and smiles to help babies and toddlers know when they have done well. Sharing issues are handled through quick intervention, distraction and clear explanations are used with older toddlers to help them understand the rules for keeping them safe and happy. This helps children feel secure and to develop positive ideas about how they should behave and react to others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individuality is nurtured well and good examples are set to help children develop positive attitudes towards all members of society. Posters, photographs and carefully chosen playthings ensure young children regularly see images of differing family backgrounds, while books, puzzles and dressing up clothes further aid older toddlers' understanding of a diverse society. Children can easily access their toys and playthings; staff talk to them, involve them in things and support their individual backgrounds and cultural differences. Effective arrangements are made towards ensuring the setting’s practice is inclusive and children with learning difficulties an/or disabilities are well supported through the use of individual care plans. Some staff are specially trained in helping each child to reach their full potential and there is a commitment to working closely with parents and outside professionals when necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong relationship is formed with parents and this helps to support children's care and development. Good quality information is provided and this contributes to children's well-being and helps parents to understand how their children are cared for. Parents are always warmly greeted by staff and information and photograph boards are used very effectively to help parents become familiar with the nursery's routines and what their children do. Parent evenings are arranged to enable parents to talk to staff about the progress their children are making; daily chats at arrival and collection times ensure a collaborative approach to children's care is achieved. Parents are all given a copy of the nursery's policies and procedures, this includes one for complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is promoted well due to the positive steps taken to ensure that all staff contribute to maintaining children's overall good health, safety and learning. Good quality resources are provided and rooms have been colourfully decorated to provide a stimulating, child-friendly atmosphere. Staff work as an effective team, are well qualified and understand their roles and responsibilities. They group the children effectively, often with keyworkers in small groups; this promotes consistency and allows lots of discussion between staff, children and parents. Employment systems are robust, with all staff appropriately checked to ensure they are suitable to work with children.

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Organisation

A good standard of documentation, policies and records are kept and this demonstrates the nursery's commitment to ensuring a high level of care is offered. Confidential records are kept securely and all day-to-day records are kept within individual children's folders so that they can be easily updated and shared with parents. Overall the children's needs are met.

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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

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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.

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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

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • continue to develop planning and link this to children's assessments to ensure that these documents are fully effective in supporting children's development and progress.

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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

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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

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