Fordfield Nursery Ltd Ruxox House

Fordfield Nursery Ltd Ruxox House Inspection report for early years provision

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EY366384 Unique Reference Number 05 August 2008 Inspection date Susan Tuffnell Inspector

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Ruxox House, Maulden Road, Flitwick, BEDFORD, MK45 5BN Setting Address

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01525 405524 Telephone number fordfield@btinternet.com E-mail Fordfield House Nursery Ltd Registered person Childcare 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

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Fordfield Nursery Ltd, Ruxox House is owned by Fordfield Nursery Ltd. It was registered in January 2008. It operates from six main rooms within a converted building on the outskirts of Flitwick, Bedfordshire. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. The nursery is open each weekday throughout the year and sessions are from 08:00 to 18:00. The nursery is closed two weeks at Christmas and two weeks in the summer. A maximum of 56 children may attend the nursery at any one time. There are currently 40 children on role. The nursery serves children from the local and neighbouring communities and is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are 14 staff who are all qualified in early years childcare and education. The manager, lead person and curriculum adviser are supernumary.

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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 outstanding. All aspects of children's health and well-being are given a very high priority at the nursery. They are protected by the implementation of policies and procedures designed to maintain health and promote healthy choices. Written consent from parents allows children to receive emergency medical care if required and for staff to administer medication. The children’s welfare is promoted because all staff members hold a current first aid certificate and can therefore respond to accidents promptly and appropriately. Staff have also undertaken additional training to meet any health needs such as Epi-pen training and the care of children with asthma. Excellent procedures are in place for accidents and the children's existing injuries are photographed and the information logged and discussed with parents. The nursery has secure infection control procedures which includes information on water-based bacteria to ensure that the swimming

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Helping children to be healthy

pool is safe for children to use. Parents understand that children must not attend if they are ill or infectious and if a child becomes poorly whilst at the nursery they are kept comfortable until they can be collected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a clean, warm, comfortable and stimulating environment. The premises, equipment and play materials are immaculately clean and well maintained and the staff have very high standards. There is stringent regard to health and safety making the environment extremely child-friendly. All bedding, children's chairs and highchairs are spotless and regularly cleaned to keep up the high standards and staff wear protective aprons and gloves when serving food and changing nappies. Children are beginning to understand good health and hygiene routines. The staff are good role models. They explain the importance of hand washing and provide encouragement and support. Older children use the toilet independently. The children use good quality hand washing facilities before meals, after playing outside and at frequent intervals during the day. This is further supported with planned topics that cover independence

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from spending time in the open air and have the added benefit of an interesting garden area. Consequently, they have fresh air and space to move and run freely, aiding their body awareness and physical development. The range of resources and equipment available ensure that children have challenging and fun opportunities to engage with their environment and explore the possibilities of the activities set up. Children enjoy climbing on small apparatus and use a range of other items such as balls, hoops, and balancing equipment. Staff develop children's physical capabilities and confidence through the imaginative use of equipment both indoors and outdoors. Babies and toddlers practise and develop their physical control as they crawl, roll, shuffle and walk using equipment to help their mobility. Toddlers laugh and giggle as they wander up and down the path in the garden, clearly enjoying the pleasure of walking.

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Helping children to be healthy

They attempt little challenges such as low steps to the grassed area. Children's dexterity and hand and eye coordination are developed with an excellent range of manipulative toys and equipment. They use a wide range of tools and mark-making equipment for craft and in constructive play. A wealth of wonderful manipulative play is also available to the younger children as they investigate and discover treasure baskets, musical and interactive toys, puppets and art and craft materials.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children are offered meals and snacks of high quality. Extensive menus offer excellent choice and variety for the children based on healthy eating. The food is prepared daily using fresh ingredients that include vegetables and fruit. Children have opportunities to taste different

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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 foods such as mild curry and other cultural dishes. Children enjoy their food while learning good table manners and healthy eating habits. These are encouraged and reinforced by example because staff sit with the children to encourage and support them. Children's dietary needs are well known to staff. All information is collected and recorded regarding children's individual needs. Parents and staff share important information through the children's individual blue books that provide a home-nursery link for all parties to comment on the children's daily care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely safe and secure child-orientated environment. Extensive risk assessments are conducted and staff understand how to minimise risks. Daily routine check lists are carried out by staff and a maintenance book is used by staff to record anything broken or any concerns. All new equipment is automatically risk assessed before given to children. Fire evacuation procedures are practised with the children to help them respond positively when they hear the signal to evacuate the building. The premises are secure and children are well supervised at all times. There are very good procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children, including information regarding named persons who are able to collect the child. All staff, visitors and children's presence is recorded, so there is a record of who is on the premises at any given time. There are excellent procedures for outings. Children are kept safe because

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

parental consent is given, risk assessments are carried out, contact details and first aid resources are taken and the adult to child ratios appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's playrooms are bright, cheerful and stimulating areas where children can move freely around the exceptional well-organised rooms. There is suitable provision for heating, ventilation and natural lighting. The rooms are extremely bright and attractive with some wonderful displays of the children's art work, displayed to reflect their interests, topics and planned activities. The excellent layout of the rooms and the provision of activities which children can select for themselves ensures a stimulating and exciting environment for children of all ages and abilities. An abundance of stimulating and challenging toys, equipment and play materials are in place and attractively set up to encourage children to participate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and well-being is of the highest priority at the nursery. Their welfare is safeguarded and promoted through current policies and procedures for the protection of children. Staff are extremely knowledgeable about child protection and all procedures are in place and implemented. The nursery's good practice ensures any concerns are dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner. There is a procedure in place to clearly show the steps taken in the event of any allegations made against a member of staff. All staff are inducted into the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures when they start at the nursery.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children's enjoyment and achievements are promoted by the nursery through effective teaching methods and the high regard staff place on the children's enjoyment and achievements. The provision has an excellent programme of care and education for all the children. Children under three benefit from activities and care routines which are managed by experienced and knowledgeable key staff. The planning is shared by all staff in the setting and draws on a wide range of sources for inspiration and ideas. These include cultural or world events, seasonal activities and sensory and creative opportunities. For example, young children have opportunities

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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 to explore and discover a range of hats made out of different fabrics and different size handbags and purses. Older children participate in a topical activity about the Olympic Games. An excellent variety of linked activities enrich the experience for the children. For example, children take part in the 'games', they throw coloured balls in different shape holes and wear traditional Greek costumes and try Greek food. An attractive display of art and craft work linked to the topic shows the Olympic colours and ring symbol, Greek urns, Olympic torches and writing on wax boards with sticks. Staff are aware of the differing needs of children at varying ages and stages of development, and take these factors into account when planning and delivering the activities and routines. Staff observe and record the children's development to form a personal

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

profile. These are kept with a clear record of the children's progress that includes examples of children's work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to a meaningful range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity. Excellent arrangements are made to ensure all children are included. They take part in a range of activities of both familiar and unfamiliar festivals and celebrations. At present they are celebrating the Olympic Games with particular interest in the host country of China. They have also taken part in Chinese, Indian and Jewish festivals. Staff are able to enrich the experiences for the children because they take time to get to know them well and they clearly honour and value each child as an individual. Staff have outstanding, positive attitudes and present themselves as sensitive role models. Positive images and resources are visible within the play areas, and are used to inform inclusive practice and to promote open minds. Children are confident, independent and are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

developing their self-esteem. They thrive in their environment where they are engaged and nurtured free from any type of stereotyping. There are wonderful meaningful resources and activities to help children learn about a diverse society through their play. Children behave extremely well. They are beginning to understand the boundaries and codes of conduct while learning to control and manage their own behaviour. Children play in a purposeful and meaningful way and benefit from the calm and supportive approach from the staff. A high level of praise and support helps them develop their self-reliance and self-esteem. Staff are caring role models for the children, creating a calm, positive, fun and interesting environment in which they thrive. Staff have high expectations for all children and are consistent in their behaviour management.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A trusting, warm and secure relationship has been developed between parents, carers and staff. This contributes significantly to the children's sense of belonging, security and well-being. Parents and carers play an active role in their child's care and a two-way sharing of information is given a high priority to ensure children's needs are met successfully. For example, a very successful key worker system, small groupings of children and the daily exchange of verbal and written information with parents. Excellent, well thought out, attractive quality information is made available to parents when children first start and continues throughout their time at the nursery. As a result children feel comfortable and settled because they see parents and staff happily interacting together and giving consistent messages. Parents and carers are able to access the nursery's policies and a complaints procedure is displayed if they have any concerns

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about their child's care. Staff are extremely approachable and friendly, helping parents feel secure and at ease, confident with the care provided for their child. Parents have been informed about the Foundation Stage framework and how the nursery implements this. A very successful parents evening took place recently where photos of children participating in activities were

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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 shown on a screen for parents. The garden was open for wine and canapés and gave parents and staff time to relax together and talk informally about the children. The nursery received many very positive comments from the parents about the evening. There is space for parents' comments to inform the nursery about their child's weekend activities and any other relevant information in the blue book and in addition, parents are kept well informed of events and activities at the nursery. This includes regular newsletters. An extensive range of literature for parents is displayed on their notice board and in the play rooms offering useful and interesting information regarding the care, education and welfare of their child. The nursery offers an open door policy for parents and carers and encourages them to share in their child's time at the

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enriched by the highly effective organisation throughout the nursery. The management work closely with the staff team and continually enhance their knowledge with regular training while ensuring staff can access training courses and workshops. The management are responsible for all aspects of the nursery including staff supervision and employment, ratios and deployment and the operational plan. Policies and procedures are developed and are continually reviewed and updated. High regard for the well-being of the children, the expert practices of the staff, the consistent adult support and highly varied and exciting activities, contributes greatly to children's welfare, enjoyment and achievements.

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Organisation

All staff at the nursery work extremely well together and are positive, motivated, and dedicated. This has a superb impact on the children's enjoyment and learning. A key worker system is in place, providing parents with a point of contact for enquiries and concerns. The organisation and deployment of staff across the nursery enables them to provide children with fun, exciting and innovative play opportunities to develop all aspects of their social, emotional and educational skills. An inclusive environment has been created which clearly shows that each child matters.

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Organisation

The management and staff team work enthusiastically to develop all aspects of their practice and thoroughly enjoy time spent with the children. The premises are extremely well organised and both the indoor and outdoor space is successfully arranged to maximize the play opportunities for children. This ensures children can play and learn in an imaginative, vibrant and safe environment. Excellent use of low-level storage units and shelves enables children to develop independence and contribute to the safe organisation of their own environment as they help to tidy toys away. The management team have a robust and rigorous system in place to ensure the children are cared for by staff with appropriate qualifications and experience. A highly effective recruitment, induction and assessment system is an integral part of this process. Full induction training takes place for new staff to ensure they are familiar with the nursery's

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Organisation

policies and procedures. High levels of support for staff are in place and this raises the commitment and dedication of the team which creates a happy and secure environment for staff, children and parents.

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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 have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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 outstanding. 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

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

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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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