Clever Clowns Day Nursery

Clever Clowns Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361171 Unique Reference Number 22 April 2008 Inspection date Anne Drinkwater Inspector

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283 Hollyhedge Road, Gatley, Cheadle, Cheshire, M22 4QR Setting Address

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0161 428 5414 Telephone number cleverclowns@ntlworld.com E-mail Sharon Marie Makin 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 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?

Clever Clowns Day Nursery is run by an individual and registered in 2007. The nursery operates from three base rooms in a converted house. It is situated in the Wythenshawe area of Manchester. The nursery is registered to provide care for a maximum of 26 children at one time and places are available to members of the general public. There are currently 35 children on roll. The nursery is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 for 51 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure rear outdoor play area. The manager and staff hold appropriate childcare qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Parents are made aware of the sickness policies that are followed and arrangements for first aid and administering medication successfully meet requirements and protect children. Detailed policies and procedures for sickness, medication and accidents act in children's best interests and keep parents very well informed.

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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 Children's health within the setting is supported well by staff that have a good understanding of health and hygiene procedures. For example, they wear protective clothing when nappy changing and children develop good independence skills because they are encouraged to accept responsibility for their own health and hygiene as they follow good routines and guidelines from an early age. Staff ensure that children continue to learn and make progress in their self-help skills as they offer discreet support with lots of praise, gentle prompts and reminders. Younger children are skilfully guided through their personal care and offered many opportunities to become more independent. For example, children wipe their hands and faces after they have eaten and gentle prompts remind them to find a tissue to blow their nose. Consequently,

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Helping children to be healthy

children develop a strong sense of identity and self-confidence. Children are further protected because good cleaning routines are in place, which means children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy nutritious snacks and meals such as fresh vegetables, home made pies, breadsticks, yogurts and fresh fruits, which promote their growth and development. Children enjoy snack time, which is a social occasion. They sit chatting happily to their friends and staff. Younger children are fully included as they sit in feeder chairs situated next to the snack table. They develop their independence as they are provided with finger foods, such as small pieces toast, which they thoroughly enjoy. Staff are fully aware of children's individual dietary requirements and preferences, which are discussed with parents and clearly recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Every child enjoys regular opportunities to explore and develop their physical skills in the indoor and outdoor environments. Babies happily develop and practise their skills as they grasp interesting objects and eagerly test out their balance when they use furniture to pull themselves up.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and their families are warmly welcomed into the bright environment where informative notice boards within the building keep them informed and staff are readily available to offer support. Colourful mobiles, photographs and displays of children's own artwork further enhance the environment. A wide range of good quality, suitable resources are available for children to choose from throughout the setting and high safety standards are maintained. Natural materials and everyday objects are in daily use, for example, wooden furniture, treasure baskets and low-level sand and water trays.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the secure outdoor play area where an interesting range of equipment and resources is available. They are kept safe and secure in the nursery where staff vigilantly follow good procedures to protect every child. A secure entry system ensures that visitors are clearly identified and children are protected. Suitable fire safety equipment, such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms keep children free from harm, however, staff and children do not get the opportunity to practise fire drills on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and safeguarded from harm because staff have a secure knowledge of child protection issues and know how to implement appropriate procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have fun and enjoy being together in the lively, friendly nursery. Babies happily explore and investigate a wide range of sensory opportunities, such as playing with treasure baskets independently or with the whole group in the baby room. They learn about taste, textures, smells and sound in a variety of different ways and gain confidence as they practise and rehearse recently formed skills and achievements in a supportive environment. Toddlers and young children eagerly choose where to play and learn to make decisions. They particularly enjoy bathing the dolls and playing hide and seek with the glittery textured scarves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff have secure knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and use it successfully when planning for younger children. Clear learning outcomes are identified and plans promote flexibility to meet children's interests and preferences. This progress is used to inform future planning and is recorded in children’s individual records. Children relate warmly to staff and other children and are able to indicate to staff when they need help or support. They begin to display responsible behaviour, such as helping to tidy up, taking turns and sharing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy sitting in a cosy group to share familiar stories. They listen and watch attentively as they excitedly contribute and point to favourite characters in the books; however, the book areas in some rooms are not defined and are lacking in comfortable seating.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well and are learning right from wrong because the staff are consistent in the way they actively promote positive behaviour throughout the nursery. They listen to what children say and staff act as good role models as they say please and thank you to the children. Children develop respect for others because the sensitive staff encourage children to understand that their behaviour may have an impact on others. They gain an understanding about their own and other's beliefs, needs and differences, during stories and festival celebrations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Every child is actively involved in an inclusive environment. Individual needs and preferences are identified and acknowledged, and activities are adapted to ensure that children with additional needs are supported to achieve their potential. Staff work in partnership with parents and relevant support agencies to promote good continuity of care for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and is good. Information is shared with parents before children join the nursery and good settling in procedures are in place. Notices and newsletters keep parents up to date with current topics and nursery events. Parents are given every opportunity to comment on the nursery, they speak positively of the provision and particularly comment on the relaxed, safe and friendly atmosphere.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The manager and staff team demonstrate a strong commitment to continually improving the quality of care provided and to improve children's learning. The manager has good systems for checking the quality of children's experiences and ensuring that all are making good progress. All staff are committed to their own professional development and attend external training

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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 courses on a regular basis. They have clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and work well together as a strong and very happy team.

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Organisation

Rigorous recruitment and employment systems are in place to ensure that children are protected. There is a stable staff team in place, the majority of whom are qualified. They have clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and work well together as a strong and very happy team. This creates a very happy, homely and supportive atmosphere for children and their families.

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Organisation

Children progress happily and confidently through the different age groups in the homely atmosphere where everyone knows each other very well. Policies and procedures are available to both staff and parents. All the required documentation is in place to effectively support the care of children. 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

Not applicable as this is the first inspection.

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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. 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): • ensure staff and children have regular opportunities to practise fire drills • provide comfortable furnishings in all rooms to promote children's comfort in the book areas.

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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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