Claverham Day Nursery

Claverham Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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508991 Unique Reference Number 16 June 2008 Inspection date Fran Fielder Inspector

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Claverham Community College, North Trade Road, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0HT

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E-mail

The Governing Body of Claverham Community College Registered person Integrated 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 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 satisfactory. 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 satisfactory.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Claverham Day Nursery is situated in the grounds of Claverham Community College, Battle. It has been registered since 1993. The nursery occupies the old caretaker's house and this has been adapted to provide two group rooms on the ground floor and a baby unit on the first floor. There are also kitchen and toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The area directly outside the main group room is covered to provide shade.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group is open from 08:15 to 17:45, Monday to Friday, all year round. It is registered to care for a maximum of 40 children at any one time and currently has 75 children on roll, attending a mix of full- and part-time places. Of these, 26 children receive nursery education funding. The setting makes provision for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and for those who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are 13 staff working with the children. Of these nine, including the manager and deputy, hold appropriate childcare qualifications. One member of staff holds a teaching degree in early years. There are three bank staff. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy healthy snacks such as pears, apples and bananas. They take turns to hand out plates and gain independence as they pour their own drinks. Meals are provided by an outside caterer who supplies food that meets all dietary needs. Mealtimes are social events when children enjoy chatting about what they have done throughout the day. Older children can help themselves to fresh drinking water whenever they need to. This encourages children to think about their personal needs. Staff encourage younger children to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow appropriate hygiene routines. They wash their hands before meals and snacks and the older children automatically wash their hands after visiting the toilet. However, consistent routines are not in place for hand washing after messy play in the toddler room. Staff follow clear guidelines regarding the exclusion of children who are ill, which helps to prevent the spread of infection. Staff record information about babies food intake and nappy changes. Parents receive these details, which ensures continuity of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to the outdoor play area every day. They play on large equipment, practising skills such as climbing and balancing. They manoeuvre well as they run around or ride on wheeled toys. Even in poor weather, the sheltered play area means children get plenty of fresh air that helps to keep them healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Staff create a lovely atmosphere where children's artwork is beautifully displayed. This shows how staff value children's individual contributions. Displays of posters and photographs of children make the rooms inviting and stimulating. Space in the family room is well organised with several areas where children can select from a range of good quality resources. During rest time, the space in the toddler room is a little restrictive as there are areas that cannot be easily accessed. Although staff lay out a range of toys for the babies, they cannot freely choose all the time. The toys and resources are safe and in good condition and are appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children in each room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure, preventing unknown adults from entering the nursery unannounced. Regular fire drills ensure staff and children know how to evacuate in an emergency. The use of stair gates means children are safe and cannot access unsuitable areas of the nursery. The spacious outdoor area is secure and children are always well supervised when playing on the large equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The child protection policy is clear and details the nursery's responsibility to protect children. Parents receive this information. All staff have attended training and are aware of how to proceed if they have concerns. This safeguards children's welfare.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy their time at nursery. They are happy and confident. Children demonstrate their sense of fun as they chat and joke with adults. Staff are warm and caring and have good relationships with the children. Babies and toddlers enjoy lots of positive interaction with their key worker. Staff sing and talk to the young children constantly, which supports their early communication skills. Staff encourage children to play together and share. Lots of praise and encouragement develops children's self-esteem. All children enjoy plenty of opportunities to develop their social skills. For example, they sit together and chat at meal times and cooperate well while playing in the home corner.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy many activities that stimulate their senses, such as playing with musical toys, bubble painting and exploring cornflour and jelly. However, the younger children have fewer opportunities to self select. Although children enjoy most of the activities some are not entirely appropriate for the younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is satisfactory. Staff plan activities around topics such as seasons, countries, colours and shapes. The activities cover all areas of learning but are not wholly based on children's interests. Staff observe children during focused activities and identify achievement and the next steps for learning. However, it is not clear how the observations are used as the planning does not include differentiation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Some children concentrate well and set themselves challenges, such as building and revising the design of a railway track. Children get on well together and play amicably in the role play area. Children behave very well and respond to requests for good behaviour. They understand the rules within the setting and abide by them. This ensures good relationships and harmony.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about the alphabet by using a letter tree. They can choose letters to make their name. Most children recognise their name and many are keen to practise writing at the mark making table. Children speak very confidently to peers and adults. They understand the need to listen to each other and take turns when speaking in a group. Children spend time looking at story books and those made by the nursery staff. These books contain photographs of past events and children show a particular interest in finding pictures of themselves. This helps children recall and reflect on previous activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play domino games and match numbers. They play with telephones and cash registers in the role play area making their learning meaningful. Daily interaction with staff helps to develop an understanding of number and counting as children cut fruit or count fingers. Children develop their hand and eye coordination through activities such as threading.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use a computer regularly and all are able to use a mouse competently while playing educational games. Children go for colour walks to look at different shades of green and enjoy sitting among the bluebells. Children experiment with sand and water. They enjoy free painting and their artwork is very individual. Children work collaboratively to create large wall displays. Children have the opportunity to sing, dance and play musical instruments.

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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. Staff set a good example by showing respect for children and adults alike. Staff encourage children to enjoy all resources and activities. Topics about different countries introduce children to different cultures. Posters and toys reflect images of all people in society. As a result, children develop a positive attitude towards diversity. Praise and encouragement make children feel good about themselves. They receive stars for personal achievements and these are displayed to show how all achievements are valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good systems in place to support children who have learning difficulties and for those who speak English as an additional language. Close liaison with parents and outside agencies, together with one-to-one support, means all children's needs are well planned for and met. Staff are consistent when managing children's behaviour. They offer explanations for requests so children easily understand right from wrong. Children cooperate well when clearing away toys and work together to replace bulky resources on the storage units. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is good and contributes towards children’s achievements. Staff gather relevant information on the registration forms so they can give appropriate care. Parents and staff work together and share information about children’s individual progress and development. Staff involve parents in their children’s learning by giving suggestions regarding activities that can extend learning at home. There are opportunities for staff and parents to meet socially at fund raising events and the nursery's annual sports day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The leadership and management are satisfactory. The manager and deputy have a very positive attitude, showing commitment and enthusiasm. Clear aims for the nursery reflect a commitment to improving the quality of care and education. The staff and managers have identified the weaker aspects of the nursery and have put in place strategies to improve the quality of care and education. The manager meets regularly with the early years teacher to ensure activities are appropriate and meet the children's learning needs.

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Organisation

The new appraisal system will allow staff and managers to identify and meet staff professional developmental needs. Recruitment, vetting and induction procedures ensure that children are looked after by suitable, experienced and qualified adults. The person in charge of the baby room has many years experience. She has a very good knowledge of child development and is enthusiastic about her role.

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Organisation

Staff deployment is effective and means children are well supervised at all times. A comprehensive set of policies and procedures guide the staff in their daily practice. All mandatory records are in place, confidential and well maintained. This ensures the safe and effective management of the setting and promotes children's welfare. The nursery meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection, the nursery was asked to ensure that staff have a thorough understanding of child protection procedures so they can take appropriate action to safeguard

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Improvements 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 children. All staff have received training and have a copy of the procedures. These include greater detail and are provided for all parents. This ensures that staff and parents are aware of the nursery's responsibility towards the children in their care. It also supports and safeguards children's welfare.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last education inspection, the nursery was asked to review the planning and implementation of focused activities to ensure that children are supported to become independent learners. Staff and management have worked hard to develop the planning. They have discussed the implementation of activities and continue to develop strategies, such as asking open-ended questions and giving children more opportunities to explore and learn according to their learning needs.

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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 satisfactory. 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 satisfactory.

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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 routines for hand washing are consistent in order to prevent the spread of infection • organise the toddler room and baby room to ensure children have freer and easier access to a range of toys and resources and are able to play without being restricted • ensure activities are age appropriate, meet individual learning needs and are based on children's interests (also applies to nursery education)

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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): • expand the planning to include differentiation to ensure all children are appropriately challenged

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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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