Cherry Tree Day Nursery

Cherry Tree Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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322072 Unique Reference Number 09 July 2008 Inspection date Hilary Mary Mckenning Inspector

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16-18 Upper York Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 3LQ Setting Address

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E-mail

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Cherry Tree Day Nursery registered in 1998 and is a private organisation managed by two partners. It is located in a listed building, on the outskirts of Wakefield town centre where there are good transport links to surrounding areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children aged over three years are accommodated on the ground floor in two rooms with an additional dining area and bathroom facility. The children have access to a fully enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of the building. Cherry Tree Nursery serves families from the local and wider community.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery opens Monday to Friday and occasional Saturdays, all year round. Sessions are from 07:00 until 19:00. Children attend full or part-time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 52 children on roll, 14 of which are in receipt of nursery education funding. There are eight full time staff employed and all staff hold an appropriate early years qualification. The setting receives support from an advisory teacher 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 are developing an understanding of the importance of being healthy through good hygiene procedures and consistent routines. They are becoming aware of personal care as staff encourage them to wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. This helps to promote healthy practices, prevents cross infection and contributes to their personal care and comfort. Appropriate procedures are in place for the care of sick children. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed, which ensures children are cared for appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a varied and balanced menu that takes account of the wishes of parents and children's individual choices to provide a healthy and suitable diet. There is appropriate storage available. However, refrigerator temperatures are not consistently recorded. Meal times are an opportunity for children to enjoy their food and are a social time for children and staff to converse with each other. However, there are missed opportunities for older children to develop their independence in everyday activities such as at lunch times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are active and enjoy regular outdoor play. They are encouraged to enjoy the benefits of being out in the fresh air, which contributes to their general good health. For example, a suitable range of outdoor play resources helps to promote physical activities. Younger children access play resources that develop their physical stages and encourage crawling, jumping and participating in simple games. Children are able to rest according to their needs and following home routines. Older children enjoy physical exercise and learn about the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle as they join in free-play and organised activities. Staff are aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and children under three years are beginning to benefit from this. Babies explore their immediate environment, encouraged and supported by staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment both indoors and out. For example, a fully enclosed outdoor play area means children can move around freely and safely. However, health and safety systems are not sufficiently monitored to ensure all safety measures are maintained at all times. Appropriate fire precautions are in place. Fire exits are clear of obstructions and fire evacuation plans are clearly displayed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a good variety of safe, suitable toys and play materials. Resources for older children are organised in low-level storage and child sized furniture, making it easy for them to reach and promotes choice and independence. Play materials for babies are placed nearby, encouraging them to move towards them. Furniture is of a suitable design, conforms to safety standards, and helps to create an accessible and stimulating environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as staff understand their responsibilities for protecting children. Policies and procedures are in place and follow the Safeguarding Children Board’s guidelines.

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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 independently access a broad variety of toys, books and activities. They enjoy exploring activities that contribute to their creativity, such as painting, baking and model making. Children under two years enjoy many pleasurable experiences. For example, they laugh with delight as they have fun in the water play tray and make pictures with glitter paint.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The 'Birth to three matters' framework is used to promote younger children’s learning with activities, such as painting activities and story telling. The babies listen and respond to rhymes, stories and songs with enjoyment. They also experience opportunities of making marks with their fingers in paint and other creative activities such as sticking. Children easily engage in conversation with their peers and adults as their language skills are developing well. Staff encourage communication as they echo babies sounds and talk through their actions. They skilfully respond to the babies’ first attempts and provide many opportunities for face to face interaction, through play activities, stories and songs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing good relationships with each other and staff and enjoy being part of the group. They are given appropriate levels of support and encouragement, which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. They confidently make choices about their play, selecting activities independently from the well-balanced range available. Children explore freely in activities, such as water and sand play and find out what they can do with play dough.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met appropriately. This is due to the staff taking time to get to know the children. Children are happy, content and are showing a sense of belonging. They are familiar with daily routines and form good relationships with each other and staff. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence and healthy self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as staff follow a clear and consistent approach. They are given clear guidance and as a result, they are aware of what is expected of them and learning right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children have access to a wide range of resources and are beginning to learn about cultures and beliefs through discussion and the celebration of festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is satisfactory. The centre values parents' involvement and a partnership is developing with them so that children's individual needs are understood. Parents have their own notice board where they can access information, for example, the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Parents have a welcome pack of the setting. The staff record personal information to ensure they follow the child’s individual routine.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where they can move around and explore freely. Staff work well together and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. They have suitable skills to work with children. The environment is bright and organised in a way that allows children

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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 to access all areas of play. Space and resources are used appropriately to meet the needs of children attending.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place, however, some lack the required information. For example, accident records are not always countersigned by parents. Children benefit from the cohesive staff team who are enthusiastic and committed to the improvement of their practice. For example, staff have recently had training to develop their practice. 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

At the last inspection, the provider was required to address several issues relating to documentation. The provider has undertaken a review of the service offered and is now developing a system to identify strengths and weaknesses of the provision. There are now policies in place relating to child protection and complaints that follow current legislation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to address issues relating to staffing. The staffing rotas have been reviewed and now there is the required staff having appropriate training and experience to care for children under two years. The provider no longer takes students on placement.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to ensure the key worker system effectively meets children's individual needs. The provider is currently working to progress the key worker system in order that children’s needs are fully met and remains an area for development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to address issues relating to hygiene practises in the baby rooms. All children now have clearly identified jars for the storage dummies.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to provide access to a range of resources which positively reflect diversity. The provider has added resources and children now have access to a range of resources that reflect diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, Ofsted received one complaint relating to National Standard 13, child protection. Ofsted carried out an inspection on 17 December 2007 where several actions were raised. The provider has addressed the requirements and remains qualified for registration.

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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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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

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the recording of fridge and freezer temperatures are maintained • organise meal times to further promote independence and choices for example by supporting children in serving themselves • develop further the risk assessment system to include all areas of provision and take appropriate steps to minimise potential hazards • ensure all required records are countersigned by parents.

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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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