Little Harriers

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Little Harriers Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY289534 Inspection date 08/12/2008 Inspector Maureen Croxford

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Setting address Building 139, Dunsfold Park, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8TB Telephone number 01483 277299 Email Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Little Harriers nursery opened in 2004 and is located at Dunsfold Park, Cranleigh, Surrey. The provision operates from a single storey building and is accessible to children and adults with physical disabilities. The nursery is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and serves the surrounding area. A maximum of 48 children may attend at any one time. There are currently 79 children aged up to 5 years on roll. Children may attend for a variety of sessions. The provision has procedures in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the setting

The nursery is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 all year round, excluding Christmas and Bank Holidays. The children have access to a secure enclosed outside play area. The nursery employs 16 staff of whom 10, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications. Most members of staff hold a current first aid certificate.

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Description of the setting

Little Harriers receives support from a mentor from the local authority. The nursery embraces the Montessori philosophy, although traditional methods of teaching are also used.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in an extremely welcoming and comfortable environment which ensures that children are secure and happy. The very high ratio of qualified staff ensures that the unique qualities of every child is recognised and all children are included and helped to achieve well. The providers and staff have developed excellent relationships with parents and other agencies, such as therapists, to ensure that individual children's welfare and learning needs are met. The development of the Early Years Foundation Stage is reflected in the exciting and interesting range of activities planned for children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 developing further the existing risk assessment to include all areas of the provision, to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors, are kept to a minimum.

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provision

The nursery is very well run as the providers, manager and staff are committed to improving the care and learning of all children. The management team show real motivation to continue the process by participating in a quality assurance scheme. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 They have ensured that all required documentation is well maintained, clear and up-to-date, including records regarding children's welfare. All recommendations made at the last inspection have been fully addressed.

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provision

Parents are extremely well informed about the care their child receives and recognise and appreciate the dedication of staff. Arrangements for gathering and sharing information about children's learning and level of development are very well established and systems for assessing their progress are used effectively by staff. Settling-in arrangements are agreed with parents and contribute towards children becoming confident and comfortable in the nursery. Daily diary sheets and discussions keep parents up-to-date with their child's daily activities, routines and well-being.

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provision

Safety is given careful consideration in the provision and for outings. Appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure children are safe. Formal risk assessments covering most areas have been conducted and any issues raised have been acted upon. An emergency evacuation plan is in place and all staff are fully aware of the procedure to be followed.

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provision

Staff have an excellent knowledge of the procedures to be followed with regard to safeguarding children's welfare. They use the Early Years Foundation Stage documents well, and are developing their understanding of the learning and development requirements. The management team evaluate the provision well and are fully aware of the key areas for development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and confident in the nursery. They relish the cuddles and comfort they receive and actively seek out the staff for help and support. They benefit from the relaxed manner and encouragement from staff as they play. Babies' attempts at speech are echoed and older children are encouraged to talk about their experiences and their activities, which helps to develop their communication skills. Children learn about their local environment as staff take them for regular walks around the area and other visits to places of interest. Excellent use is made of external agencies to enhance the children's learning, for example, children enjoy a lively session with a French teacher.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a wide variety of activities throughout the week and are given many choices about what they want to do and can help themselves to toys. They participate when listening to stories and happily share books together. They are learning that text carries meaning as they recognise familiar words. Craft activities, drawing and painting equipment is readily available which encourages children's creativity as well as pre-writing skills. Children are proud of their artwork which is attractively displayed around the nursery. They develop their physical skills as they play in the fully enclosed garden area and tennis courts. Children learn about the world around them and living things when feeding and taking care of the pets. Comprehensive observations of children's achievements are made and they are clearly linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage and are used to identify children's next steps for learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are extremely safe and secure in the clean and well-maintained premises. They learn about how to keep themselves safe, for example, when staff discuss with them the need to sit properly on the chair so that they do not fall. They gain independence with their personal hygiene because of the good support they receive. Drinks are always available should they become thirsty. The staff encourages children to eat their fruit first, and the provision has a clear policy about healthy eating. Clear and consistent boundaries help children understand what is expected of them and consequently they behave very well. They learn to be kind to each other and play cooperatively together. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider to take any action.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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