Beechwood College

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. Carealot Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 402191 Inspection date 23/10/2008 Inspector Patricia Mary Champion

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Setting address Fox Crescent, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2BL

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Telephone number 01245 353765 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

Carealot Day Nursery is privately run by an informal partnership. It opened in 1999 and operates from two playrooms in a self-contained building, located within the grounds of St Peters College, Chelmsford. All children share access to a secure, enclosed, outdoor play area. The premises are easily accessible to people with disabilities. A maximum of 32 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery opens five days a week all year round. Operating times are from 08:00 until 18:00. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the setting

There are currently 17 children aged from one to five years on roll. Of these, nine children receive funding for early education. Children attend for a variety of sessions or full day care. The nursery serves the local and wider community. The setting supports a small number of children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the setting

The nursery employs five staff that work directly with the children. All the staff hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority and has regular input from a qualified teacher mentor. The nursery is linked to the children's centre in the vicinity.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Carealot Day Nursery provides a generally safe environment where children can explore, investigate and make choices. Staff are sensitive and supportive, which means that children are happy, confident and settled within the setting. Children are recognised and valued as individuals and the setting’s policies and procedures are effective and inclusive for all children that attend. Systems introduced to promote continuous and ongoing improvement are enabling positive change. Significant improvements have been made to the premises and all the actions from the last inspection have been successfully addressed.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that the written records of all medicines administered to children meet the requirements of the medication policy  ensure that current and relevant written information about the setting is shared with parents (this refers to an up-to-date prospectus)  encourage further the parents' contribution to their children's learning and gather more information about attainment on entry regarding social, communication and physical skills.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that all persons likely to have regular contact 28/11/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with children are suitable to do so (this refers to completing checks through the Criminal Records Bureau) (Suitable people) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register).

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provision

The managers and staff team have worked closely with development workers and the teacher mentor and consequently, they have improved the nursery provision and raised children’s achievements. Actions taken by the setting are well-chosen so that impact is evident in the areas in which it is most needed. Self-evaluation is realistic and the management have clear targets for further improvement. Staff appraisals are undertaken and activities are evaluated to ensure that the delivery of the educational programme is closely monitored. All the necessary written policies and procedures are in place to promote the welfare of children. Children are safeguarded because staff are fully aware of their child protection responsibilities. However, the recruitment and vetting procedures for staff working on the premises are not yet fully robust. While all the staff directly working with the children hold suitable qualifications and have been vetted, not all persons who

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provision

have regular contact with the children have been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). Risk assessment regarding the premises and equipment is routinely undertaken. Although there is a clear medication policy, there is potential for misunderstanding because insufficient detail is recorded and shared with parents when medicines are administered.

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provision

The nursery is developing the partnership with parents. Very friendly relationships exist and parents speak very positively about the staff team. Parents are invited to share their views and make suggestions through questionnaires and have regular access to their child’s records. However, the parents do not have the most up-to- date information about the setting because the prospectus is currently being reviewed. Partnerships with other settings that deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage such as primary schools and children’s centres have been established to promote and complement the children’s care and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident communicators and are making good progress towards the early learning goals. They are very curious, fiercely independent and very keen to share their experiences with staff who clearly value conversation. Children have great fun taking part in a wide range of activities linked to all areas of learning. There is a good balance of adult-led tasks and learning experiences that the children select for themselves. Staff take account of the different ways in which children learn. Children flow freely between indoor and outdoor play for most of the day and particularly enjoy investigating sensory materials such as oats, compost and a corn flour mixture, where they can experiment with no desired end result.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The staff use a variety of methods of observing and assessing children's progress This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and find out about interests and enthusiasms so that they can securely plan activities tailored to meet individual needs. They have started a new system of recording achievements and each child has a learning journal containing photographs and positive comments. Key persons also record extra special achievements in ‘Brilliant books’ every time children do something they are particularly proud of. This helps to boost the children’s confidence and self-esteem. Detailed information is obtained from the parents of babies and toddlers from the outset. However, the staff are less informed about the starting points and capabilities of older children when they join the nursery.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to keep themselves safe and they develop sound personal hygiene routines and self-care skills. Children sometimes help to prepare nourishing snacks and wholesome, freshly cooked midday meals are supplied by St. Peters College. Staff are well aware of any special dietary requirements. Children behave well and play harmoniously. They learn to respect others when they play with toys and look at books that show positive images of diversity. Children are very willing to help staff with simple tasks such as laying the table for lunch or distributing plates to their friends. Staff plan a good variety of activities to enhance children’s future economic well-being through developing their problem solving, numeracy, literacy and technology skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about the local environment when they go on outings in the vicinity. Risk assessment is undertaken regarding each visit to ensure that children are safe. The staff team have built strong links with the local community in order to improve outcomes for children. The Salvation Army has been actively involved with the renovation and redecoration of the premises, and along with staff and parents has helped to create a clean, bright and welcoming play environment for children. 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

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Satisfactory How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitable people). 28/11/2008

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitable people). 28/11/2008 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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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