Woodlands Nursery

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. Woodlands Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY293980 Inspection date 12/01/2009 Inspector Ros Church

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Setting address Belton Woods Hotel, Belton, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LN Telephone number 01476 514347 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

Woodlands Day Nursery opened in 2002 and was taken over by the present owner in 2004. It operates from a purpose built, single storey building situated in the grounds of Belton Woods Hotel which is located to the north of Grantham in Lincolnshire. The premises consist of an entrance hall, staff and children's toilet facilities, a kitchen, an office/staff room, and two playrooms. There is level access into the premises. The nursery has an enclosed outdoor play area and also the use of the hotel adventure playground with large equipment. The nursery is open Monday to Friday 07:30 until 18:00, and when or if needed Saturday 09:00 until 16:00 and Sunday 10:00 until 16:00 all year round. Children attend for a variety of sessions or for the full day.

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Description of the setting

The nursery is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of 30 children from birth to eight years. There are currently 65 children on roll; all are within the Early Years age range. This includes children who receive funding for early education. The nursery serves the local rural area as well as hotel employees and parents using the hotel facilities. The nursery is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and also children who speak English as an additional language.

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Description of the setting

There are 11 members of staff including the manager who work regularly with the children, 10 have appropriate Early Years qualifications.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Woodlands nursery provides effectively for all children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. A safe, warm and welcoming environment is provided where children are equally well cared for and have many opportunities to succeed. Staff work well with the parents to find out children's individual needs and interests to ensure that an inclusive environment is provided. Managers have good systems in place to monitor and evaluate the nursery provision, where they work with the staff and Early Years advisors to ensure continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the observational assessments of children's learning, to take account of their starting points and next steps in learning and use this to inform future planning  ensure all activities meet the individual needs of children, with regards to large group activities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The nursery benefits from a management team who are committed to providing good quality provision. Robust recruitment and selection procedures are in place, ensuring that staff are suitable to work with children. Clear induction procedures ensure that new staff are aware of the settings policies and procedures. Staff are committed to their professional development and improving their knowledge and skills to support children's welfare and learning. Managers carry out appraisals which help staff to identify their learning needs. Continual improvement of the provision is a priority of the managers, regular team meetings are provided for staff, and open days for parents, with parental questionnaires being planned.

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provision

Children are protected and safeguarded within the setting because managers and staff have a clear understanding of the safeguarding procedures. The safety of the environment is a high priority; staff carry out regular risk assessments for all indoor and outdoor areas and activities within the local environment. This enables children to move around independently but under close supervision. Good security procedures ensure that children are safe and secure.

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provision

Good relationships are in place between staff and parents which promotes children's well-being. Information is shared about children's changing needs so that they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Parents of children within the babies receive a daily diary giving information on daily care. Staff regularly share with parents their child's learning and development to ensure consistency, however, records do not yet include children's starting points in learning to ensure staff have a clear basis on which to build children's learning and development. Parents and carers are provided with good quality information about the nursery; these include an information booklet containing policies and procedures, regular newsletters about what is happening in the nursery, and children's art work and photographs which provide information on activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's care, welfare and learning is effectively promoted, they are happy and enjoy their time at the nursery. Play equipment and resources within the nursery are well organised at children's level, this provides them with very good opportunities to make choices in their play and learn to be independent. Staff are enthusiastic and work well together, they provide a wide range of opportunities within both the indoor and outdoor areas which help children to make good progress across all areas of learning and development. Staff carry out individual observational assessments of children's learning which link to their development. However, these are not yet clearly evaluated to assist fully in planning their next steps.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children have good opportunities to explore using all of their senses. Staff have developed treasure baskets and interest boxes which include objects and materials for children to explore and investigate. Children learn to handle and enjoy looking at books, older children learn to recognise and write their own names. Adults This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provide babies and children with good support where they interact well, encouraging their play and development. However, large story and activity groups within the two plus room do not always meet the needs of all children. Children develop their skills in using technology throughout all areas of the nursery as they have good opportunities to handle interactive toys. Pre-school children confidently operate a computer and solve problems within their play. This together with their developing language skills, their understanding of numbers and the promotion of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their self-esteem contributes to their future economic well-being.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have good opportunities to find out about the natural world and explore the local environment. They enjoy going on outings within the hotel grounds where they observe the various trees, and animals, such as, squirrels and rabbits. During these outings children learn about road safety as they watch and listen carefully for vehicles when crossing the car park. Children learn to care for plants and flowers and have opportunities to plant seeds and watch the changes as they grow. Children's sense of belonging is promoted well within the nursery; this includes each child having their own named peg and basket for their art work and belongings. Children's photographs and art work is attractively displayed around the nursery. Staff are good role models and help children to respect and value one another. Staff manage children's behaviour consistently and with sensitivity so that they learn to behave with care and consideration for others. Celebrations and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

festivals are carefully planned to enhance children's awareness of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children throughout the nursery are encouraged to develop their skills so that they learn to keep themselves safe and well. They learn to understand the importance of good personal hygiene. They learn about eating healthily as children are provided with a healthy and nutritious diet. Meals are cooked within the nursery kitchen using fresh ingredients. Staff work well with parents to ensure all children's dietary requirements are met. Children learn about keeping themselves and others safe as they help to tidy away after activities and help to sweep up any spilt rice or sand. Overall, children enjoy their time at the nursery and make good progress in their learning and development. 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? 2 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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 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 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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