Childsplay Day 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. Childsplay Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 650059 Inspection date 26/01/2009 Inspector Lynn Denise Smith

p.1

Setting address Clarendon Way, COLCHESTER, Essex, CO1 1XF

p.1

Telephone number 01206 368 368 Email childsplaygroup@btinternet.com Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the setting

Childsplay Nursery is privately owned and managed. It opened in 1999 and operates from a purpose built building in Colchester. A ramp to the entrance provides access to the building. A secure enclosed outdoor area is used for outdoor play activities. A maximum of 114 children aged from birth to eight years may attend the setting at any one time. The group is open five days a week from 07:00 to 18:00 throughout the year.

p.3

Description of the setting

There are currently 120 children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) years. They live in the local and surrounding areas and a number of children also attend a childminder, early years unit of the local primary school or pre-school.

p.3

Description of the setting

The setting is registered on the Early Years Register, and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register but currently, they are not offering care to children outside of the EYFS age group.

p.3

Description of the setting

There are 19 members of staff, including the owner who manages the early years provision. Seventeen staff hold appropriate early years qualifications.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, Childsplay Nursery provides extremely effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Their welfare, learning and development needs are superbly fostered in a caring and inclusive setting in which each child is valued and respected. Superb procedures are in place for reviewing and monitoring the provision and excellent links are fostered with parents and other agencies working within the early years. Staff ensure that policies relating to children's safety, health and welfare are effectively implemented.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 extend opportunities for children to develop independence and make choices through everyday activities such as lunch time.

p.3

provision

A well-established and effective team ensure that this nursery operates to a very high standard. The manager and deputy are effectively supported by the owners, although, they undertake all of the day to day operations and decisions. The staff team works well together and all staff are actively encouraged to pursue further training to enable them to progress their knowledge and professionalism. Robust This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures are in place for recruitment and vetting and all applicants go through a thorough interview process before being appointed which includes working at the setting for a week. This enables staff, parents, managers and the applicant to feel fully confident about the appointment.

p.3

provision

Children are very well protected from potential harm as the setting has a rigorous security system in place and all staff demonstrate secure knowledge of their responsibilities with regards to safeguarding children. The setting's policies and procedures are effectively implemented throughout the setting and well monitored by the manager. Extremely effective systems are in place for reviewing processes and striving for improvements. Parents are asked to complete regular questionnaires to enable them to share their views on the provision, staff carry out peer to peer observations and comment on each other's practices and managers effectively monitor the daily activities and processes used to help children make progress. The self-evaluation process is then drawn together to provide a clear picture of the setting's strengths and areas for improvement.

p.4

provision

Thorough risk assessments are carried out and recorded for the premises and each type of outing. Links with parents, other agencies connected with early years and other settings working within the EYFS are superbly developed through the staff's commitment to provide good quality childcare. All children and their families are valued and their individual needs are effectively met through the policies and daily practices.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare, learning and development needs are superbly met. Children have excellent opportunities to guide their own play as they safely self-select toys and resources from the extensive range on offer to them. Children strengthen their independence as they help to prepare snacks, clear away toys when requested to and access the well-positioned toilets and wash hand basins. Developments are taking place regarding extending the children's independence through everyday activities such as serving their own meals at lunchtime. Staff are always on hand to foster children's routines and enable them to make choices about keeping healthy and safe. The two well-equipped and beautifully presented outdoor areas enable children to participate in outdoor play, everyday, regardless of inclement weather. One area provides an indoor classroom outdoors as activities such as drawing and construction are placed under a canopy as well as climbing equipment, bikes and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

further physical play resources. The other area is presented as a garden in which children explore nature, grow a range of flowers and vegetables and care for the birds. Children enjoy an excellent range of home cooked and nutritious meals during their nursery day, prepared fresh each day by the nursery cook.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a bright, attractive and welcoming purpose built nursery. They move through the various rooms within the setting as they reach each birthday or when they are developmentally ready. The whole nursery has recently been re-decorated providing a clean and well maintained environment. The setting is designed to provide a milk kitchen and changing area between each of the younger children's rooms and toilets, and hand-washing facilities between the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 older children's rooms. This enables staff to effectively supervise children at all times and to promote independence for the older age group. Extensive notice boards throughout the hallways and outside each room provide parents with an enormous amount of information about the setting, staff and general advice leaflets. Some of the notices and leaflets have been translated into a range of

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

languages and Braille, reflecting the various languages currently being spoken by the families attending.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parents share relevant information about their children's home backgrounds and starting points with their children's key worker. This information is effectively transferred to the children's personal development files and forms a basis on which their individual learning takes place. Superb observations are expertly recorded in the children's files to evidence how they are making progress through the stepping stones. The observations are supported by photographic evidence and form a clear picture of the children's learning paths through each of the rooms within the setting. Parents are encouraged to play an active role in their children's learning as they attend open evenings and coffee mornings during which time they have opportunities to discuss their children's progress with staff.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely active learners. They have opportunities to participate in an extensive range of activities, some of which are adult-led and others initiated by the children. The resources and activities enable them to fully explore all six areas of learning. Staff are thoroughly supportive and extend the children's thinking through clear open-ended questions and by enabling them to make choices. Children are confident speakers, that chat freely sharing real and imaginary experiences. Children have opportunities to take a cuddly pet home for the weekend in one of the rooms. Parents are asked to briefly record what the pet has been doing with the child over the weekend, staff then use this information to foster conversations between the children and to encourage them to share their home experiences with their friends. Visitors to the nursery such as the local Police Officers, Health specialists, a Soldier and a range of interesting animals helps to

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

extend children's knowledge. The visits are often followed up through role play, for example, children freely access the 'Police Station', dressing-up in the selection of Police clothes, recording evidence on their note pads and arresting suspects for interview. Other activities to extend the children's imaginative play offer excellent opportunities for children to visit and work in an 'Indian Restaurant'. They access a superb selection of Saris and colourful clothes to help them get into character and an excellent low wall display shows them pictures of various Indian dishes and their names. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.8

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.

p.8