The Meadows Nursery School

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. The Meadows Nursery School Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 511228 Inspection date 16/01/2009 Inspector Fran Fielder

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Setting address 5-6 Fletcher Close, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2BW

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Telephone number 01323 440144 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

The Meadows Nursery School, in Hailsham, is one of a chain of six private nursery settings operating in East Sussex and Kent. It has been registered since 2001.

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Description of the setting

The premises are made up of two terraced houses that were adapted during their building to house the nursery. The accommodation is on two floors and comprises four rooms used for childcare, toilets, a kitchen area, and an office. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The nursery serves families from the local community and the surrounding area.

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Description of the setting

The nursery is registered to provide care for a maximum of 45 children between one and five years at any one time. There are currently 88 children on roll, of whom 38 are in receipt of nursery education funding. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery supports a number of children with learning difficulties and some who speak English as an additional language. The nursery is registered 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 seven full-time and two part-time members of staff who work with the children, including the nursery manager. Of these, six have an early years qualification and three are on training programmes. There is also a group operations manager who is responsible for overseeing all six nurseries.

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Description of the setting

The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 08.00 until 18.00 for 50 weeks of the year.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

One of the key strengths of the nursery is the staff who are knowledgeable, dedicated and valued. They have a good understanding of equality of opportunity and how to promote inclusion. They show respect for all individuals associated with the nursery and make them feel part of the group. Staff ensure that all children enjoy planned activities that are tailored to suit their interests and learning needs. The manager has identified some areas for improvement although the process of self-evaluation is not yet fully underway.

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further?

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

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further?

 monitor parental requests to give medication to ensure there is a health reason to do so  introduce a self-evaluation system to promote improvement To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  put in place systems to ensure that Ofsted are notified of any change to the person who is managing the provision (Suitability of adults) 30/01/2009

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provision

All adults who work in the nursery have undergone rigorous checks to ensure their suitability. Recruitment and induction is good and ensures staff are aware of their role and duties. All staff have opportunities for training and promotion. Regular appraisals and one to one meetings assess the ongoing suitability of staff. The manager is passionate about her work. She is well qualified and experienced and has a sound knowledge of her role. She ensures consistency within the nursery by observing practice and discussing procedures. However, the required information regarding her appointment was not passed to Ofsted.

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provision

Staff have a very good understanding of their responsibility in safeguarding children. They know and follow the procedures if they have any child protection concerns about a child in their care. The security of the premises is excellent and procedures for arrival and departure ensure children are handed over safely to a known adult. Risk assessments are carried out at regular intervals throughout the year ensuring all areas, equipment and resources are safe.

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provision

Policies and procedures are currently under review as some information is out of date. All required documentation is in place and records are carefully maintained. However, staff do not monitor the reasons given by parents for administering medication. This means some children might be given medication as a way of ensuring they appear well enough to be in nursery.

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provision

Information given to and gathered from parents is relevant and there are good procedures in place to assess children’s starting points. Observations, assessments and planning are based on a good understanding of individual needs. The person in charge of the under twos is especially knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her role. She understands the importance of the early stages and demonstrates a clear understanding of child development and how to meet the needs of every child in her care. Activities are based on children's interests and help them make good progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their play in a clean, lively and stimulating environment where their safety is assured. They have easy access to a range of good quality resources that offer learning experiences for all. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene and the need for regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. The outdoor area includes a covered space which means children have the opportunity for physical play in the fresh air every day regardless of the weather. They enjoy the freedom to run around, play on large equipment and ride on wheeled toys, which contributes to their good health. They also enjoy gardening in the warmer This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 weather and learn about plants and animals that live and grow in the local environment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities that support learning across all areas, ensuring children are always well occupied in worthwhile tasks. There are many opportunities for children to count and apply their mathematical knowledge. Staff involve children in practical mathematical activities, such as, measuring height, using money in the shop and weighing ingredients for cooking, making the learning relevant to daily life.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children express their views confidently using good vocabulary. They ask and answer questions and competently explain how things work. Children love to play music, sing songs and listen to stories. They work together in groups to create their own stories and then make the stories into books for others to enjoy. Drawing, painting and colouring encourage children's fine motor skills and creative development. The displays show children's talent especially in their collage work depicting clowns.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a positive attitude to learning and are proud of their achievements. They confidently and independently choose activities that interest them and allow them to demonstrate their ability. Staff praise children's efforts which promotes self-esteem. Children's behaviour is good, and staff consistency and support helps children learn right from wrong. 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? 3 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

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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

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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