Busy Bees Day Nursery at Maidstone Hospital

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. Just Learning Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY299059 Inspection date 24/02/2009 Inspector Beryl Witheridge

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Setting address Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9QQ Telephone number 01622 226515 Email maidstonehospital@justlearning.co.uk 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

Just Learning Nursery opened in 2005 and operates from a purpose built single storey building in the grounds of Maidstone Hospital, Barming, Kent. A maximum of 112 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 06.45 to 19.00 for 52 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the setting

There are currently 196 children aged from two months to under five years on roll in the nursery and 44 children from four years to 11 years on roll for the holiday club. Children receive funding for nursery education. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. Children come from a wide catchment area. The nursery currently supports a number of children with special educational needs, and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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Description of the setting

The nursery employs 39 staff. 28 of the staff, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications. Eight staff are working towards a qualification.

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Description of the setting

The group receives support from the company early years coordinator and the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall effectiveness of the provision is good. The nursery staff have a good understanding of how to support children’s welfare and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). All children and their parents are made welcome, although staff are not always fully aware of children's home language. Staff aim to provide the appropriate care according to the children's individual needs, with support from outside agencies when this is required. Management ensure that staff and parents are included in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the nursery. These observations are used to move forward and continually improve the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the reviewing and assessment of activities is evaluative and not just descriptive  include parents more in their children's continuous learning and development such as the sharing of records  ensure staff have a sound understanding of children's individual backgrounds and home language  provide resources which provide positive images of the diversity of society and ensure that these are used throughout the nursery by all children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure staff do not undertake tasks that promotes children's independence, for example pouring their own drinks

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provision

The nursery is a purpose built premises which offers a bright, warm and welcoming environment for all children. All records, policies and procedures are in place and are well maintained. All staff are involved in the planning and execution of the EYFS. The keyworkers identify next steps for their children, using their starting points to help track their development. Children's next steps and individual interests are used to lead future planning. Summative assessments are used bi- monthly and these are sent home for parents to add their own comments. However, not all these forms are returned and the nursery do not have any clear procedures to ensure all parents are involved in their child's learning and development. Staff review and assess the activities they do with the children but these evaluations are often descriptive; this does not always enable them to improve or develop the activity to ensure that is helping children to progress.

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provision

Staff are all involved in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the nursery and are all included the self-evaluation of the provision. They have identified areas for improvement and plans have been put into place for future improvements and developments. Staff training is identified through regular staff meetings and appraisals. A lot of training and short courses are provided through in-house training. This enables them to develop their good practice.

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provision

Parents receive good information about the provision and the use of the EYFS. They are kept informed through the use of the notice board and are able to have a say about the nursery through questionnaires. There is a good working relationship with parents. The nursery holds open evenings for parents about twice a year. There is also an open door policy which provides them with the opportunity to talk to staff at any time if they want to. The nursery has good links with other agencies who are involved in the care of the children as well the local schools. This means that the children receive continuity of care.

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provision

The manager is the designated person for safeguarding. Most staff have attended safeguarding training and others will receive in-house training. All staff are fully aware of their responsibility to the children in their care. They know the procedures to follow if they have a concern and who to go to for help and support.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Staff provide a wide range of opportunities to help children make good progress in all areas of development and learning in the EYFS. Children are able to make choices and decisions about what they want to play with, choosing from the easily available resources. Staff support them in their learning, allowing children to lead the play but providing them with opportunities to extend by asking open ended questions and encouraging them to face new challenges and develop an interest in the world around them. Children are happy and settled and there is a lot of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 laughter and affection between staff and children. Children show good use of their imaginations, using pompoms as wigs, talking about all the different colours. They are eager to play and learn. There is a very calm feeling throughout the whole nursery.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's safety is addressed through house rules, for example, not running in the nursery. Staff have carried out emergency evacuation drills with the children but not often enough to ensure that all children are aware of the procedures and how to keep themselves safe in an emergency. Risk assessments are carried out in each room, staff can take any concerns to the management. The accident book is also used as part of the health and safety assessment. Staff are fully aware of their responsibility towards the children in their care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to be and stay healthy. They have daily opportunities for outdoor play in their own gardens; one for the babies, one for the toddlers and one for the pre-school. They understand the importance of wrapping up to keep themselves warm. Parents are asked to provide suitable clothing for all types of weather and the nursery has provided umbrellas so the children can still go out in the rain. During the summer they have free-flow play between indoors and out. They know the importance of good hygiene and are introduced to healthy eating options. All meals are cooked freshly on the premises, and children's individual dietary needs and allergies are taken into account. However, at snack times staff still take away some of the children's possible independence by pouring their drinks for them. This was a recommendation which needed to be addressed after the last inspection and continues to be a recommendation at this inspection.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time at the nursery, they have a good relationship with each other; they know about considering other people's feelings. Their behaviour is of a very high standard and staff deal with any exceptions to this in a very positive and consistent way. Children also have a close relationship with the staff, who are aware of children's needs and aim to support them through all activities. Each child is accepted for who they are and staff aim to provide all children with opportunities to grow and develop. Children are learning to make decisions and become independent learners. 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? 3 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

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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 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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