Stables 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. Stables Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY298761 Inspection date 11/08/2009 Inspector Liz Margaret Caluori

p.1

Setting address Mountains Stables, Noble Tree Road, Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8ND Telephone number 01732 833266 Email 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 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

Stables Nursery has been registered since 2005. It is privately owned and managed. It operates from fully converted stables in a rural area of Tonbridge. There are five group rooms used for child care as well as office space, staff areas, kitchens and toilets. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area which is accessible from some of the group rooms and children also have use of a grassed paddock.

p.3

Description of the setting

The nursery is registered on the Early Years Register as well as both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of 66 children under eight years may attend at any one time, all of these may be in the early years age range although only 24 may be under two years. There are currently 120 children on roll in the early years age range attending on either a full time and part time basis. The group offers a breakfast and after school facility and holiday play service to school age children and currently have four children using this service.

p.3

Description of the setting

The nursery is able to provide care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities as well as those who speak English as an additional language.

p.3

Description of the setting

The nursery employs 22 staff including the owner, a chef and an office manager. The owner has gained Early Years Professional Status and, of the remaining 19 staff who work directly with the children, 10 hold a relevant childcare qualification and six are working towards obtaining a qualification.

p.3

Description of the setting

The setting works closely with advisors from the local authority.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The high commitment to self- evaluation and to continual improvement ensures that children are making very good progress in all areas. They learn and play in a stimulating, well organised setting where safety and comfort is prioritised. The nursery excels in providing an inclusive, child-centred environment in which children's individual needs are fully respected. Children also gain great benefit from the effective partnership between the staff and their parents, carers and other professionals involved in the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 review the system for labelling children's drinking cups to ensure that they can be easily identified by staff  continue to refine the systems for recording children's progress and their future next steps to ensure that they are able to be used efficiently and consistently by all staff This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  consider making even greater use of the outdoor area throughout the day

p.3

provision

The owner works very closely with the managers and staff team to create a stimulating, caring environment. Great care is taken to ensure that the organisation of the nursery meets the needs of the children. This includes the provision of fans and air conditioning units to regulate the temperature on hot days and the careful selection of furniture and equipment in each room.

p.4

provision

Excellent attention is given to meeting children’s individual needs. Staff work tirelessly to accommodate each child and respect their views and opinions. They respond promptly to any indication that a child is not happy, for example if a child has decided that they no longer wish to wear a bib the staff recognise this as a positive step in that child’s development. Similarly, if a child is clearly not hungry at the time dinner is served, their food is put to one side and given to them when they are ready. Small but significant examples such as these are common place throughout the setting and ensure that all children feel valued and included. This is highly effective at promoting their self-esteem. Staff also monitor and respond to the changing needs of the group as a whole, for example by creating more space for role play in rooms where this activity is particularly popular.

p.4

provision

The owner makes extremely good use of self-evaluation to monitor and continually improve all aspects of the service provided. In addition, she seeks the views of parents and carers and has recently made minor changes to the menus based on the feedback that she has received.

p.4

provision

The arrangements for assessment and monitoring are comprehensive and support staff to identify the next steps for each child. At times the complexity of the recording systems leads to minor inconsistencies in practice between staff although this does not impact on the experiences of the children. However, the setting is continuing to review the systems for maintaining written records of children’s progress and future plans to ensure that they provide a clear, efficient tool for staff.

p.4

provision

Robust arrangements are in place to foster and maintain good relationships with parents and carers. They receive a very good range of written information. In addition, regular communication with their child’s key person ensures that they are able to contribute observations from home which can be used to monitor children’s progress and to plan for their next steps. The setting is also pro-active in making links with other professionals involved in the delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to children.

p.4

provision

The nursery has a comprehensive set of written policies in place and maintains all required records on children. Risk assessments have been undertaken and safety is generally given high priority within the setting. Child protection procedures are entirely appropriate. Staff have attended training and are clear on their responsibility to report any concerns about children’s welfare. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well supported to learn how to keep themselves safe. They listen well to the guidance and gentle reminders of staff and move sensibly around the setting. They are also taught the importance of healthy eating and are offered a nutritious, well balanced menu which reflects their individual dietary requirements. Older children are developing the skills to serve their own food and enjoy very sociable meal times. Drinks are constantly available to the children although the beakers provided for younger children are not clearly labelled. As a result staff have to consult with each other to provide children with the correct drink and can not always identify promptly if a child has picked up someone else’s beaker.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

All staff are first aid trained and good procedures are in place to deal with accidents and sickness. Children are developing a good level of independence in their toileting and routinely wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The arrangements for nappy changing are safe and hygienic.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a mix of physical as well as more relaxing activities. They all have regular access to the fully enclosed outdoor play areas. In addition the older children use the large grassed paddock area for physical games. Opportunities exist for some children to flow freely between the indoors and outdoors. However, the setting has yet to fully implement plans to incorporate the outdoor area as part of the whole learning environment.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making very good progress in all areas of their development as a result of the careful planning to reflect their interests. These are skilfully adapted to ensure that they offer the appropriate level of challenge to each child. Children are particularly well supported in developing their problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills. Children in all rooms play with a broad range of resources which support them to explore and investigate for themselves. These include shape sorters and cause-and-effect toys in the baby and toddler rooms and more complex construction equipment for the older children. In addition, they develop skills such as matching, sorting, sequencing and counting.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children use language very effectively to express themselves. Younger children benefit from the friendly tone of voice, positive body language and warm eye contact that they receive from staff. Older children confidently negotiate, share stories and make jokes with their friends and the staff. All children enjoy listening to stories and older children choose to look at books in their free play. In addition, there is equipment in all rooms to support children to develop their mark-making and writing skills. Chalks and paints are provided for the younger children whilst older children have access to a broad range of pens and pencils.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Great emphasis is placed on supporting children’s creative development. In addition to the very good opportunities that exist for imaginative role play, they also enjoy an impressive range of arts and crafts activities. As a result they produce very expressive and individual work which demonstrates a high level of concentration and independence. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children take part in a range of activities aimed at teaching them about the local environment, their community and the wider world. They are extremely well behaved as a result of the calm, consistent approach of staff and the respect and attention that they receive as individuals. Children’s future economic well-being is promoted by the support they receive to develop independence in their self-care and social skills. This prepares them to interact confidently and effectively with the people who will be their neighbours

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

and colleagues. They also have use of electronic toys and computers which help to develop their confidence in using technology. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

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.7

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

p.7

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?

p.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8