Bright Sparks

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. Bright Sparks Nursery School Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 161979 Inspection date 15/01/2009 Inspector Carole Argles

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Setting address Ebbesbourne Wake Village Hall, Ebbesbourne Wake, SALISBURY, Wiltshire, SP5 5JF Telephone number 01722 781069 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

Bright Sparks Nursery School is privately owned and operates from the village hall in Ebbesbourne Wake which is in south Wiltshire. The nursery serves villages and towns in the local area. The children use the hall and the enclosed outdoor play areas. There is level access to the premises. The nursery opens five days a week during school term times and three days per week during some school holidays. Term time opening hours are from 09.00 until 15.00 every weekday. Children attend for a variety of sessions

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Description of the setting

The nursery is registered to accept up to 26 children aged from one to under eight years. It provides care for children aged under five during school term times and holiday care for children aged up to eight years. It is not registered to provide overnight care. There are currently 31 children aged from two to four years on roll. This includes children who receive government funding for nursery education.

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Description of the setting

There are a total of seven staff, including the owners, who work with the children. Four members of staff hold early years qualifications to level three and two staff hold level two qualifications. The other member of staff is currently undertaking training.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The nursery provides an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for the children who are happy and settled. Most of the welfare requirements are met effectively. The children take part in a wide range of activities and make good progress in their learning and development. The staff are establishing effective partnerships with parents and other agencies to ensure that children’s individual needs are met and there is continuity in their care and learning. The staff have a positive approach to their work and are well motivated and committed to further improvements in the quality of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop staff's skills in assessing and planning the development and learning of very young cildren  continue to establish ways to exchange information with parents and others and to increase their involvement in the planning and observation cycle  continue to develop the outside play area and consider ways to provide more opportunities for children to move freely between the indoor and outdoor environments

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 keep a written record of medicines given to children 16/01/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)

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provision

All the policies and procedures required to promote children’s safety and welfare are in place and most are implemented effectively. Appropriate checks are carried out to establish that adults are suitable to work with children and the premises are kept secure. Staff understand how to safeguard children from harm or neglect and know what to do if they have concerns about the welfare of a child. The likelihood of accidental injury to the children is minimised because staff carry out thorough risk assessments and check the premises daily. Children are well supervised at all times. Good hygiene is maintained. The children receive healthy snacks and have ready access to drinking water. Although written parental consent is obtained before medication is administered to children, staff do not always record when medicines are given. The premises are well organised and provide a stimulating environment for the children. There are many displays of artwork, photographs

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provision

and posters. A wide variety of good quality resources are stored on low units and this allows children to select activities independently and make choices about what they do.

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provision

There are sound systems in place to help staff review and evaluate their practice and to monitor the children’s progress. These allow staff to identify key areas for further improvement and current plans include the redevelopment of the outside area. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been addressed and this has enhanced the children’s welfare and learning. The staff frequently undertake training to extend their professional knowledge and skills and they are developing a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYS). However, at present they have less experience of supporting the learning of the very young children they are now registered for.

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provision

Clear information is available for parents so that they understand what is provided for their child and how they will learn. The staff are approachable and work well with parents, talking with them daily to promote continuity in the children’s care. They keep parents well informed about notable achievements and encourage them to look at their child’s development files. A system of parent representatives is being introduced to provide an additional channel for feedback and communication with staff.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children enjoy their time at the nursery and form positive relationships with adults and their peers. They behave well and play cooperatively together, readily sharing and taking turns. For example, they wait patiently for their go when playing card games and dominoes. The children develop confidence and good self- esteem because they are respected as individuals and given praise and recognition for their achievements. They find out about the local community during walks around the village and learn about the different cultures and traditions in the wider This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 world through themed activities. The children are encouraged to think about their own wellbeing. They talk about road safety, practise the fire drill and follow good hand-hygiene routines. They learn about the importance of healthy eating and are encouraged to enjoy a varied diet through many cooking activities. They prepare

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and take home a wide range of savoury and sweet dishes, sometimes using vegetables they have helped to grow. Most children enjoy being active and they play outside daily. However, at present they cannot move freely between the indoor and outside areas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a good balance of child-initiated and adult planned and led activities. The children are motivated to learn and show sustained involvement and good levels of concentration, for instance, when completing puzzles. They make good progress because staff match activities to their individual needs using information gained through observations of what they can achieve. However, systems for sharing information and involving parents and other EYFS providers in the observation and planning cycle have not been fully established. Therefore staff do not have a complete overview of what each child can do. Children who have learning difficulties or disabilities are well supported by the staff who work effectively with other professionals to plan and monitor their development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Staff generally interact well with the children. They ask them questions which encourage them to think and they support their language development and communication skills effectively. However, at times there is less interaction between staff and some of the younger children who do not choose to join in with small or large group activities. Children are interested in numbers and calculations and some use them spontaneously in their play. They are beginning to think critically about what they are doing and to solve problems. For example, a child considers his road layout and then rearranges it to make a continuous track. The children explore and investigate materials and use them for their own purposes and have ready access to a wide range musical instruments, mark making and creative resources. 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

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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.

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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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