Total Tots Ltd

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. Total Tots at Balmoral Children Centre Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY370970 Inspection date 05/12/2008 Inspector Karen Ling

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Setting address Balmoral Children Centre, Balmoral Road, MORECAMBE, Lancashire, LA3 1HH Telephone number 0152 441 1753 Email totaltots@btconnect.com 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

Total Tots at Balmoral Children Centre is one of two nurseries run by Total Tots Limited. It is situated in the west end of Morecambe. The provision has its own dedicated rooms within the children's centre, which is on the site of Sandylands County Primary School. All children share access to an outdoor play area. There are no issues which may hinder access to the premises. The nursery serves children from the local area. A maximum of 37 children aged from birth to under eight years may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 07.30 until 18.00, for 51 weeks of the year. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and English as an additional language.

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Description of the setting

There are currently 50 children on roll of whom 15 are in receipt of funding for nursery education. There are currently no children over five years on roll, although the provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the setting

There are 15 members of staff and two volunteers who work with the children. Nine staff hold a level 3 qualification and one holds an appropriate degree in early years.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The inclusion of each child is a priority at this nursery. The dedicated team of staff have established a very effective provision for children in the short time it has been operating. This is due to the high expectations of leaders and managers. They have a clear sense of direction and future developments are well targeted.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the risk assessment procedures by identifying and minimising potential hazards outdoors and health risks  identify intended outcomes for individuals so that children’s progress is promoted more effectively through a balance of continuous provision and focused learning and develop a clear picture of individual progress over time  develop effective systems across the nursery to systematically assess and support children’s language development.

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provision

The nursery is well led and managed and organisation is good. Effective policies and procedures underpin the well established practices. Staff deployment ensures that each room is effectively supervised and children receive close attention from adults. A robust system is in place for the recruitment of suitable staff, who This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 complete a comprehensive induction. Although the nursery is relatively new, regular staff appraisals have been established which enable managers to highlight individual strengths, training needs and areas for development. As such, staff speak positively of the support structures in place for their ongoing professional development.

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provision

The preliminary action plan focuses on operational issues which are being met to good effect. Managers are beginning to focus more closely on the quality of provision for children and are aware of some key areas for improvement. There is a good rapport with parents and carers. Their views and ideas are sought and acted on, for example, a recent questionnaire received a good response. Effective links have been established with the children’s centre and the nursery works closely with the school, particularly the attached early years unit. Leaders from the school and nursery work in partnership, enabling the pre-school nursery children to share accommodation and resources. Practitioners are looking at ways of developing these links to ensure that the information about individual children’s needs is shared and used to inform plans.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well cared for by friendly and supportive staff. An effective key person system has been established and roles and responsibilities are shared with parents who are encouraged to contribute to assessments. Supervision is good in the main and staff pay close attention to children’s needs. However, some play activities in the outdoor area for the pre-school children present potential hazards and are not consistently supervised. These have not been identified in the risk assessment. Staff routinely monitor the safety of the indoor and outdoor environments on a daily basis although these checks are not recorded; a risk assessment record is maintained of aspects of provision which require a regular review.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have continuous access to the outdoor provision and staff encourage regular outdoor play and activity. Babies also benefit from being taken outside regularly, weather permitting. Food is freshly prepared onsite and snacks include varied and nutritious options. Children confidently help themselves to fruit and drinks. Hygiene routines are generally good, although used cups are not always removed during the ‘free-flow’ café system.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s confidence and self-esteem are fostered well by skilful staff who focus on positive reinforcement and praise. Relationships are good across the nursery and children move confidently between activities. Resources are sufficient, well maintained and appropriate for the range of ages and stages of development of children attending. Staff plans suitably meet individual needs and children make good progress towards the early learning goals. Systematic observations and assessments are in place, although they are not sufficiently focused or embedded for those identified as requiring support in language development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Staff are keen to follow children’s interests and build on their ideas as they chat with them, for example, they make suggestions and encourage problem solving and critical thinking. Although this is good overall, some groups of children are not This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sufficiently challenged during self-chosen activity. Plans clearly identify how all six areas of learning are being addressed and staff offer a variety and breadth which captures the interest of children. The smiles and hugs between staff and children indicate how much they enjoy their time at the nursery. 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 since registration.

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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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