Hill West 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. Hill West Nursery School Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 228951 Inspection date 19/03/2009 Inspector Fiona Robinson

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Setting address Clarence Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 4LD Telephone number 0121 308 8656 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

Hill West Nursery opened in 1999 and operates from two single storey buildings with an enclosed grassed and paved area for outside play. It is situated on the campus of Hill West Primary School which is in the Four Oaks area of Sutton Coldfield. There is a ramped disability access to the setting. It has strong supportive links with the school and is able to use many of its facilities and resources. The setting is also used by 'Wagtails', an out of school group between 07:30 until 08:45 and 15:15 until 18:00, and a summer play scheme for two weeks in the summer holiday.

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Description of the setting

The setting is registered to care for a maximum of 46 children aged under eight years at any one time. This number includes children who attend out of school sessions. A maximum of 46 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The setting is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Child Care Register. The nursery is open each weekday from 08:45 until 15:15 term-time only. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 60 children from two to eight years on roll. There are 46 Early Years Foundation Stage aged children and 40 of these receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the surrounding residential area and the majority will attend the school. The nursery currently supports children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs nine staff who work with the children, of whom seven hold appropriate early years qualifications. The

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Description of the setting

nursery is part of the 'Four Oaks Children's Centre’ which provides extended before and after school care.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall effectiveness is outstanding because a wide range of very well-planned and supported activities ensure that all children are included equally. Children enjoy their time at this setting and make excellent progress in all indoor and outdoor activities they participate in. The managers provide an excellent lead in promoting very effective staff teamwork and there are excellent links with parents. All staff have an excellent knowledge of the setting’s strengths and areas for improvement and there is an outstanding record of continued improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 improve the planning, layout and resources of the outdoor area This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The managers provide very clear direction to the work of the nursery. The care is outstanding and all staff ensure that children are safe through implementing rigorous safeguarding procedures and policies. There are excellent policies, procedures and records in place which have a very positive impact on children’s welfare, safety and well-being. Children are cared for in a very safe and familiar environment. They respond very well to the excellent quality care and support they are given by staff. The outdoor area is fully enclosed and well maintained.

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provision

There are excellent procedures for identifying what works well and what areas are in need of improvement. Staff are fully involved in decision making and are fully committed to continuous improvement. This is evident in the excellent progress made in developing the writing area and improving provision in the creative area of learning. Key workers keep detailed records and are kept well informed of changes to planning and assessment. Managers and staff have recognised the need to further develop the outdoor area of learning including planning, resourcing and use of this. Excellent links exist with the host school and parents and staff work hard to ensure a smooth transition to full-time schooling. Staff also play a vital role in developing the children’s excellent attitudes to learning. They are excellent role models and manage behaviour very well. They show extra care and sensitivity for children with learning needs and disabilities. Links with parents are excellent. They

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provision

are consulted on the interests of their children and this information is used very effectively to accelerate children’s learning. Parents are kept very well informed about the progress their children make.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have outstanding opportunities to learn through interesting practical and play opportunities. They eagerly take part in the wide range of activities offered to them. Their confidence and self-esteem is boosted because staff continually praise and encourage them. They enjoy learning through practical activities such as painting self-portraits. They are keen to play in the sand and explore going on, under, over and through apparatus in the outdoor area of learning. They listen well to stories such as ‘The Golden Egg’ and respond well to questioning. They relate very well to each other as they practise their phonic work. An excellent balance between adult and child-led activities allows children to learn and play at their own pace. They know how to self-register and many can write their own names. Most can count up to forty and they enjoy singing songs such as ‘Inky Mouse’ and ‘Noisy Plane’.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The planning is outstanding and festivals such as Chinese New Year and Easter bring relevance and enrichment to children’s learning. Excellent links are made with seasonal celebrations such as Winter and Spring. The environment is bright and stimulating and includes many examples of the children’s work. Staff use rigorous assessment systems to help plan the next steps in learning and recognise the need to maximise learning opportunities in the outdoor area of learning. They challenge children well in the activities and value what they say. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The children feel very safe in this very well-organised nursery. They respond very well to the outstanding care and support given by staff. The older children share resources sensibly as they build models, cut out shapes and create glitter pictures. The toddlers and babies happily explore a very well-panned environment as they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

fill fruit moulds with sand, watch ice cubes melt and make collage Easter eggs. All children feel very safe and secure because staff collaborate very well to ensure a very positive and secure environment. Children make excellent progress in the physical area of learning and learn the importance of taking exercise. They share resources very safely as they make healthy pizzas and pancakes. Children gain confidence through well-established routines such as snack time and dinnertime. They learn how to eat healthily and keep their environment tidy. Children develop their independence very well and feel secure because there are excellent links with their parents. Children are very well prepared for their next stage in learning in a very bright, positive, inclusive and stimulating setting. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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