The Co-operative Childcare Hounslow

Places For Children

Inspection report for early years provision

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Places For Children

Unique Reference Number EY282433 Inspection date 07 October 2005 Inspector Zelda Fay Parker

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Places For Children

Setting Address Chinchilla Drive, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 7NS

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E-mail

Registered person Places For Children Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day care

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E-mail

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Places for Children Nursery on the Meadows Estate is one of five nurseries run by Places for Children Company. It opened in 2005 and operates from a large playroom which is divided into specific play areas for children in a purpose built building on the Meadows Estate, London Borough of Hounslow. The nursery serves children from the local area. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 A maximum of 90 children may attend the nursery at any one time. Children attend a variety of sessions. The nursery is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for 51 weeks of the year. There are currently 30 children under five years on roll. Of these 5 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local community. The nursery supports children with special educational needs, and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs 8 staff, 6 of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. The nursery receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean nursery, where the level of hygiene is good as staff take adequate steps to prevent the spread of infection to protect children. They are protected from unnecessary illness and are well cared for in emergencies as the staff have good procedures in place for accidents and medications. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines, for example they know to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children clearly enjoy a good range of healthy meals and nutritious snacks, which comply with all special dietary requirements and parental wishes. They are learning the importance of eating healthy foods through discussion with staff. Children’s independence is very evident at meal times when they routinely serve their own food portions. They have great conversations about the foods they are eating, their likes

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Helping children to be healthy

and dislikes of foods; as a result children are competent in their social skills. Children enjoy the independence of being able to choose when they have their drink, as drinking water is readily available at all times. Young children have there own beakers and are offered drinks regularly. Children enjoy physical exercise and learn about the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle as they join in free play and organised activities in the outdoor play area. Children show an awareness of movement and space as they skilfully manoeuvre around objects and one another to stay safe. They eagerly run to catch a ball, hop through hoops, climb, and jump and learn new skills as they engage in organised games and outdoor activities. They are developing control over their bodies as they learn how to climb and slide down the small slide in the play room with great fun and laughter.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, they are greeted by staff with warmth and affection which helps to develop their sense of belonging. Children move confidently around the environment, as the space is organised and used effectively to allow children opportunities to engage in their play. Children have access to a good range of developmentally appropriate toys and resources and are able to select these freely. Children’s safety is maintained well as staff show a good awareness of safety issues. They are safe-guarded as staff check toys and equipment used by the children on a regular basis. Daily safety checks are always implemented across the nursery, which helps towards reducing any hazards that could compromise children's safety, for example staff check the garden before children go out to play. Children learn to keep

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves safe as they are reminded not to run around in the play room and are encouraged to pick up objects off the floor. As a result, children are developing their understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Children are well protected because staff have a clear understanding of their role with regard to child protection issues. There are effective systems in place, such as the collection of children and recording of visitors which contribute to ensuring children’s safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well into the session and are confident in the routine. They enjoy their activities and interact generally well with adults and each other. Young children benefit from a nurturing environment which allows them to experience different activities. The daily routine ensures that children have consistent care which contributes to their feeling of security. Staff have some knowledge of the Birth to Three Matters framework, however staff do not use observation’s to monitor children’s progress. They are confident and secure with staff offering them support and encouragement to try new things and develop their skills. For example, they enjoy rubbing their hands and fingers in the paint and observe the changing colours. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is satisfactory. Children's attitude to learning is positive and they spend extended periods concentrating on their chosen activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a warm and secure relationship with staff, which enables them to develop good relationships with their peers. Their behaviour is generally good thus enabling them to share and play co-operatively together. Children are eager to learn and confident to try new experiences. Children demonstrate good spatial awareness and co-ordination as they move confidently around the playroom, negotiating obstacles and stopping under control. Use of the outdoor space is planned which gives vigorous physical play and challenges. Children handle tools and equipment well, they have good manipulation skills, dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination. They enjoy creative activities including sticking, painting and play dough. Children enjoy listening to stories, and sharing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 books with staff. Adults introduce new vocabulary and make good use of pictorial aids to reinforce developing language skills. They join in familiar stories and rhymes enthusiastically. Children learn about cultures different to their own during the celebration of festivals Staff provide some worthwhile opportunities and work positively with children, encouraging them to be confident and promoting their self-esteem through praise. However, their lack of knowledge and understanding of the foundation stage does not ensure children's progress along stepping-stones towards the early learning goals. They respond well to children's interests, however, there are missed opportunities in what the children learn. There are processes for carrying out observations and assessments of what children can do although these are not yet

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed and included in the setting because staff value and respect their individuality. Children are cared for by staff who know their individual needs and home circumstances, for example, their dietary and health requirements and special needs. Children are learning about the world they live in as they have access to resources that promote positive images. They learn about festivals and traditions celebrated in the local and wider community. This positive approach fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Children's behaviour is good. They know what is expected of them as staff encourage the children to work together co-operatively, for instance by negotiating taking turns when using the slide. Staff’s support of children with English as a second language ensures children can fully participate in all activities. Partnership with parents is good. Parents receive useful information about the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

nursery and are kept informed about activities their child is involved in through regular newsletters, informal discussions and home link books. However, children's progress cannot accurately be shared with parents as robust observation and assessment records are not yet in place. Parents openly express they are happy with the service they receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's learning and well-being are promoted because practitioners work well as a team and are motivated and enthusiastic. The organisation of the nursery allows children space to explore and pursue their interests in safety. It provides a warm and welcoming environment for children to spend their day. The leadership and management of the setting is satisfactory. The manager has a

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 strong commitment to training and the professional development of staff. However, not all staff have a secure understanding of the areas of learning and children's progress, are not recorded in detail to ensure the potential for children's learning is fully maximised. There is a strong commitment to continual development in the care and education of the children. The nursery seeks support and guidance from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). Staff have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the nursery and the deployment of staff is generally good, ensuring all children are secure and engaged in activities. All the required policies and procedures work in practise to safeguard the children's welfare, care and learning. Children's individual records are well maintained and

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Organisation

shared with parents. The setting is meeting the needs of all children for whom it provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since registration. 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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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure staff receive appropriate training in Birth to three matters

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop staff's knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage to plan and provide a suitable programme of activities. • improve partnership with parents by implementing a system to provide information, regarding children's progress and development • ensure staff monitor and evaluate what they have learnt from children's assessments and use this information effectively to inform plans for the next stage of learning

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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