Bingham Robert Miles Infant School

Nutfield Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Nutfield Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number 122620 Inspection date 12 December 2005 Inspector Joanne Lindsey Caswell

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Nutfield Day Nursery

Setting Address Church Hill, Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 4JA

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E-mail

Registered person A. Bertin and L. Bertin 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 good. 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 good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Nutfield Day Nursery opened under its current ownership in 2001. It operates from the ground floor of a large detached house in the village of Nutfield, Surrey. The nursery has an open plan layout and children are cared for in separate age groups. There are extensive outside play areas available for the different age groups, which are used throughout the year. A maximum of 40 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each week day, from 07:00 to 19:00, throughout

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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 the year. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently 95 children, aged from three months to four years, on roll. This includes 10 children who receive funding for nursery education. Staff are experienced in supporting children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. A team of 12 staff work with the children. Of these, seven hold a recognised early years qualifications, equivalent to NVQ level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well protected against illness and infection. The premises are very well-maintained and children consistently learn the importance of good hygiene practice. Older children take themselves to the toilet and clearly understand that they must always wash their hands after toileting, before all meals and food activities and after handling the nursery's pets. Children also begin to learn the importance of preventing the spread of germs. They learn to blow their noses and cover their mouths when they cough, to prevent infection. There are stringent hygiene policies in place to safeguard children. This teaches children how to keep themselves healthy and promotes good hygiene practice. All children and staff wear indoor shoes in the nursery to maintain a clean environment. Staff working in the baby room remove their shoes completely to ensure a safe and clean environment. This helps to reduce the

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Helping children to be healthy

risk of infection for children and ensures the premises are consistently clean and well-maintained. Staff are particularly vigilant in protecting children against cross-infection during nappy change routines. All staff are meticulous in ensuring that all babies use their own nappies and creams. There are comprehensive procedures in place to ensure all babies have their own cots and individual bedding. This protects children against illness, prevents the spread of infection and ensures a healthy and hygienic environment. Babies and young children flourish within the setting, as staff consistently follow each child's care routines. This ensures that all babies and children have sufficient rest and sleep, suitable to their individual needs. Staff are extremely vigilant in ensuring that all babies sleep according to their needs and in accordance with parents' wishes. There is a very clear policy in place for the care and exclusion of sick children. This

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Helping children to be healthy

ensures that any child who is suffering from an infectious illness, is excluded from the nursery and prevents the spread of illness. A full record of children's medication and accidents is maintained and signed by parents. This ensures that children's care needs are discussed with parents and recorded appropriately to promote their good health. Children's health and safety is given high priority by staff. There are strict policies in

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 place regarding sun safety. The well-designed outside play areas provide large amounts of shade, enabling children to play outside during the summer months. Staff are vigilant in ensuring all children wear appropriate protective clothing, such as sun hats, and all children use sun cream, in accordance with parents' wishes. This ensures that children's health is promoted appropriately during hot weather. Children have excellent opportunities to play in the fresh air and benefit from physical activities. This enables children to develop their physical skills and increase their muscle development. Mobile babies have many opportunities to crawl and develop their climbing skills using the fixed apparatus. They negotiate small steps easily and enjoy using the slide under close supervision from staff. All children enjoy daily

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities to play in the large gardens. They use wheeled toys and show good co-ordination and skill. They move around freely and older children enjoy activities involving balancing and moving in a variety of ways, such as dancing. Children also have many opportunities to benefit from using the nursery's extensive grounds. Children undertake many nature walks, where they have opportunities to run and move around freely and enjoy the fresh air. Children run through fields, climb over stiles and some children enjoy pony rides under close supervision. This enhances children's healthy development. Children develop excellent attitudes towards healthy eating. They enjoy a wealth of extremely nutritious, healthy and wholesome meals, all of which are prepared using fresh, organic produce. Children are consistently encouraged by staff to develop an interest in foods and take an active part in mealtimes. Staff regard mealtimes as an

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Helping children to be healthy

extremely sociable part of the daily routine. Older children help to serve themselves and prepare the tables. They are actively involved in the writing and designing of the menu, encouraging children to look forward to their daily meals. As the nursery has an open-plan layout, children show an active interest in the preparation of their meals. They talk to the staff preparing food and observe the ingredients which are used in their daily meals. This encourages children to develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating and enables them to develop an interest in sampling a wide range of foods. All children's dietary needs are met extremely well. Staff work in partnership with parents, regarding the weaning process for young babies and children's individual feeding needs. The well-planned menu introduces children to a wide range of tastes, textures and food groups. This encourages children to develop a positive attitude

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Helping children to be healthy

towards healthy eating from a very young age. Children have free access to drinking water at all times and babies follow their own feeding patterns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises provide a bright, well-maintained and inviting environment for children. The rooms are purposefully designed to care for children of different age groups and many safety precautions have been taken throughout the premises to ensure children's safety. Staff are particularly vigilant in ensuring children are fully supervised at all times, including when babies and children are sleeping. All areas of

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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 the premises are safe. Children access the toilets and hand washing facilities safely and staff have easy and convenient access to nappy changing facilities. This ensures that children can be fully supervised to ensure their safety at all times. Children play with a very good selection of high quality toys, play materials and equipment, all of which is regularly checked to ensure it is safe for children. Low level storage areas enable children to access their own toys freely and safely. Children are very well protected against hazards and potential dangers as staff are vigilant in promoting children's safety. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe, as they learn about safety through topic work and discussion. For example, children learn about fire safety from a visit from the local fire service. There

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are very good procedures in place to protect children in the event of an emergency. Children and staff regularly practice evacuation and designated places of safety have been identified to safeguard children. Staff are familiar with the procedures to follow, should a child ever become lost or not be collected from the nursery. This ensures that children's safety and welfare is promoted at all times and appropriate policies are implemented. Children are sufficiently protected against harm and abuse as some staff have a working knowledge of child protection. There is a designated Child Protection Officer and Deputy Officer, however, not all members of staff have completed training. This restricts some staff from being fully aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and understanding the appropriate procedures to follow, should they have any concerns about a child in their care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a very good range of activities that are stimulating and well-balanced for their age and stage of development. Babies and young children gain much from being together. They learn to communicate and develop good relationships. Babies convey their needs through gestures and sounds, which staff clearly understand and respond positively to, enabling babies to feel valued, secure and loved. Young children are introduced to a range of play opportunities, such as art and craft, sensory play, puzzles, small world play and sand and water play. They explore nature in the garden as they plant seeds and watch them grow. Children develop their independence as they learn to take care of their own needs and start to feed themselves with minimal help required from staff. Children interact well with one another and start to learn to share and co-operate. They sit together to listen to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stories and join in enthusiastically with songs and rhymes. Children approach staff happily and engage in play with them. Children benefit from the child-centred environment. There is a very relaxed family atmosphere evident, providing a very happy, secure and loving environment for children. NURSERY EDUCATION The quality of teaching and learning is good. Staff have a very good understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum and plan activities covering all six areas of learning.

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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 However, some adult-directed activities are not recorded in writing. This restricts staff from using written records to identify how children's different learning needs are addressed to inform future planning. Children's progress towards the early learning goals is closely monitored. Staff form very close relationships with children and implement consistent strategies for managing children's behaviour. Children enjoy a very good range of fun, play-based learning. The outside areas are used extremely well to extend children's learning. For example, children observe numbers and shapes in the garden and use a height chart on a tree to measure themselves. Children regularly undertake nature and environmental activities. They help to care for the nursery pets and enjoy activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

such as collecting the bantams' eggs and having pony rides. Staff plan the daily routine well, allowing full consideration for children's own interests and ideas. For example, the planned activities are changed in accordance with children's own ideas and alternative learning opportunities are provided for, to ensure children's on-going interests and motivation. Children have many opportunities within the daily routine to develop their independence. They dress themselves with minimal help, they use cutlery competently at lunch time and pour their own drinks. They serve themselves at mealtimes and help to prepare the tables and tidy away afterwards. Children show care and respect for one another and they show consideration for the younger children. They behave very well and begin to take responsibility for their actions. Children engage in fluent conversations with staff, enabling them to develop their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

language and communication skills. They have regular opportunities for mark making and develop pencil control and writing skills as they use writing for a purpose. For example, children help to write out the nursery menu each day and enjoy looking at letters and identifying different sounds. Children develop their interest in books. They enjoy regular story times and enjoy re-telling familiar and favourite stories. Children have many opportunities to count and develop mathematical skills. They regularly use numbers in their play and most children have good number recognition skills, enabling them to recognise and compare numbers. Children learn about shapes and there are good opportunities for children to develop an understanding of the concepts of size, weight and capacity through well-planned activities. The outside area is used extremely well, enabling children to observe nature, explore mini beasts and investigate change. Children enjoy splashing in puddles and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

observing animal prints in the frost. They help to care for the nursery's pets and develop their understanding of the role of others as they enjoy visitors to the nursery. Children use programmable toys and clearly understand how things work. There is good provision in place for children to learn about diversity within society and develop an understanding of the world in which we live. Children have many opportunities to develop their physical skills. They use wheeled toys competently and develop their co-ordination, using balancing resources. Children run and move around freely outside. They enjoy active games and dance and have opportunities for pony rides. Children develop their dexterity and manipulative skills as they pour their own drinks and handle tools such as scissors,

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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 cutlery and writing materials. Children develop their creative skills by undertaking a wide range of art and craft activities. They use a range of materials and media and express themselves freely. Children have independent access to paints, chalks and drawing materials, enabling them to make their own pictures. There is provision for role play and dressing up, enabling children to use their imagination and recreate familiar scenarios. Children regularly enjoy sensory play and use their senses to handle textures such as cold pasta, dry rice, dough and water.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Staff value children highly and skilfully adapt the daily routine and play opportunities to cater for children's differing interests and care needs. Babies and the younger children consistently follow their own individual care needs, which have been discussed in detail and agreed with parents. They have their own personal sleep and feeding patterns, enabling them to follow consistent routines between home and the nursery. This encourages children to feel secure within the nursery and valued as individuals. Children develop a very strong sense of belonging within the nursery. They see many examples of their art work displayed clearly and they particularly enjoy looking at many photographs of themselves and their families. Staff display photographs and pictures at low level, enabling the babies and toddlers to see these closely. This encourages children to develop their self-esteem as they feel comfortable and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

extremely settled within the nursery with familiar photographs displayed around them. Children learn to respect other children and show considerable care and concern for one another. They consistently learn about diversity within society. Curriculum activities cover a wide range of different festivals, customs and cultures, enabling children to develop positive attitudes towards diversity. They play with toys and use resources which freely reflect positive images of diversity within society. This encourages children to learn about the world in which we live and helps children to learn to respect the needs of others. As a result of this, children's social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is fostered. There is very good provision in place to support children with special needs. Staff are experienced in supporting children with specific needs, and, where necessary, undertake appropriate specialist training. This ensures that staff are suitably trained

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and experienced to support all children's personal needs. Staff are highly committed to seeking help and support from external agencies, in agreement with parents, to enable them to fully support all children within the nursery. Children behave extremely well. They are very happy within the nursery and enjoy very warm, close and loving relationships with staff. There are very clear boundaries in place, ensuring that children clearly understand acceptable behaviour and staff promote this consistently and offer all children high levels of praise, positive reassurance and encouragement. Older children take on responsibility as they help in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the preparation of mealtimes. They show caring and loving relationships towards the younger children and clearly understand their differing needs. Staff use highly effective strategies for managing children's behaviour, enabling older children to learn to resolve their own differences through negotiation and co-operation. This enables children to learn to understand the consequences of their actions and to recognise acceptable behaviour. The partnership with parents and carers is good. Comprehensive information is obtained from parents regarding each child's personal needs, to enable staff to meet these appropriately within the daily routine. Children follow consistent routines between home and nursery, enabling them to feel totally settled and secure. There are excellent systems in place for the daily exchange of information between home

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and nursery. Staff and parents use 'contact books' to allow information to be shared and there is a very informative notice board in the nursery, which displays all relevant information for parents regarding all nursery routines, policies and procedures. Children's daily routines, activities and developmental progress are discussed with parents on a frequent basis and parents are informed about the Birth to three matters framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum. Staff organise information evenings and display all relevant information for parents, enabling them to feel fully informed and involved in their children's care and developmental needs. There are very good strategies in place for children to see their parents and the staff as equal partners in their care and education. Staff carry out home visits to discuss children's developmental progress and strengthen the partnership for children between home

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and nursery. This enables children's individual needs to be met fully and ensures consistency in all care routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Staff are qualified and experienced childcare professionals, who work well together as a supportive team. They organise the nursery well, to enable children to access all areas freely and safely, both inside and outside. Staff have many opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills through the completion of further training. Children are protected well, as procedures are in place to ensure all staff are fully vetted. Staff are familiar with the national standards and the nursery's conditions of registration. This enables them to ensure appropriate staffing levels at all times. Staff deployment is particularly effective during mealtimes when a high adult to child ratio allows children to receive close attention and support. Regulatory documentation is maintained and is stored confidentially. The leadership and management are good. The nursery manager and staff work consistently hard to provide high standards of education. All staff are committed to

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Organisation

making on-going improvements and they have many ideas to make further improvements. Staff undertake reviews and evaluations on their practice to identify areas for development. Staff feel valued as members of the team, as their ideas and contributions are listened to and acknowledged. All staff have regular appraisals to identify and address their own personal development and training needs.

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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 The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection, several recommendations were raised. These related to improving staff's understanding of nursery policies and procedures, improving the facilities for nappy changing, cleaning materials and staff breaks; reviewing the details in the child protection policy and improving the organisation of space for children of different age groups. Since the last inspection, the nursery has had major building work and has increased the amount of space and facilities available. As a result of this, children are now cared for in separate areas, ensuring that children of similar age groups are cared for together. This ensures that staff can provide appropriate activities, suitable for the children's different developmental needs. A new staff area has also been created, enabling staff to have breaks in an area away from the children. All nappy change facilities have been improved, ensuring that all areas now provide a clean and

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Improvements since the last inspection

hygienic area for children. Cleaning materials are stored safely and hygienically away from children. A comprehensive staff induction programme has been implemented, ensuring that all staff are now familiar with all nursery policies and procedures, improving the general organisation and effective management of the nursery. The details in the child protection policy have been reviewed and now include all necessary information. At the last nursery education inspection, four key issues were raised. These related to improving the opportunities for children to see writing used for a purpose and develop their writing skills; to improve the opportunities for children to compare numbers and develop an understanding of the concepts of 'more than' and 'less than'; to review the use of the television and computer and to develop staff's understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum and to give staff increased

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Improvements since the last inspection

responsibilities within the nursery. Staff have addressed these issues. Due to the revised organisation of the nursery, pre-school children have their own designated area with space provided for children to develop their mark marking and pre-writing skills. Staff utilise all opportunities within the daily routine to enable children to use writing for a purpose and to understand that print carries meaning. For example, children help staff to write out the daily menu and use the opportunity to look at different letters and sounds. There are increased opportunities within the daily routine for children to develop their counting and mathematical skills. Staff are skilled in using practical activities, such as when the children line up for outside play, to enable children to compare numbers and discuss the concepts of 'more than' and 'less than'. The television has been removed from the nursery and children now have

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Improvements since the last inspection

opportunities within the daily routine to use the computer. This increases children's understanding of using Information, Communication and Technology resources. Staff have improved their knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 curriculum, through the completion of further training. As a result of this, staff plan suitable activities to enable children to progress towards the early learning goals. The provider has reviewed the organisation and management of the nursery by delegating areas of responsibility to staff. This has improved the leadership of the nursery and has improved the opportunities for staff development.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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 good. 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 good.

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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 all staff are fully aware of their responsibilities regarding child protection and the relevant procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child in their care

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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): • improve the recording of some focus activities to clearly identify children's progress towards the early learning goals

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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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