Tall Trees

Tall Trees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Tall Trees

Unique Reference Number EY307107 Inspection date 15 December 2005 Inspector Sandra Jean Russell

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Tall Trees

Setting Address Tall Trees, The Sycamores, Scawthorpe, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 7UH

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E-mail

Registered person Elizabeth Pauline Richardson Type of inspection Childcare 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

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Tall Trees is a privately owned nursery, situated on the Great North Road, in Scawthorpe, on the outskirts of Doncaster within easy access to the A1. It is a two storey property, with the baby and toddler rooms being situated on the first floor; children aged 2 to 5 years are accommodated on the ground floor. Toilet, baby-change and kitchen facilities are provided. An enclosed outdoor area provides appropriate space for children to engage in outdoor play. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 07.00 to 18.00 all year round, with the exception of bank holidays. It is registered to care for 32 children under 8 years of

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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 age. There are currently 23 children on roll. Care is provided by six members of staff, four of whom are qualified nursery nurses.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is very clean and well maintained. They begin to learn good hygiene procedures such as hand washing before meals, after toileting and after messy play. Good systems are in place to prevent cross infection, such as the provision of paper towels. However, when not in use, dummies are stored on open shelves, along with various other items, therefore compromising children's health. The children enjoy valuable opportunities to engage in physical activity that promotes their physical well-being and develops their skills. The outdoor play area provides opportunities to use wheeled toys, balls and climbing equipment, whilst indoors they move and dance to music and enjoy activity rhymes. The children move about the setting with confidence, developing their spatial awareness. Their sleep and rest needs are addressed sympathetically, with staff being alert to the children's varying

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Helping children to be healthy

needs. The children are very well nourished when they receive freshly cooked, well balanced meals. These include dishes such as, turkey dinners, chicken casseroles, fish, meat pie, savoury rice, pasta and a selection of fresh vegetables, fruit crumbles and milk puddings. Snacks of fruit, toast and crackers help the children to begin to learn about healthy living. Where parents provide prepared bottles, these are stored and reheated appropriately. The children benefit because all staff have recent training in food hygiene.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in an environment that is mostly safe. Visual checks and procedures identify most hazards, although no formal risk assessment is in place and issues, such as the placement of door handles at child height, means that children can let themselves out of the playroom. However, further acceptable procedures to ensure safety are ensured. For example safety gates, socket covers, security of outer doors and an effective emergency evacuation plan are in place. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised with the children at regular intervals, ensuring that they and staff are familiar with what to do in the event of an emergency. Children are able to access their play resources easily and safely from selections at floor level and from child height shelves. Most of the policies and procedures implemented, support the smooth running of the setting. However, procedures regarding lost or uncollected children and written

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

parental permission to obtain emergency advice or treatment are not in place,

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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 compromising children's well-being. The children benefit because all staff have up to date understanding of first aid practice and their welfare is safeguarded through their clear understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and happy in a very welcoming environment, where staff know the children well. The children acquire new knowledge and skills through the varied and interesting selection of activities available to them. For example, role play, construction, wheeled toys, puzzles, arts and crafts, books, music and movement, help them to develop their skills and offer effective learning opportunities. The children's independence is promoted well as they move around freely, accessing toys and play equipment. They confidently help to set out and clear away craft activities, developing their self reliance and sense of worth. The children show great interest in what they do, as they become fully involved in decorating a post box for their Christmas cards, they discuss how and why it will be used. Although the children continue to be challenged through their age appropriate activities, observational

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

assessments are in the early stages of implementation and therefore are not used to plan the children's next steps of learning and development. The children form positive relationships as they actively help each other with their craft aprons, move chairs so that they can sit by their friends and engage in animated conversations with staff and each other. A key worker system ensures that children experience consistent care and attention. Babies are nursed, cuddled and are held whilst being bottle fed, ensuring they experience appropriate support and attention. Staff work closely and sympathetically with parents, valuing their requests and respecting their wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children feel a sense of belonging, as they interact with staff, demonstrating easy going, settled relationships. They communicate well, discussing events and home life and enjoy sitting together, sharing mealtimes as social occasions. The children are well behaved, they understand the boundaries and routines and their self esteem is fostered as they consistently receive praise and encouragement. They play harmoniously and become aware of other's needs, for example, they help each other with their craft aprons, they share and take turns. The children are cared for by adults who work closely with their parents, ensuring their individual needs are met. However, the policy for behaviour management does not have regard for all issues, for example, bullying. Also the system for recording complaints is not devised in line with requirements. The children are, however, valued as individuals, with staff respecting their differences. They benefit from the

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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 setting's commitment to the inclusion of children of all abilities. The children become aware of a wider society through the provision of positive images of culture, gender and ability in posters around the setting, books, play foods and dolls. They are encouraged to participate in non-stereotypical play activities and the positive attitudes of the staff ensures that they are presented with good role models.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are relaxed and happy as they move confidently and independently around the setting. Practitioners have regard for the children's well-being as they provide a welcoming environment for the children. Group size and deployment of the staff, contribute to the children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. The staff have appropriate knowledge and understanding of child development and their commitment to continued ongoing training ensures the welfare of the children. Clear, concise recording systems are in place and parents receive daily diaries with regard to their children's care routines. Daily verbal exchanges with key workers, ensures that parents are kept up to date with their children's progress. Most of the required policies and procedures, relevant to the setting, are in place and work in practise to promote the children's welfare The needs of the children are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

In September 2005 an anonymous complaint was received by Ofsted with regard to Standard 7 of the National Standards. This was addressed by the provider and a satisfactory response was received by Ofsted. The provider remains suitable for 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

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that dummies are stored hygienically • devise and implement risk assessments for indoors, outdoors and outings, including systems to prevent children leaving the playroom unsupervised • devise a policy for lost or uncollected children • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency advice or treatment • ensure that observations are used to plan the next steps of learning and development • ensure that the existing behaviour policy is developed to include a statement regarding bullying • devise a complaints recording system, in line with updated requirements

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The quality and standards of the care

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 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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