Little Harriers

Little Harriers

Inspection report for early years provision

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Little Harriers

Unique Reference Number EY289534 Inspection date 09 December 2005 Inspector Heather Allen

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Little Harriers

Setting Address Building 139, Dunsfold Park, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8TB Telephone number 01483 277299

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E-mail

Registered person Little Harriers 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Little Harriers nursery opened in 2004. It operates from one main room, within a single storey building, located at Dunsfold Park, Cranleigh. A maximum of 26 children may attend at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 all year round, excluding Christmas and Bank Holidays. The children have access to a secure enclosed outside play area. There are currently 40 children aged up to 4 years on roll. Children come from the surrounding 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 The nursery employs eight staff. Four of the staff, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications. Three of the staff are working towards a qualification. Four members of staff hold a current first aid certificate. Little Harriers receives support from the Local Authority. The nursery embraces the Montessori philosophy, although traditional methods of teaching are also used.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about effective hygiene procedures when staff read them stories about the importance of cleaning their teeth. They paint pictures of a toothbrush and toothpaste which are displayed on the wall. They learn about changes in their body temperature and say "It's cold" when they dress up warmly to prepare for outdoor play. Children benefit from daily outdoor play, which is well organised and stimulating. Children crowd around the sand pit and chat together as they fill small containers to make sand castles in the wet sand area, or run their fingers through the soft dry sand. They pick up the logs in the nature area, and see worms and mini bugs crawling underneath. In windy weather they can take the "Windy Weather" box outside and enjoy seeing streamers blow in the wind. Children enjoy sitting on a small bench with a bottle of milk when they want a rest and to watch other children

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Helping children to be healthy

play. The nappy room and toilet area are spotlessly clean and well equipped with soap dispensers and disposable paper towels. There are good systems in place for nappy changes. Children wash their hands after painting, although not all children have clean hands before or after eating. Children enjoy nutritious food which is cooked on the premises and caters for their individual dietary needs. They learn independence at snack and meal times. Pre-school children are able to help themselves to drinks and snacks throughout the morning. Young babies are given spoons at lunch time, and many mostly manage to feed themselves. Children eat their meals enthusiastically and leave little on their plates. Meal times are a social occasion, with staff taking turns to eat with the children. Children are protected because staff have first aid training. There are effective procedures in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication. A

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Helping children to be healthy

sick child policy is shared with parents. Parents are notified if there have been recent cases of chicken pox or other infectious illnesses in the nursery.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because staff are extremely vigilant and use thorough risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. A monthly

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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 health and safety check list is carried out throughout the premises, and there is also a comprehensive risk assessment on different areas, including the outdoor play area. A risk assessment is also in place for staff and students and all staff have a thorough training in health and safety during their induction. Children learn about safety because they are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure which is carried out every six weeks. Staff complete a log and a risk assessment after each fire drill and record how long it takes to evacuate the building. The play area is securely fenced and children are safeguarded when they play outdoors because staff are vigilant and carry out a safety check beforehand. Staff also take out a mobile phone and the register during outdoor play in case of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

emergency. Even young children learn about safety because staff explain to them the dangers of throwing sand. Children use high quality equipment which is appropriate to their age and stage of development. Babies learn to crawl in a safe, but stimulating environment. They pull themselves up on child sized furniture and learn to walk safely from one object to another. They are safely strapped into highchairs when they eat, and kept secure in pushchairs when they go outside. Children are safe when they sleep, because staff sit and watch over them. Children are very well protected by staff who have a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and give top priority to children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are absorbed and stimulated in the nursery. They achieve extremely well because staff use their understanding of early years guidance, such as "Birth to three matters", to provide high quality care. Babies are fascinated by a treasure basket which contains a kaleidoscope of different sensory objects. One baby holds a bunch of keys, studies it and then passes it to another baby who looks at it with interest and shakes it. A baby holds a hairbrush and then puts it down to explore another object in the basket. The babies concentrate as they feel and shake the objects. They pick up rattles, toothbrushes and shakers and then show them to each other. Staff encourage and praise children when they say "You clever girl". Staff are quick to respond when children get bored or topple over. Babies quickly learn to be independent and select their own resources, because even babies who cannot walk have bouncy cradles and rings to sit in, with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

plenty of toys all within easy reach. Toddlers dress up in angel costumes made by their parents and join in whilst staff enthusiastically practice Christmas songs with them for the nursery nativity. One baby bobs up and down happily, whilst others clap their hands in time to the music. Another child studies the music sheet and "reads" it. Toddlers are absorbed and look angelic as they rock their arms and sway in time to the music "Away in a Manger". Children beam with delight as staff clap their hands in appreciation.

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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 Older children show great interest as they extend their computer skills. They choose and load computer programmes and learn how to manoeuvre the mouse. Staff plan a wide range of activities in order to prepare children for the Foundation Stage. They have close relationships with the children and encourage them to gain confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well and are happy and contented because staff are good role models and create a friendly atmosphere. Toddlers negotiate together as they play with the garage and cars. They take turns pushing the cars down the ramp and receive praise and encouragement from staff. Minor incidents are confidentially shared with parents and mostly clearly recorded. Children know the routines of the nursery and are excited when it is time for outdoor play. Some children learn independence as they put on their own Wellington boots, whilst others wait patiently for help with putting on their outdoor clothes. All the children are given the opportunity to enjoy daily outdoor play and clearly look forward to going outside. Babies are dressed up warmly and sit snugly in double buggies absorbed in watching the older children play. Children benefit from continuity of care because parents complete an information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

sheet detailing their individual needs before they start. Specific dietary needs and allergies are displayed in order to ensure that children receive appropriate care. Staff have some experience and training in caring for children with special needs and would like to further expand their knowledge, in order to provide quality care if children with special needs attend the nursery. Children settle quickly at the nursery because there is an effective settling in process. Parents are invited to stay with their children during the initial sessions and are made to feel welcome. Parents of younger children are given a daily sheet describing their children's day, including details about sleeping, eating and nappy changing. Parents of older children are able to speak to their children's key worker at going home time, and also receive a monthly report. Parents say they are really happy with the nursery and can notice the difference in

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and get plenty of individual attention because good staffing ratios are maintained. Staff are well deployed, so that there is sufficient care for the children both when they arrive in the morning, during lunch breaks and at the end of the day. Children are relaxed and happy because they are cared for in small groups and know staff well. There are effective recruitment, induction and training procedures in place, which ensure that children are cared for by suitably qualified staff. Children benefit because staff are caring and enthusiastic. They cuddle children when they are tired or need to have a bottle of milk, and they stimulate children with

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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 a range of both quiet and lively activities, including singing and outdoor play. Documentation is well maintained. Staff and parents have access to policies and procedures. A Policy of the Month is displayed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to really absorb the policies and to keep up-to-date with any changes. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • extend children's understanding of personal hygiene practices, including washing their hands before and after meals • continue to extend staff's knowledge and understanding of working with children with special educational needs

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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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