The Day NurseryOfsted inspection, 5 Dec 2005

The Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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The Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY307771 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Carly Mooney

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The Day Nursery

Setting Address 32 - 34 Priestgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 1JL

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E-mail

Registered person The Day Nursery Peterborough 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?

The Day Nursery opened in 2005 and operates from a converted grade 2 listed building in the centre of Peterborough. A maximum of 40 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 for 51 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 32 children aged from 0 to under 5 years on roll. Of these 2 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from all over Peterborough and the surrounding areas, as their parents mainly work in the city

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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 centre. The nursery currently supports one child with special educational needs. The nursery employs ten staff. Six of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Two staff are working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment. They are able to experience a range of routine activities which contribute to their good health. For example, they independently wash their hands before eating and use individual flannels to wash their face after meals, helping to reduce the risk of cross contamination. However, procedures in place for the storage of children's drinking cups/bottles at certain times is inappropriate, therefore enabling germs to spread. Effective routines are in place with regard to nappy changing and staff follow clear procedures when caring for babies and toddlers, such as, providing their own individual bedding. The daily routine allows for all children to have periods of rest and activity, which suit their individual needs. Children's growth and development is promoted through a range of balanced and nutritious, meals and snacks, which includes a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

For example, apples and kiwi to encourage healthy eating. Lunch meals are prepared fresh by an outside catering company, who provide effectively for all children's dietary requirements. Staff are fully aware of children's allergies, as lists are displayed in each room, therefore enabling children's health needs to be effectively met. Children are provided with regular opportunities to experience physical play both inside and outside. They are encouraged to develop their climbing and balancing skills using a variety of resources. For example, they ride on bicycles and scooters and use a climbing frame. An indoor soft play room allows children to jump and tumble with no risk of harm. Older children safely and purposefully use a variety of tools, such as, scissors and pencils to develop their fine motor skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a well organised environment, with clearly defined play areas. Children are able to independently select activities from a good range of resources, throughout the nursery. Therefore, supporting their development and interests. Staff ensure resources are kept clean and in a good state of repair, through a regular monitoring system. Children are adequately protected from risks of accidental injury, as staff are safety conscious. They make good use of initial written risk assessments to reduce safety hazards, therefore enabling children to move about freely in their environment.

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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 Effective practices are in place, which actively contribute to keeping children safe. For example, the premises are secure through a close circuit television system (CCTV) and children are supervised at all times. Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded by staff, who recognise their responsibility to protect children in their care. They are guided by a clear child protection policy. Management ensure that staff attend regular training in order to update their knowledge. Children are well protected from the risk of harm, as they are never left alone with people who have not been vetted or released to adults the nursery have no prior knowledge of.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident. They are given lots of individual time and attention by caring and supportive staff, who encourage them to join in with activities. This makes them feel welcomed and secure within the setting. Staff working with younger children have a clear understanding of their role. They are effectively implementing the 'Birth to three matters' framework to promote children's developmental needs and provide a stimulating range of activities, encouraging their all round development. Children can choose independently to play with messy/art materials, engage in role play or pick toys from low open storage boxes. A comfortable carpet area is provided where they can help themselves to age-appropriate books. Effective planning is in place, which enables older children to progress in all six areas of learning. Good use of routine activities helps to promote their personal

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

independence, as they are encouraged to pour their drinks and serve their own food at meal times. Children of all ages are encouraged to tidy away the toys, which gives them a sense of responsibility.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging as the nursery welcomes children from all backgrounds and of all abilities. They are able to appreciate and learn respect for a variety of cultures and beliefs, through the celebration of religious festivals and viewing positive images of others in their environment. Children behave well in the setting. They understand the rules and routines and receive clear direction and explanations from staff, which helps them feel secure. Staff consistently praise children to build their self-esteem and confidence. Positive relationships between parents and staff have formed, which benefits the children's care and learning. Detailed parent questionnaires, which listens to their thoughts and opinions have been completed. Therefore this enables nursery staff to effectively monitor and evaluate the provision and build upon the care already

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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 provided. Parents are kept well informed of their child's day, through daily record sheets and clear, information boards, which are updated regularly.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable and at ease in the well organised environment. Their play opportunities are maximised through effective use of the available play space both inside and outside. They are able to move freely and choose where they would like to play. This helps to encourage their confidence and independent skills. Effective recruitment procedures are in place to ensure that staff working with children are appropriately vetted. However, staff are not always deployed effectively to provide a balance of qualified and unqualified staff within rooms, including room leaders. Documentation is clear, comprehensive and used effectively to support the running of the setting and the promotion of children's health, safety and welfare. Staff in individual rooms work closely together and have clear roles and responsibilities. They benefit from regular meetings, which ensures that all policies

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Organisation

and procedures are consistently applied, enabling them to care effectively for children. Staff are positive about training, in order to keep regularly updated of current childcare practices. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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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

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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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 care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • devise an action plan which states how room leaders will meet the qualification requirements and ensure qualified staff are deployed effectively within the setting • ensure all action is taken to reduce the spread of germs with regard to children's drinking cups/bottles.

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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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