Pre-School Learning Alliance Newstead Childcare

Newstead Neighbourhood Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Newstead Neighbourhood Nursery

Unique Reference Number EY280515 Inspection date 13 January 2006 Inspector Susan Riley

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Newstead Neighbourhood Nursery

Setting Address Tilford Road, Newstead Village, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG15 0BS Telephone number 01623 753828

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E-mail

Registered person Pre-School Learning Alliance (4539003) 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?

Newstead Neighbourhood Nursery is run by the Pre-School Learning Alliance. It opened in 2004 and operates from a purpose built community building in the village of Newstead, to the north of Nottingham. A maximum of 30 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07:30 to 18:00 for 51 weeks of the year. Closing only for Christmas week and all main bank holidays. All the children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 25 children aged from 4½ months to under 6 years on roll. Children come from the local and wider communities.

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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 seven staff. All the staff hold appropriate early years qualifications. The nursery receives support from the Nottinghamshire Local Authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is effectively promoted as practitioners are vigilant about preventing cross-infection. Health and hygiene procedures are rigorously followed in all areas of the nursery with staff taking appropriate steps, such as wearing protective clothing, when changing children or serving meals. Children's daily routines teach them about good personal hygiene and children take increasing responsibility for this as they grow. Children eat a range of healthy foods and snacks throughout the day. Menus are devised to offer a nutritionally balanced diet and provide children with a range of tastes and textures. Children eat their meals enthusiastically. All children benefit from meal times being pleasant, social occasions where their independence is fostered according to their age. Children benefit from and enjoy the use of the outdoor play area. They can be active and have fresh air on a daily basis. Younger children have good opportunities to rest

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Helping children to be healthy

and relax according to their needs. Babies' individual routines for sleep and feeding are noted and respected, so offering continuity of care and supporting their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children remain safe within all areas of the nursery because there are effective systems in place to identify and minimise any risks, and thorough policies and procedures that guide practice. These are understood by all practitioners so that children are kept safe in line with health and safety requirements. Access to the nursery is closely monitored; ensuring only known adults are allowed entry. The large play room is thoughtfully organised to allow children space to play, whilst providing cosy areas for quiet times and relaxation. Sleeping babies are carefully monitored and checked at regular intervals. The outdoor area, offers a stimulating and safe environment where children can run, play and be active safely. Indoors, children access a good range of developmentally appropriate resources, many of which are stored at their height to promote independence and choice. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through regular fire drills. Children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

well protected by practitioners who have a clear understanding of their role within child protection and who to contact if they have concerns about a child. This ensures

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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's overall welfare is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the nursery and achieve well. Practitioners know the children as individuals and offer high levels of support to ensure they develop independence and confidence. Practitioners support children’s play sensitively, offering guidance and praise and this encourages children to practise their new skills. Children make good progress in developing communication skills as practitioners spend time talking to them and providing activities that extend their use of language. Children sing a repertoire of songs and enjoy singing times. Practitioners maintain warm and friendly relationships with the children and spend their time closely involved with them. Children are cared for in developmentally appropriate base areas, each of which is well-resourced with a very good range of toys and activities that help children explore and make sense of their world. The transition between areas is planned and thoughtfully organised to ensure children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

developmentally ready to move and are supported to settle in their new group. Babies and young children are beginning to benefit from planning and assessment systems based around the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed into the nursery where a variety of positive steps are taken to help them settle. For example, children see lots of displays and photographs that reflect the activities they have undertaken and they use individually named coat pegs and trays for their work. This helps children develop self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Children behave well and are encouraged to use good manners at all times. They learn to play harmoniously with others, understanding the need to share and take turns. Older children begin to show care and concern for others. Children's behaviour is fostered through the practitioner's use of sensitive techniques to help children deal with their emotions and reward systems that reinforce when they behave well. This helps children acquire appropriate attitudes and values. Children benefit from the positive partnership practitioners develop with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Babies settle well because practitioners work closely with parents to ensure they follow the home routine and make time to exchange information daily. Practitioners continue to share important information throughout the nursery and provide daily feedback sheets indicating what each child has eaten and the activities undertaken during the day. A variety of further ways to involve and inform parents about the nursery, such as clear information displays and newsletters, helps to keep parents informed.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from effective recruitment and vetting procedures that ensure suitable practitioners work with them. Clear and supportive induction processes help practitioners settle into the nursery and to understand the policies and procedures. High priority is given to on-going training, which means children benefit from practitioners having up to date knowledge. Practitioners make good use of the indoor and outdoor space to maximise the play opportunities and choices available. Children benefit from being cared for by consistent staff that are skilled and suitably qualified. They are well deployed to ensure children are well supervised and supported during activities. Appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure sufficient practitioners work with the children and that unexpected absences can be covered. Effective use is made of ancillary staff to enable childcare workers to concentrate on their primary roles. The

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Organisation

clear policies and procedures are known by practitioners so that children benefit from appropriate practice. Management take swift action to review these in the light of changing requirements. Most records are appropriately maintained. However, parents do not always sign the medication records to acknowledge the entry and make them aware of what has been given to their child. Also practitioners do not always record their hours of attendance. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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): • ensure parents sign the medication records to acknowledge the entry • ensure a record of staff's hours of attendance is maintained.

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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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