The Toddle InnOfsted inspection, 26 Jan 2006

The Toddle Inn

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

The Toddle Inn

Unique Reference Number EY278733 Inspection date 26 January 2006 Inspector Andrea Rockett

p.1

The Toddle Inn

Setting Address Doncaster Lodge, Doncaster Road, Owston, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN6 9JE

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Maria Antoinette Van-Den-Berg Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Toddle Inn has been registered since 2004 and it is a privately owned day nursery. The premises are situated in a rural setting on Doncaster Road, near Owston on the outskirts of Doncaster. The nursery is accommodated on two floors of the owner's home. The ground floor offers a play room, music room and computer area, toilet facilities, including a toilet with wheel-chair access and kitchen facilities. On the first floor there are two play rooms including a baby room with toilet and nappy change area. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The nursery is registered to care for 46 children from birth to under 5 years of age. There are currently 20 children on roll.

p.2

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 It is open from 07.30 to 18.00 Monday to Friday throughout the year apart from bank holidays. Five staff are employed of which four hold appropriate childcare qualifications. The nursery receives support from the local authority.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained environment. Staff understand the importance of having systems in place for health and hygiene procedures to protect children from infection so that they stay healthy. For example, staff use individual cloths to wipe children after meals and messy play. Children are encouraged to wash their hands throughout the day and they successfully use paper hand towels. Regular nappy changing routines are in place and staff wear aprons and gloves and dispose of soiled nappies appropriately. Staff hold first aid certificates and there are clear details for the exclusion of sick children to prevent the spread of infection. Toast is offered to children at snack time with a choice of water or milk to drink. Fresh food is used at meal times to promote healthy eating and children are encouraged to become independent in feeding themselves. Devised menus incorporate variations to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

suit all children's individual needs, for example, vegetarians. They have opportunities to experience different kinds of foods from other cultures such as spaghetti bolognaise, pizzas, garlic bread and shepherd's pie. Children enjoy the large outdoor play area and freely access a variety of activities. Their gross motor skills are extended as they climb up the slide, kick balls and pedal cars and bikes. They enjoy movement rhymes, for example, 'Hop little bunnies' and 'Scarecrow song'. Babies use furniture to pull themselves up and staff support them effectively to develop and extend their physical skills. The staff recognise the signs of tiredness in babies and young children, and act upon this knowledge to plan and support appropriate periods of rest and activity. Staff are aware of the Birth to three matters framework and children under three years are beginning to benefit from this.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient, safe space to allow them to enjoy a variety of activities. Good quality resources are available and furniture is of a suitable design and conforms to safety standards, however, the layout of furniture, equipment and toys do not promote an accessible and stimulating environment. The nursery is bright and colourful and the displays of the children's art work develops their self esteem. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised as staff conduct risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. The nursery has effective security precautions in place, for example, external doors are always locked and visitors sign the visitors book. Children are supervised at all

p.3

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 times and there is a clear procedure to follow in the event of a child being lost or not collected. Each child has their own code number for when other individuals are collecting them, which helps to maintain their safety. The outdoor play area is fully enclosed with a locked high gate. The welfare of children is given priority and medication and accident recordings are in place. Children are protected as staff have a thorough understanding of child protection procedures, however, the child protection policy does not contain procedures in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer. Children learn about fire safety as the evacuation procedure is practised regularly with them, which helps them to learn to keep themselves safe. Staff maintain regular, informal communication with parents, which develops partnerships

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

between all those involved in keeping children safe.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle happily and develop confidence in the setting. Babies enjoy cuddles and physical closeness, enabling them to feel secure and play contentedly. The quality of babies and toddlers learning experiences are enhanced as staff develop activities based upon the Birth to three matters framework. For example, babies are encouraged to respond to the world imaginatively by adults' playful interactions that mimic children and encourage them to imitate them. Toddlers enjoy the challenge of placing large beads onto threads which enhances their hand and eye co-ordination and staff extend this activity by asking, "what colour is the bead?" Children have good relationships with the staff and this has a positive impact on their well being and sense of security. They are becoming competent learners as they enjoy playing with musical instruments and play-dough. Observation files are in place for each child where staff record their stages of

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development. Children have access to treasure baskets where they experience various items which encourage them to explore the textures and reflections, for example, silver shining beads and mirrors. Staff develop children's number recognition by counting with them as they build towers with soft bricks. They sing action songs encouraging the children to count, clap and move their bodies in time to the music. Staff ask the children what they would like to play with and then place the appropriate toy box on the floor to enable children to easily access the toys. As toddlers learn to do things for themselves they gain confidence, knowing that the adult is close by, ready to give support and help if needed. Babies learn that by hitting two bricks together they make a noise and repeat this action for effect. They show interest in a range of purposeful, first hand activities, for example, dipping a brush into paint and making marks on their paper. Staff talk to

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children about the patterns and marks they make which shows them that they value what they do. Imagination is developed as children sit dolls on chairs around the table and place them in the pushchair for a ride. Staff talk to the children and ask them questions that extend their learning and experiences.

p.4

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

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging to the setting, they become familiar with routines and expectations. Babies enjoy secure relationships with trusted adults, who listen to them and are attentive to their needs. Behaviour is good and children are aware of the settings boundaries, for example, they know they are not allowed over the line at the kitchen door. Staff sensitively help children to learn to share and take turns, they praise and encourage them, promoting their self esteem and confidence. Staffing arrangements are designed to meet the needs of individual children who have special needs. Opportunities are in place for children to learn about themselves, each other, and the world about them, through toys and activities. For example, dressing up clothes, books and a doll in a wheelchair. The nursery values and respects parents and a good partnership is established with them so that children's individual needs are

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

understood. Effective transition at the beginning of the day shows a trusting three way relationship has developed. Parents have a notice board which enables them to access information about daily plans, key workers, Birth to three matters framework and details about the setting. Parents have access to their child's development file and are provided with a daily written record sheet of their child's activities. There is an induction process for all children with their parents and a prospectus about the nursery. Parents talk informally each day with staff to exchange information about routines and activities and this helps the children feel secure and confident. The nursery's policies and procedures are available for parents, although the complaints policy lacks detail. Parents enjoy the relaxed and comfortable relationships with staff which ensures there are shared strategies for consistency with home.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The manager has a clear vision for the future for the setting and acts as a good role model, which helps to build a committed team. Staff work well together as a cohesive team as they promote children's welfare, enabling them to participate and make progress within a structured and safe environment. Children's experiences are highlighted by staff's access to appropriate training and development opportunities. Organisation of the planning, and the monitoring of children's progress, is clear and is shared between the key workers. Documentation of recordings, for example, accidents, medication and registers are in place and up to date. Written policies and procedures are available and staff sign and date them to show they have read and understood them. Documentation is stored to maintain confidentiality. Overall the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

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

p.5

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 may contain others than those made to Ofsted.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • expand the child protection policy to show procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer • further develop the layout of furniture, equipment and toys to promote an accessible and stimulating environment • review the complaints policy and procedures to ensure they are in line with requirements implemented in October 2005.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6