Plym Bridge Nursery and Day Care

Plymbridge Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Plymbridge Nursery School

Unique Reference Number EY294876 Inspection date 24 February 2006 Inspector Glynis Pratchett

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Plymbridge Nursery School

Setting Address Miller Way, Estover, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8UN

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E-mail

Registered person Plymbridge Nursery School 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?

Plymbridge Nursery School was registered in 2004 and operates from a purpose-built Children's Centre. It is situated on the Estover Community College campus on the outskirts of Plymouth. A maximum of 122 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 all year round. All children share access to a secure, enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 40 children aged from 3 to under 8 years on roll who attend the play scheme or out of school club. The nursery supports children with special educational needs and can support children who speak English as an additional

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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 language. The nursery employs 21 staff. Eighteen staff hold appropriate early years qualifications and three staff are working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and hygiene is well promoted and they are cared for in warm, clean rooms that are suitably ventilated. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene routines, they take themselves to the toilet independently and are encouraged by staff to wash their hands after messy play, using the toilet and before cooking and eating. Children's health and hygiene needs are well met as staff are diligent about maintaining routine health procedures, such as effectively storing and recording any medication administered. They ensure all the necessary documentation is in place. Children's dietary needs are well met as staff liaise with parents about any allergies or special requirements. Parents provide packed lunches for play scheme children, these are appropriately stored in the fridge to keep the food safe and fresh. Lunch times are relaxed, social occasions when children and adults sit together around the

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Helping children to be healthy

tables and enjoy each others company. Children are learning the importance of a healthy diet when they attend the out of school club. Snacks include fruit and toast and children can freely access the drinking water from the water fountain. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. They have regular outdoor play throughout the day and lots of fresh air, taking part in activities to develop their physical skills, such as riding bikes, skipping and using the slide. They make good use of the outside play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is effectively promoted by staff in the well-designed, bright and stimulating nursery rooms. These are well maintained, inviting and very welcoming to children and have good safety and security precautions in place, such as security access to play rooms. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because staff are vigilant and use daily visual checks to reduce potential hazards. Children's safety is further promoted by staff as they have effective procedures for outings and they ensure children are always well supervised both inside and outside the setting. Children have access to a wide range of developmentally appropriate resources and equipment that are kept clean and are in good condition. These are regularly checked for safety and are well organised ensuring children can freely and safely self-select and access them.

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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 are protected because staff have a clear understanding of what they would do if they had any concerns about a child and are clear about child protection procedures. Children are kept safe when they arrive and depart as there are sound procedures in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and enjoy themselves in the play scheme. They develop meaningful, mutually respectful and positive relationships with staff, who actively take part in the children's chosen activities. Children play together in a quietly comfortable, settled and easy manner that positively encourages and supports their learning and play. Children's resources and toys are invitingly set out around the rooms, allowing them to freely access and select what they want to play with. The wide variety of activities offered to children include badge making, cooking, sensory toys, papier-mâché and water play. Children are confident to independently choose toys and games and to request other activities, such as outdoor play. They are encouraged to use their initiative, ask questions and acquire new knowledge and skills through their own expressed interests and ideas. They receive praise and encouragement with their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

chosen tasks and children are engrossed and fully involved in their play. Children benefit from trips out to local activity centres during the play scheme.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and warmly welcomed into the setting. Children's individual needs are well promoted, they have a sense of belonging and are fully included in all activities. Children have access to a range of books, resources and activities that promote their understanding of diversity. They have opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. For example, they enjoy making pancake rolls during Chinese New Year. However, resources are limited and do not fully promote positive images of disability. Children are very well occupied and this is reflected in their good behaviour. Staff use praise and encouragement to promote positive behaviour. Children are encouraged in a positive and constructive way to learn about appropriate behaviour from members of staff who provide excellent role models. They are polite, friendly and respectful of each other and of members of staff and visitors. Children with special

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs are very well supported and fully included in the setting. Their needs are clearly known and sensitively met at each session through good liaison and partnership with parents and a key worker system that ensures there is continuity in children's care and welfare. There is a good partnership with parents which contributes significantly to children's well-being. Staff work very well with parents who receive clear information about their

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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 child's care and play. This ensures children are settled and their care and individual needs are well promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The purpose built premises are imaginatively set out and staff effectively organise the space so that a wide range of different activities are available for the children. The out of school club and play scheme make good use of the nursery and centre facilities. Children’s care needs are clearly identified and well met through suitably organised records and documents that are discussed and completed with parents. Policies and procedures have been adopted that reflect the care provided and guide staff in their work with children. Recruitment and vetting procedures are suitably rigorous and robust ensuring children are well protected and cared for by staff with knowledge and understanding of child development. Nearly all the staff either have or are working towards a relevant childcare qualification and training is positively encouraged. The regular appraisal system ensures that the setting's policies and procedures are applied.

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Organisation

There are excellent staffing levels and staff work well together ensuring children are very well supported as they play. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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): • further develop resources that promote positive images of disability and diversity

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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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