Focus Nursery School

Focus Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Focus Nursery School

Unique Reference Number EY309109 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Samantha Powis

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Focus Nursery School

Setting Address Focus Nursery School, Worgret Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4PH Telephone number 01929 555135

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E-mail

Registered person Miss Linda Burgess & Mr Daniel Albin Type of inspection Integrated 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Focus Nursery School has been registered to care for children under the current management since 2005. It is a privately owned nursery providing full day care for up to 18 children aged from 2 to under 6 years. It operates from a building within the grounds of Wareham Middle School, in Dorset. As well as the playroom area, with adjoining toilet and kitchen facilities, there is a secure outdoor play area. The nursery is open each weekday during school term time. It offers care from 09.00

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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 to 15.30 daily. Children may attend on a full or part-time basis. There are currently 23 children on roll. Of these, 17 are in receipt of government funding for 3 and 4 year olds. Children attend from a wide area, including the town of Wareham and it's surrounding villages. The nursery provides care for children who have special educational needs, and those for whom English is an additional language. The owner/manager has a level three qualification in childcare. She is supported by a deputy and a team of five other staff. Most staff have early years qualifications or are working towards these. All staff regularly attend training sessions and workshops to increase their skills. The group receives support and advice from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is extremely well supported due to the very effective practices and procedures in place. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through planned visitors and activities and through the daily routines. They understand that they need to wash their hands before they have their snack to get rid of any germs that could make them unwell. They use disposable tissues and wipes, liquid soap and paper towels. This practice minimises the risk of cross infection. The parents are made aware of the policy regarding the exclusion of children with infectious illnesses, and this is consistently adhered to by staff. This prevents children passing on illnesses. Exceptionally high standards are maintained regarding the cleaning of equipment, resources and the premises. This includes the use of different cloths for different purposes and the routines followed when changing nappies.

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Helping children to be healthy

These practices minimise the risk of cross contamination. Records of accidents and administered medication are used well to support children's ongoing health. Children benefit from being provided with an appetising variety of healthy and nutritious snacks. This includes a wide range of fresh and dried fruits, and vegetables. Children are encouraged to try new tastes, and through discussion, staff help them develop an understanding about healthy eating. Parents are provided with information to help them prepare a healthy packed lunch, which will give their children the energy to continue with their play and learning throughout the afternoon. Children's dietary requirements are clearly recorded, and these are followed by staff to ensure they remain healthy. A recent visit from the health visitor and a trip to the life education centre, raised the children's understanding of healthy lifestyles, including the need to eat healthy foods, to get plenty of exercise and rest and to

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Helping children to be healthy

follow good hygiene practices. Children's physical health is very well promoted. They frequently engage in fun and challenging activities to keep them fit and healthy. This includes use of the outside play equipment and resources, and the regular music and movement activities incorporated on a daily basis. Excellent use is made of the outdoor environment which enables children to get plenty of fresh air. Children enjoy walks within the

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 school grounds, where they can run and jump into the soft sand pit. Children recognise the changes that occur to their bodies when they are running and dancing. They are fascinated by the feel and sound of their quickly beating hearts. Children have regular access to a good range of both large and small equipment. For example, they demonstrate very good co-ordination and control on the climbing frame, and when riding the pedal bikes outside. An older child is able to pedal backwards to move himself away from a collision. Staff provide additional support for the less confident children to help develop their skills. Children have use of a broad range of tools within their play which develops strength and control in their small muscles. They use the weaving boxes to carefully thread the string in and out, and

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Helping children to be healthy

manipulate scissors, glue, staplers and hole punches with increasing skill as they make their lucky bags.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Exceptionally high priority is given to ensuring children are safe whilst attending the nursery. Space is extremely well organised, to allow children to explore and move around freely and safely, as they engage in an extensive range of activities. They enter enthusiastically, obviously feeling very at home within the child orientated environment. Bright and stimulating displays of the children's creative work, and photos of the children involved in activities increases the welcoming feel and the children's sense of belonging. Children's safety is promoted as they use clean, well maintained child height furniture. They use an extensive range of toys and play materials which are of an excellent quality and are safe. They access resources easily, and staff make sure that the toys and equipment are appropriate for the ages and abilities of the children attending. Resources are successfully rotated by staff to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

provide greater choices for children A combination of excellent supervision by staff and effective safety measures, makes sure potential risks to children are minimised. Entrance doors remain secured, which protects children from danger. A stair gate is fitted to the kitchen doorway, to prevent children from accessing potential hazards. Children are learning about safety and how to keep themselves safe. They understand why they need to wear helmets when they are using the trikes, bikes or scooters outside, and learn about road safety as they go on walks within the school grounds. Daily health and safety checks of all areas used by the children, ensures that potential hazards are quickly identified and any issues addressed. Before the children use any of the outdoor areas, they are checked thoroughly to make sure they are free from hazards such as broken glass or animal faeces, therefore, eliminating dangers. Regular risk assessments on the premises, and also for outings,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensure that safety is continually monitored and reviewed. Clear emergency evacuation procedures are in place and understood by staff, with regular practises carried out with the children. Staff have a very good knowledge of child protection issues and procedures, which helps them in their role of keeping children safe. Their understanding of the

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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 procedures to follow are regularly updated through attendance at courses and information provided for them in their staff files. The designated person responsible for child protection has a very good understanding of her responsibilities, and is confident to follow procedures and link with outside agencies to ensure children are safe. A comprehensive child protection policy is shared with parents to keep them informed of the staff's responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish in the welcoming, relaxed and stimulating environment. They come into the group enthusiastically, and quickly settle into an activity. Children are happy, confident and are forming excellent relationships. They have access to an extensive variety of interesting and stimulating activities. These are well thought out by staff to encourage children to develop new skills whilst having lots of fun. They giggle and laugh as they trick a member of staff at register time. The staff member plays along, knowing this is increasing their confidence, their knowledge and understanding and making them happy. Staff make sure activities are adapted to provide appropriate challenges for children of different ages and abilities. They offer children support and guidance when needed. For example, they refer to the Birth to three matters framework to help adapt activities for the younger children. An excellent system of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

on-going assessment, which includes the use of photos and observations, ensures that activities successfully challenge and interest all of the children. Children benefit from the highly skilled interaction from the staff. Their clear knowledge of child development and of individual children's needs ensures children feel valued, settled and secure. Children's behaviour is excellent, which is due to the expertise and consistency of approach by staff. Children are regularly praised and encouraged, and are reminded of simple expectations and boundaries. This means that they are increasingly able to manage their own behaviour. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Children are highly motivated due to the activities being exciting and fun and well thought through. Staff expertly adapt individual activities to encourage children to take the next step in their learning. Staff

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

use an innovative range of methods to help children learn, and the sessions are well balanced to allow children to explore and consolidate their learning independently, as well as having opportunities to be involved in small and large adult led activities. Staff have an extremely secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum, and have a very good understanding of how children learn and progress. Children are offered an excellent range of exciting activities and rich learning experiences. This includes extensive use of both the indoor and outdoor play space to fully extend their learning. Areas are extremely well presented, to allow children to make independent choices, and to promote their confidence and build self-esteem. Staff are highly motivated and enthusiastic. They consistently make excellent use of their time to support the children in their learning. Children benefit from the staff's

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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 skilful use of questioning. This challenges their thinking and motivates them to achieve as much as they can. Children's progress is very well monitored due to the thorough assessments carried out by the staff. These are used to guide future planning to help children make progress and develop new skills. All plans are evaluated, to monitor the success of activities and make sure learning intentions are achieved. Children are making rapid progress in all areas of learning. Children are confident, eager to get involved in activities and motivated to learn. They show excellent independence in their personal care, and love to help prepare the snack table for their friends. Children are considerate and caring towards each other. For example, a child sensitively puts her arm around a child who is a little upset, in an attempt to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make him feel better. They co-operate very well during small group activities and take turns when playing a game, or passing around the fruit at snack time. They are extremely polite, always remembering to say please and thank you. This is due to staff promoting a caring and positive approach and acting as good role-models. Children demonstrate high levels of concentration. They contemplate long and hard about how they can make their lucky bags secure, whilst still being able to open them to get the sweets out again. Children have very good opportunities to link sounds to letters through planned activities; such as, bringing in items from home that relate to the letter of the week. One child is delighted to bring in his "pot of pasta", confidently stating that it starts with the sound "p". They find their own name cards at the beginning of the session, and some children are able to find their friends name too. This demonstrates their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

increasing awareness of words and letters. Children's enjoyment of books and reading is harnessed, as they have free access to a broad range of different types and styles of writing. They are encouraged to understand that print carries meaning, as excellent use is made of writing and text within the environment. For example, menu cards are used in the role-play area, which has been set up as a Chinese restaurant. Children are extremely good listeners, and follow directions well. Children's spoken language is developing exceptionally well. The broad range of topics and activities successfully introduces them to a wide range of new words. Children count with confidence and use numbers when engaged in a wide range of fun, interesting and practical activities. For example, at circle time, they count how many children are present, and then compare the numbers of boys and girls. Some children are able to use simple calculation, and suggest they need more girls for all

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the boys to have a partner. Children look carefully at shapes during their play. They match and name two dimensional shapes they see, and sort objects according to their colour and size. Children have very good opportunities to independently explore and investigate objects, and show curiosity when using the magnifying glasses when out on a walk. They spot a feather, and question what type of bird it might have come from. Children use the computer confidently, and show very good control when using the mouse to follow the programmes. Children use their imagination very well through the well planned role-play experiences provided by staff. Children are actively involved in deciding what the role-play areas could be and how they can be developed. They enjoy joining in with

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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 music and singing, and clap their hands or beat the wood blocks in time with the rhyming in their names. They have excellent opportunities to use a broad range of materials to create their own models and pictures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the relaxed and caring environment. Staff are sensitive to the children's individual needs, and ensure that each child's contribution is valued. Children are able to fully participate, as the activities are thoughtfully adapted to make sure they are suitable for the different ages and abilities. For example, staff work with small groups of children, gearing the activities and discussions to their particular levels of development. Staff identify when children need additional support and liaise closely with parents and other professionals to ensure children's needs are met. Children's artwork and photos are displayed in the room, and their birthdays are celebrated, which promotes a strong sense of belonging. Children are developing a good awareness of other cultures and ways of life through a comprehensive range of planned topics and the resources provided. For example,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they look carefully at Chinese writing, and have a go at emulating it using paints and pens. They learn about traditions; such as, the lucky bags given to children at Chinese new year, and are delighted when they make their own lucky bag to take home some sweets. Children's behaviour is very good. They are given clear and consistent boundaries that they understand. For example, a member of staff reminds the children of the need to take turns and share, and re-confirms the sign they need to use if they are not happy, to make sure that all children can make their feelings understood to others. Children learn to respect and consider the needs of others. This is due to the staff acting as good role-models. Children take turns, and negotiate well with others when playing games. Children benefit from the staff's positive attitude and regular use of praise and encouragement. Children clap to celebrate each others

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Helping children make a positive contribution

achievements during group activities, which helps to build their confidence and promotes their self-esteem. Children's social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is fostered. Partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. Parents receive comprehensive information about the nursery. They are given a detailed prospectus and information about the groups policies, procedures and the curriculum. They are kept up to date with changes and weekly activities through frequent newsletters, and information displayed on the notice board. Close liaison between staff and parents makes sure that children's individual needs are continually discussed, and that regular observations on the children are shared. Good systems are in place to inform parents about their child's developmental progress and achievements. For example, parents have constant access to the children's progress files. Ongoing discussion is promoted between parents and staff,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and more formal parents consultations have been arranged for the spring term. This ensures staff and parents have regular opportunities to share the progress of each

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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, and plan together for future learning. Staff actively encourage parents to get involved with their child's learning. Children take home books from the nursery, to share with their families. Parents are provided with detailed information on how they can help their child to enjoy books at home. A two way communication diary ensures good home/nursery links. Detailed information is given to parents about the Foundation Stage curriculum, and simple ways in which they can support their child's learning at home.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care and learning is significantly enhanced by the exceptional organisation of the nursery. Staff organise the play areas flexibly and creatively. Opportunities are maximised through excellent use of both the indoor and outdoor environments. Children are able to freely access a wonderful range of activities and toys. Staff continue to adapt the learning environment and activities, to enrich the learning experiences for all the children. A high ratio of staff to children and effective staff deployment, ensures children are always well supervised and supported. The key worker system is very effective and staff get to know the children extremely well. This builds good relationships and helps children feel secure. The nursery meets the needs of the range of children for whom they provide. To ensure children's ongoing safety is maintained, robust recruitment and vetting

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Organisation

procedures are followed. Positive outcomes for children are assured through the comprehensive range of policies and procedures, which are known to parents and adhered to consistently by staff. Documentation is very well organised, with excellent consideration given to security to ensure confidentiality is maintained. Records are clear, accurately maintained and easily accessible for staff. Leadership and management of the setting is outstanding. The clear induction programmes and regular staff meetings ensure all staff are very clear of their roles and responsibilities, which contributes to children's safety and wellbeing. The manager provides strong leadership, and supports staff very well in developing their own knowledge and skills to benefit the children. Systems are well developed to evaluate and monitor staff performance. This includes frequent training opportunities and constructive evaluations of activities. Children play a dynamic part in the nursery.

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Organisation

Where possible, their thoughts are taken into account when planning activities or making changes within the setting. Staff are pro-active in looking at how improvements can be made in the care and learning opportunities they provide for children. Recent self evaluations have included comments from staff, parents and children. Any areas for development are quickly considered, and action taken to improve. Staff work very well together as a team. They value the different skills that they each have, and willingly offer support. They regularly share information about the children, which helps ensure children's needs are met. Staff continue to strive for further improvement and continue to review their practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Not applicable

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of nursery education are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 nursery education

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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