Busy Bees Day Nursery at York

Leapfrog Day Nursery - York

Inspection report for early years provision

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Leapfrog Day Nursery - York

Unique Reference Number 512461 Inspection date 21 February 2006 Inspector Rosemary Beyer

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Leapfrog Day Nursery - York

Setting Address Manor Lane, Rawcliffe, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 5TX

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E-mail

Registered person Leapfrog Day Nurseries (Trading) Ltd 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 good. 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 good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Leapfrog Day Nursery (York) was first registered in July 2001 to provide full day-care. It is part of a national chain, Leapfrog Ltd. The nursery is situated on the outskirts of York city-centre, in the Rawcliffe area, close to the Park and Ride which is adjacent to the ring road, and serves the local community and surrounding areas. Registration is for a maximum of 120 children aged between birth and 8 years old, of whom 50 may be under 2 years old. Limited places are available during the school

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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 holidays for children who are over 5 years of age. The building is purpose built on two storeys and is fully accessible for both children and adults. Babies and younger children are accommodated on the ground floor, moving to the first floor as they progress. All base-rooms have easy access to appropriate toilet and changing facilities. Children have access to two fully enclosed outdoor areas providing hard safety surfaces and grassed areas. There are closed CCTV cameras covering all areas. The nursery is open all year round, Monday to Friday, from 07.00 until 19.00; excluding Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years day. There are currently 170 children on-roll, and this includes 42 children who are in receipt of early education funding. There are no children currently attending who have special educational

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

needs. Children whose first language is not English are made welcome. Children's attendance is a mix of full, part-time and funded children who attend for a variety of sessions each week. The majority of staff working with the children have a recognised level three early years qualification. A number of unqualified staff are working towards an NVQ.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected well through the effective hygiene practice maintained in the nursery. The staff have procedures in place to ensure that toilets are regularly checked and cleaned. They also have clear nappy changing and toilet training procedures, with gloves, aprons and anti-bacterial cleaner used each time. The older children know that germs can make them ill, and usually remember to wash their hands, although staff remind them if they think they have forgotten. The nursery successfully promotes healthy eating with well-cooked food, prepared on the premises from fresh meat, vegetables and fruit. A varied menu is offered over a four week period and posted for parents to see. Fresh fruit is available as an alternative to the menu on offer, and wholemeal bread and fresh fruit are available every day. The children eat very well and are encouraged to try new foods, although

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Helping children to be healthy

not pressured into eating them. The older children serve themselves and are able to have more if they wish. They like the food provided, especially roast dinners and sausages, both with well cooked vegetables, which they eat with real enjoyment. Snacks include toast or toasted teacakes, and for tea there is a good selection of sandwiches provided, with fruit, yoghurt or homemade biscuits. The children know that they need to have a balanced diet and are aware of which foods are good or bad for them. Drinks are available all the time, with older children able to help themselves during the day and at mealtimes. Staff remind children to have a drink if they have not had one for a while and also offer the babies drinks on a regular basis to prevent dehydration.

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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 The sick child policy adopted by the nursery ensures that children do not attend if they are ill, or, if they become ill, that they are collected by parents or other carers. Staff administer prescription medication and Bonjela or Calpol only with prior written permission, and if the child has a high temperature, parents are expected to collect them. Any prescription drugs must be administered at home prior to attendance at the nursery to ensure that there are no contraindications. An effective procedure is in place for accompanying children to hospital should it be necessary. Children have fresh air each day, weather permitting, in the safe and secure outside area. They have space to run around and use the permanent climbing equipment. When the weather is too bad to go outside, the children do exercises and action

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Helping children to be healthy

games inside. Depending on the numbers of children and staff available, they enjoy outings to the local park. Children are protected by the use of sun-cream and hats. The younger children and babies are able to rest or sleep during the day, either on mattresses in the playrooms, or in cots in the sleep-rooms. If the older children wish to have a rest they are able to do so. Staff ensure that clean sheets are used each time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are inspected by the Leapfrog Health and Safety Officer every six months. The staff in the nursery complete a form for the inside and outside each month, and also individual forms to ensure that they know the procedure and who to consult should they have concerns. A comprehensive accident recording system is in place. Equipment and resources are checked regularly, however, some of the highchairs in the baby-room are in need of repair or replacement as the seats are worn. The outside area is secure. Parents and other visitors are admitted by staff on ringing the bell, and enter through the reception area. They are then given access by staff to the corridor. No unauthorised person can open the door. Staff in the office are vigilant to ensure that only known or expected persons are admitted. Parents are asked not to allow access to others when leaving the building, but do not always close the door.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children cannot leave the rooms unsupervised as the door handles are high, and glass panels in the doors ensure that they can be seen when doors are opened. The nursery has installed coat-hooks which point to the wall to avoid accidents. Fire equipment is checked annually, and fire doors and emergency lighting are checked each month. Fire drills are held monthly or when new staff members join the nursery, with recording and evaluation completed each time. Children know that they need to keep the toys and floors tidy to prevent accidents. They also understand the need to restrict the number of people using particular activities, such as the sand or water to prevent accidents through overcrowding. They remind each other if too many name labels are on the boards. Staff ensure that the plastic storage wallets are safely out of reach when puzzles and other resources are

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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 in use. The children are learning to keep themselves safe when walking out near the road, when they practise good road safety procedures. They know that lollipop persons and zebra crossings show the best places to cross, and the meaning of different traffic light colours. Children are also protected through the good knowledge that staff have of the local child protection guidance and referral procedure. Contact numbers and effective recording systems are readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The care of babies is very well managed and the Birth to three matters framework has been successfully implemented. Staff complete planning, assessments and evaluations in line with the guidance, amending activities if necessary and ensuring that suggestions for further activities or extra resources are noted. Planning is completed for each age-group and stage of development to take account of the children's individual needs. Their achievements or any concerns are then recorded. Babies are happy and keen to try new things. They are settled and comfortable with the staff, confidently letting staff know what they want or selecting from the available toys. The nursery is very well equipped and resources are moved around the setting to provide variety. A selection of photographs shows the babies and toddlers thoroughly enjoying a wide range of activities including playing with ice cubes, musical instruments, paint, water,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sand, bubbles, construction toys, books and soft toys. They also enjoy using glue, with shiny aeroplanes produced with staff support and encouragement, but all the child's own work. The Foundation Stage Guidance is used to plan activities for the preschool children to ensure that they are able to develop in all the areas of learning. All the children are keen to learn and enjoy participating in a wide range of activities, of which some are of their own choice and others adult-led. They are starting to concentrate well and persevere until they have completed tasks. The children sit quietly and listen to stories or instructions, commenting when appropriate to do so. Children are developing their mathematical understanding and language well through a wide range of learning opportunities, some adult-led, and general play. They recognise written numbers, such as when playing in the sand when only four can play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

at a time, and count reliably to ten, some children counting much higher. The children are keen to learn about the living world, both plants and animals. They enjoy growing seeds and are very proud of the sunflowers that they grew. They are also interested in the weather and the seasons, the snow falling during the inspection and the high winds, promoting descriptions and discussion about the possibility of snowmen and snowdrifts. Children's knowledge of the seasons, such as spring,

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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 includes the arrival of lambs, baby birds and spring flowers. Some of the children are very interested in the solar system and are able to talk about the planets, using appropriate language, such as lunar when discussing the crescent, full or half moon. Children's physical development is good, with the outside play-areas and large outside equipment used safely and confidently to develop their balancing and climbing skills. They are also able to use small tools and utensils with control; whether to do artwork, bake or make sandwiches. Role play activities are very popular with the children who have vivid imaginations when playing in the home corner and doctor's surgery. They enjoy using the dressing-up clothes and pretending to be people who help them, including the police

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and fire personnel, doctors, nurses and crossing staff. Children's artwork is displayed on the notice-boards throughout the nursery and also in the playrooms. The pre-school children made Valentine hearts using a wide range of imaginative decorating methods and materials, all in the colour red and chosen themselves. Staff have a very good understanding of the Foundation Stage and use the guidance to support their planning, which in turn supports the children's development through the stepping stones. All staff can make contributions to the planning, which is discussed each month at the whole nursery staff meetings and then the room meetings. Staff ensure that children know what they are to learn, then they evaluate and assess the activities to provide information for the next stage of the child's learning. Individual recording of children's achievements is completed by key-workers and can be shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All the babies and children are settled and have very good relationships with staff and their peers. They leave their carers confidently on arrival and enthusiastically enter into their rooms. Staff and children know each other well, with staff taking great pains to get to know the child and his or her family. The children happily ask for resources or things that they need, including seconds at lunchtime. Individual portfolios are being developed for each child attending, with information about the family and a history of the child's time in the nursery. The children behave very well in the positive encouraging environment. They are developing good manners through encouragement and good staff role models. The older ones know what is acceptable behaviour, remind each other of what is appropriate and are developing a good sense of right and wrong when mixing with the other children. They share, take turns, cooperate and show concern for each

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Helping children make a positive contribution

other, such as when negotiating the use of toys or when the music starts for clearing away. Children's independence is developing very well with the older children helping to set the tables for meals and then serving themselves. Partnerships with parents are good with the policy and procedure file available for

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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 parents in the entrance hall, and their children's records stored securely in the office. Parents receive an introductory brochure and regular newsletters to keep them informed of any forthcoming events and any nursery news. They are also given information about activities to be undertaken at the nursery and are welcome to attend parent's evenings with staff to discuss their children's progress. The key-worker system has improved the contact with parents and the exchange of information about the children. Verbal feedback and a daily diary sheet are given each day to parents about the child's activities, nappies, food and sleep. Parents are encouraged to comment about the care that their children receive by completing 'How Good Are We' cards. They also have information about the complaints

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Helping children make a positive contribution

procedure and Ofsted details. The equal opportunities coordinator monitors the effectiveness of the setting in applying the company's policy and raising children's awareness of diversity. The children enjoy a wide range of activities and materials, through which they are learning about other countries, cultures and customs. They have recently learned about the Chinese New Year with craft activities, role play and different foods to develop their knowledge. Some of the pre-school children are learning French, and enjoy using the new words. Some labels are displayed with words in French, German and Spanish so children see different written languages. Children with special needs are welcome in the setting, and the special needs coordinator ensures that they receive the care that they need through good communication with parents, and outside agency involvement if necessary. She ensures that documentation and records are kept in line with the Code of Practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

During the inspection, the older children were happy to speak about their nursery and said that they enjoy attending. They say the staff look after them well and they like the food.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The nursery has robust systems in place for the appointment and induction of staff, all of whom have first aid and Basic Food Hygiene training. Some staff are unqualified when appointed, but all are given the opportunity to do NVQ Level 3 training and can go on to do Level 3 or 4 in management if they wish. Staff attend monthly staff meetings, when minutes are kept and the agenda is circulated beforehand to ensure that all staff are able to have input. Comprehensive corporate Leapfrog policies and procedures are in place, including the operational plan for the setting, and made available to parents and staff. Records are stored securely in the office and confidentiality is respected. Recording and documentation ensures the safe and efficient management of the setting. Ofsted is notified of any significant events and a complaints recording procedure has been developed. Overall the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection staff have started to use the Birth to three matters framework very successfully to support their planning and assessment of activities for younger children. However, the outside area has not been developed any further to provide a more stimulating environment for the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was raised with Ofsted with regard to Standard 7 - health. This concern was discussed with the provider, investigated by them and a full report submitted to Ofsted. the provider remains qualified for 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 good. 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 good.

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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): • repairing or replacing the seats of some damaged high chairs

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • developing the outside area to provide a more stimulating environment to support children's physical development and knowledge of the living world

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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:

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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 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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