First Steps Day NurseryOfsted inspection, 27 Apr 2006

First Steps Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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First Steps Day Nursery

Unique Reference Number 142796 Inspection date 27 April 2006 Inspector Michelle Tuck

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First Steps Day Nursery

Setting Address 44 Compton Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5QT

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E-mail

Registered person Elaine Garland 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?

First Steps Day Nursery is based in a large detached house in Shepton Mallet. It has been registered since 1993. It is registered to care for 46 children of which 18 may be under 2 years of age. Non-mobile babies are cared for on the first floor and are moved downstairs into the toddler room, when appropriate. The main nursery is on the ground floor and caters for children from 2 years until entry into the pre-school. An additional building in the

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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 grounds of the house caters for children from 3 to 5 years in a pre-school environment. The nursery currently has 87 children on roll, from birth to 5 years, of which 31 are in receipt of nursery education funding. The nursery supports children with special educational needs. There are currently no children with English as an additional language. The nursery opens during the week all year round from 08:00 until 18:00. Eleven members of staff support the children. Nine members of staff are qualified to level three or above and, two to level two. The nursery receives support from the Local Authority, and has close links with the local primary school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a very healthy and nutritious diet. They enjoy a wide variety of fresh home cooked food prepared on site, such as chicken casserole and peas. Drinks are usually readily available for children to access independently from a dispenser; however, water had run out in the nursery room on the day of inspection and children had to wait until the next day for it to be replenished. In addition children are given a choice of water or milk at snack time. Children's individual dietary needs are met effectively. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-established, daily routines. They eagerly respond to requests to wash their hands before mealtimes and after using the toilet. Children are usually provided with paper towels to help prevent the spread of infection; however, in the nursery room children are temporarily sharing a hand towel. Children understand simple good health and

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Helping children to be healthy

hygiene practices, due to the staff's positive role model with procedures; such as, wiping tables over before meal times and sweeping up the pasta that children have been playing with in the morning. Children's health is promoted through appropriate recording systems that are shared with parents. Children enjoy being active, playing on sit-and-ride toys or just being outside to experience the weather and fresh air. Toddlers sleep outside under a shelter. They enjoy the fresh air, appropriately wrapped up in coats, and hats, and checked regularly. Babies are encouraged to stretch and develop their large motor skills through supported walking. Staff help and encourage young babies to roll over and stand. Young children and babies experiment with tools, such as cutlery and paintbrushes, to develop their fine motor skills. Children benefit from the introduction of the Birth to three matters framework. Staff

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Helping children to be healthy

make observations linked to the aspects of the framework to plan for their individual

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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 needs and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move safely, freely and independently as all identified risks have been minimised. Children are well protected as the premises are secure, with vigilant procedures in place to ensure all visitors are monitored. Children are carefully monitored and well supervised in the outside play area to ensure they are safe as they play. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised due to the staff's explanations of how to keep themselves safe. For example, how to turn the corner on tricycles and how to sit on chairs correctly. Children benefit from effective grouping to ensure they have access to appropriate safe toys and resources, for their age and stage of development. Furniture and equipment is child sized and of good quality, to meet their individual needs. Young babies are safe from mobile children due to being cared for in separate rooms. They are monitored regularly whilst sleeping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the staff's good knowledge of child protection issues and links to other agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and enjoy their time at the nursery. They are comfortable and familiar with routines and all staff members. For example, they seek out the nearest person and receive the same continuity of care from their key worker. Children's development on the Birth to three matters framework is currently recorded in the form of observations listed under the headings. Children's individual development needs are taken into account when planning for the weekly activities. Each child has an individual folder that travels through the nursery with them, detailing their progress. Children are making good progress in all areas of development due to learning through well supported play. They explore and experiment with a variety of good quality resources that promote all areas of development. For example, the role play area, is currently a hat shop in the nursery room. Children enjoy trying different hats on and pretend to talk on the telephone.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children self select from a range of toys that are stored around the room, or choose from the activities that are set out for them before each session. Staff are attentive to the children's needs and allow them to direct the play. Staff sit on the floor with the children and interact really well to develop their language skills. Children's needs are well understood by the staff and met effectively. For example, different children's sleep needs are accommodated according to their own routines. Children all enjoy a wide range of worthwhile activities and are cared for by sensitive staff. Young children are becoming competent learners and communicate skilfully

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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 with their friends and with the adults caring for them. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children have a very good attitude to learning and are engaged and eager to take part in all the activities. They concentrate for substantial amounts of time. For example, at construction, building towers and knocking them down. They negotiate turn-taking, confidently introduce themselves and ask questions. They enjoy sessions that move along at a good pace and they are never bored or restless. Staff's good understanding of the Foundation Stage and their effective methods of teaching, mean that children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. They respond well to the staff's methods of questioning and encouragement. For example, children are encouraged to do their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

own finding out, and given praise and encouragement to complete a task. Children benefit from a well planned education programme which shows staff are aware of their individual needs, and the stage of progress they have reached. Children are lively communicators and particularly enjoy whole group times, where they contribute their ideas with great enthusiasm. They write and make marks frequently. Children are encouraged to count and sort their playthings and they do this confidently. Their calculation skills are supported very effectively by singing a variety of number rhymes. For example, five little men in a flying saucer. Children understand what numbers are, and can work out simple calculations. All the children are able to recognise simple shapes, and staff ensure their learning experiences are fun. For example, children were looking at circles. They were asked to look around the room and bring back to the table items that are circular. They happily took part

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and are beginning to use comparative language when describing what they observe. For example, which circle is bigger or smaller than the rest. Children think about why things happen and observe how plants grow; For example, children grow beans in jam jars and vegetables outside. Their learning is extended into the role play area, where they work in the garden centre, look at plant books and learn about spring. They learn about their environment, as well as the wider world, and delight in observing the changes they see. Children enjoy dressing up and developing imaginative role-play. They move to music with energy, showing a good sense of rhythm. Children have regular opportunities for physical development inside and outdoors. However, the grass area outside is not used when wet and the remaining space is limited; therefore, older and more able children are not always challenged sufficiently. Children develop their small muscles effectively by manipulating small

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and intricate puzzle pieces and pummelling, cutting and moulding pieces of clay. Pictures and discussions indicate that a broad and balanced curriculum is offered, which covers all the areas of learning. The assessment system is being developed to show a direct relation to each child's progress, through the stepping stones.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Partnerships with parents are good. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents and daily interaction ensures parents are knowledgeable about their child's

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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 progress. Young babies' routines including sleep times, nappy changes and feeds, are recorded for parents within a book. Parents receive useful information in the updated prospectus, and regular newsletters. Children are learning new social skills and developing a positive self-esteem through the staff's constant praise and encouragement. Children's behaviour is very good and managed appropriately by staff who are all consistent in their calm, caring yet firm approach. Children help to make the "rules" in the pre-school room, which are on display. For example " How can I be a good friend?", "Don't push, be helpful", "Talk nicely, don't shout". Children with special needs are effectively supported, to ensure their individual needs are understood and met well. All children are considered as

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individuals and the staff know every child very well. Children have a good sense of belonging. They have the opportunity to contribute their ideas, in a book "Our book of good ideas". For example, they make suggestions for the role play area. This makes the children feel valued. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered. Children learn about diversity through toys and books that reflect positive images of diversity, and they enjoy taking part in activities based on festivals. Staff are knowledgeable about non-discriminatory practices and are good role models.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children benefit from the well-organised environment and daily routine, that is generally supported by appropriate documentation to reinforce the good practice that is in place. For example, standardised policies and procedures, accident and medication forms. A rigorous system is in place for the recruitment and vetting procedures of staff, which safeguards children. The leadership and management of the nursery education is good. The staff have regular meetings to discuss children's progress and the planned programme, which means that good quality activities and methods are used. They have created an improved system of assessing children's progress, but this is not yet fully implemented for all children. Children are well supported in their play as staff to children ratio's are well maintained. Children are well cared for by experienced and qualified staff, who have

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Organisation

a good understanding of the National Standards. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities, training programmes are in place to develop all staff's knowledge in various areas and further meet the needs of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous care inspection, the group was requested to ensure accurate recording of accidents and administration of medication. An accurate record is now

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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 kept. They were also asked to ensure behaviour management is applied consistently by all staff, in line with agreed procedures. All staff are consistent and calm in their approach to behaviour management. They were to ensure electrical sockets are made safe or inaccessible to children. All unused sockets have covers in them. They were also asked to ensure registration systems show times when children and visitors are present. The registration system is now sufficiently detailed including times of arrival and departure. Finally the group were asked to ensure hand washing procedures comply with Environmental Health requirements. The children are usually provided with soap and paper towels; however, the key for the paper towel dispenser in the nursery room has gone missing and temporarily the children are using a hand

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Improvements since the last inspection

towel. The manger has the situation in hand.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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): • ensure drinking water is readily available. • ensure appropriate measures are taken to help prevent the spread of infection.

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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): • further develop the programme for physical development to ensure older, more able children are sufficiently challenged.

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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 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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