Greenfields Nursery School and Children's Centre

Greenfields Children Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Greenfields Children Centre

Unique Reference Number EY280837 Inspection date 10 May 2006 Inspector Hilary Turner

p.1

Greenfields Children Centre

Setting Address Recreation Ground, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 5PF

p.1

E-mail

Registered person London Borough of Ealing 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Infant and Toddler Centre is part of Greenfields Children Centre. It is situated in the Recreation Park, in Southall in the London Borough of Ealing. It serves the local community, which includes families from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The group operates from two rooms; each room is divided into specific play and sleep areas. The infant room cares for babies aged 0-2 years and the toddler room cares for children aged 2-3 years. There are suitable toilet facilities and a separate self contained kitchen. Children have access to a secure garden for outdoor play.

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 The Infant and toddler Centre is registered for 38 children aged under five years. The Centre operates Monday to Friday 8.00 to 18.00; for 48 weeks of the year. There are 15 children under three years on roll and the majority of children have English as an additional language. Currently, there are no children attending with special needs. The Centre provides education, support and learning opportunities for children and families. There are six members of staff who work with the children. Most of the staff hold a recognised early years qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children flourish because staff follow highly effective procedures and practices, which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. High adult ratios means staff provide very flexible daily routines, which ensures babies individual needs are extremely well met. For example, they sleep and eat according to their own daily patterns. Children’s wellbeing is protected and supported by the clear and comprehensive written policies and procedures, which are in place and carried out thoroughly by staff. Children are learning good hygiene practices as staff maintain good levels of hygiene, to minimise the risk of cross infection. There are thorough health and hygiene procedures taking place in the babies areas. For example, beakers and bottles are clearly labelled, and appropriate nappy changes arrangements are in place and clearly recorded for parents. Good procedures are in place for accidents

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

and administering medication and several staff hold first aid certificates. The young children are beginning to learn about a healthy lifestyle, as they have good opportunities to develop their physical skills both indoors and outside; staff talk to children about foods that are healthy and unhealthy and encourage parents who provide the meals to supply nutritious well balanced foods. A two year-old child clearly shows preference for healthy foods, as she prefers to eat raw carrots and crudities rather than the hot food initially offered. Staff have sound knowledge and understanding of children's individual dietary requirements to promote their good health. All children thoroughly enjoy fresh air and exercise everyday. They are able to make good progress in their physical development, as staff plan a wide range of good quality activities in and outdoors. For example, children enjoy digging and planting in

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

the garden. They are able to crawl, step around furniture, run, jump, balance and climb on interesting outdoor apparatus.

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 Children are cared for in a very welcoming and child-friendly environment. They explore safely and freely as they experience a wide range of interesting, stimulating play opportunities. Staff make very good use of the space available to allow children opportunities to be active, engage in table top and floor activities. They enjoy opportunities to relax and share books in a comfortable environment, with child sized chairs and cushions. Babies are cared for in a warm and homely environment. For example, there are mobiles hanging, soft furnishings, low level mirrors and lots of interactive toys that are easily accessible. They are well supervised, as staff sit close to them on the floor and encourage them to move and explore materials and equipment safely. Children have access to a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which are

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate for their age and stage of development. Toys are set up, inviting and enticing children to play. Toys are easily accessible, which encourages children to make their own choices and develop their independence as they choose and move freely between activities. Younger children are able to sleep and eat in comfort and safety, as the setting has a good range of suitable furniture and equipment, such as mattresses, cots and child-size tables and chairs. All the furniture and play equipment is clean and in good condition to ensure children are not harmed. The children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. There are effective security systems in place to protect children; for example, staff monitor all visitors to the Children's Centre. Children are kept safe as good systems for addressing safety issues are in place. Staff conduct regular risk assessments to ensure that the children can enjoy the environment and use equipment that is safe and well

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

maintained. However, there is no lost child procedure in place to enable staff to follow the correct procedures in the event of a missing child. Children are very well supervised, as high adult ratios are maintained and staff are effectively deployed. Children are well protected, because staff have a good and clear understanding of their role and responsibilities regarding child protection and give top priority to children's welfare.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have a wonderful time at the nursery. They thrive in a happy, vibrant and stimulating environment. Children are confident and they play enthusiastically with an extensive range of very good quality toys and resources that promote their learning. They actively explore, make connections and have lots of fun using their imagination in the role play area, which changes frequently. For example, they make their own passports in the post office, using mirrors to draw self portraits for their passport photograph. Children receive lots of attention and have a strong bond with dedicated staff, which increases their sense of well being. Their confidence and self-esteem is reinforced, because of the kindness and warmth shown to them. Staff offer exceptionally good support and encouragement to the younger children, in order for them to try new activities and develop their skills. For example, a baby is encouraged to take his first

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 steps, as he pulls himself up from a sitting to standing position; he shows excitement as a member of staff sitting close by provides lots of praise. Staff are skilled at following children's natural interest. For example, a member of staff makes a video of a child singing to encourage his natural talent. The video is played back to the child and parent. This innovative approach is highly effective in developing children's skills and promoting their self worth. Babies and young children achieve well, because staff are highly skilled and use their exceptional understanding of early years guidance, such as Birth to Three Matters, to provide high quality care and education. They use highly effective systems to observe, monitor and record children's achievements and to plan experiences that

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

help children take their next steps in learning. All children make excellent progress, because staff recognise the uniqueness of each child.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The setting is very welcoming and children attend from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Children are developing lots of confidence and self-esteem, as they have time to explore independently in this safe environment. Babies are given lots of positive attention to encourage them to communicate. They have close and secure relationships with their key workers, who have responsibility for coordinating their care. None of the children currently attending have special educational needs. Staff have the knowledge and skills to identify children's developmental concerns and they liaise effectively with parents and other professionals, such as occupational and speech therapists. The special educational needs coordinator has attended relevant training and she shares her knowledge with staff, to support children within the setting as required. Good support is provided to children who have English as an additional

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

language and some staff speak the children's own home language. Children learn about themselves and the wider world through planned activities and discussions. This helps them to understand and value the similarities and differences between themselves and others, and lovely visual displays throughout the centre promote positive images of diversity. Children have access to a very good range of toys and resources, which promotes their understanding of the world they live in, for example books, dressing up, puzzles and different types of music. Children are very happy in the relaxed, harmonious atmosphere. Their behaviour is good, as staff use positive methods to manage behaviour according to children's age and level of understanding. This is enhanced by the clear rules, simple explanations, and the gentle encouragement staff provide. Children are beginning to learn to share and take turns and they show delight when this is acknowledged by staff. For

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

example, a child is encouraged to share a toy, which they do, a member of staff gives lots of praise when the toy is handed over, the child knowing he has done well beams with delight and claps his hands. This positive approach enhances children's self esteem and confidence.

p.5

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 Partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the strong relationships between parents and staff, as information is shared to meet their needs effectively within the setting. For example, staff provide additional language support and details about the children’s individual daily routines and care. Parents are well informed about Birth to Three Matters. Lovely photos, art work and colourful posters show how children learn and make progress through this framework. Parents receive detailed information about their children's progress. Effective communication systems are in place, such as newsletters, message books, daily diaries, meetings to discuss children's progress and daily contact.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting has a clear mission statement and the aims are clearly understood by staff. The manager and deputy are committed to providing high quality care and education for children. Continuous improvements are made to the setting, and there are very effective systems in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of change. The dedicated staff team have complimentary skills, which enables them to work well together and ensures the smooth running of the setting. They are given very good opportunities to develop their knowledge to benefit the children, for example, attending Birth to Three matters training. Children develop a secure sense of belonging, because the setting is very well organised and staff work with parents to ensure they have a good knowledge of children’s individual needs. Children’s care and learning is enhanced by the effective deployment of staff as the manager

p.6

Organisation

maintains high child staff ratios, which helps to ensure children's well being. Most of the required documentation, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being, is in place and is regularly reviewed. However, children's daily attendance register lacks some detail, and the complaints procedures has not been updated in line with recent changes in legislation. Children's care is however enhanced by the high quality of organisation and the extremely effective leadership and management of the setting. This has a positive impact on the day to day running of the group. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom they provide.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made by Ofsted.

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 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.7

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): • implement clearly defined procedures in the event of a child being lost • implement a complaint log for the recording of any complaints relating to the National Standards • develop the registration system to record children's actual hours of arrival and departure

p.7

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.7

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.7