St Joseph's Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/06/2004 Inspector Name Carly Louise Thrower

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name St Joseph's Day Nursery Setting Address 21-23 Bamber Street Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE1 2HL

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care in accordance with the National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding; and that the nursery education for funded three and four year old children is of an acceptable quality. Inspection of nursery education also identifies strengths and weaknesses so that providers can improve the quality of educational provision and help children to achieve the early learning goals (elgs) by the end of the Foundation Stage. This inspection report must be made available to all parents. If the setting has been inspected previously, an action plan will have been drawn up to tackle issues identified. This inspection, therefore, must also assess what progress has been made in the implementation of this plan.

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Information about the setting

St Joseph's Day Nursery opened in 1977. It operates from an old church building in central Peterborough. St Joseph's Day Nursery serves all of the city and beyond. There are currently 48 children on roll. This includes 14 funded 3-year-olds and 9 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently no children attending who have a special need or speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week throughout the year, excluding bank holidays. Opening times are from 8.00am until 6.00pm. Seventeen part-time/full-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from an Early Years Pedagogical worker and a Childcare Advisor from the local SSSP.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Joseph's Day Nursery is providing good care for children. Staff make effective use of all available play space and provide an environment where children feel secure and confident. Children of all ages participate in meaningful activities, which allow them to make good progress, in all aspects of their development. The children demonstrate warm relationships with staff and enjoy their play. Children's behaviour is good and staff give clear explanations to help them gain an understanding of right and wrong. Children are encouraged to share and take turns. Home-cooked meals are provided on the premises, which are both healthy and nutritious, and offer a varied diet. Staff ensure personal hygiene is encouraged through routine activities.

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How good is the Day 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 Children are provided with a stimulating, safe environment both inside the rooms and in the outside area. Children have access to an excellent range of toys and play equipment, including toys which reflect equal opportunity principles, which support their learning. There are good opportunities for children to self-select resources and play independently. Children are given individual attention and their needs are met. Positive, friendly relationships exist with all parents. Information regarding their child's day is shared very effectively with parents of under three's through a home message book. Parents express their satisfaction at the care being provided. Documentation is well-maintained, however, records need to clearly state arrival and

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the transitional inspection staff were asked to implement documentation which included a record of incidents, complaints and visitors and to ensure that full names were recorded on accident and medication records. The fire exit in the concrete play area was to be made accessible at all times and good hygiene practices regarding floor cleaning were to be implemented. The rear garden and vegetable area were also required to be made safe and equipment stored safely at all times. Staff have now implemented all necessary documentation and put clear hygiene procedures in to place for all staff. The fire exit is now accessible at all times and the rear garden is not used at present due to an extension being built. Staff have found an alternative storage area for baby chairs which were not being stored safely at the previous inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Rooms are organised well throughout the nursery so that children feel secure and confident in their environment. Children feel welcomed and their needs are met. • Children are provided with a broad range of interesting activities and play experiences, which allow them to make good progress, in all areas of their learning. Children have developed close, friendly relationships with all adults in the nursery and enjoy their play. • The nursery provides an excellent range of stimulating and interesting toys and play equipment. Children of all ages have very good opportunities to self-select and play independently. • The nursery maintains excellent relationships with all parents and values highly the knowledge they share about their child. Parents are provided with detailed information about their child's day and developmental progress, especially for under 3's. Parents express their satisfaction at the care being

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 • recording clearly arrival and departure times for staff.

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure arrival and departure times of staff are clearly recorded.

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by the time of the next 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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How effective is the nursery education?

The provision for nursery education at St Joseph's Day Nursery is generally good. It enables children to make very good progress in knowledge and understanding of the world and creative development and generally good progress in all other areas of learning. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff plan a good range of practical activities, which have clear learning intentions, linked to the early learning goals in all six areas. They have an understanding of how children learn through their questioning techniques, however, in some activities opportunities are missed to allow children to observe, think for themselves and make predictions. Confidence and independence is nurtured to provide children with high levels of self-esteem. Activities are evaluated well and both this, and children's assessments, are used effectively to influence future planning. The leadership and management of the nursery is generally good. Staff work well

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How effective is the nursery education?

together as a team and are clear in their roles and responsibilities. Monthly planning meetings allow staff to contribute their own thoughts and ideas to the educational programme. An effective appraisal system provides staff with the opportunity to assess their own professional development. Managers have an open door policy and support staff well. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. Staff have developed friendly, informal relationships with all parents and ensure that they are kept well-informed of their child's progress, through informative daily discussions and parent's evenings, which also introduces them to the foundation stage of learning. Parents are encouraged to be part of their child's pre-school life through activities such as home book bags. Planning is clearly displayed for parents to see.

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What is being done well?

• Children's developing imaginative skills in areas such as role play. • The strong commitment of staff to helping children learn about cultures, and beliefs of others, as well as their own. • The effective use of the outdoor play area to provide a stimulating environment. • Information parents receive on the child's day and developmental progress. This is valued by both staff and parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• organisation of large group time in order to meet the needs of all children

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 • teaching techniques in order to give children every opportunity to observe, predict and think for themselves.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

St Joseph's Day Nursery has made very good progress since the last inspection. The previous key issue was to encourage staff to be more specific about how they will promote children's artistic and creative skills and cover all aspects of learning in creative development. Ensure activities are carefully prepared and organised to meet the different requirements of older and younger children. Staff now plan activities on a regular basis which promote children's artistic and creative skills. Children engage in free play, such as paints, sand and water, on a daily basis and planned activities cater for children's different needs (such as the tools being used).

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What has improved 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children separate with ease from their carer. They display high levels of involvement in activities such as role play. Close relationships have formed with their peers and other adults. Children generally behave well, and are encouraged to take turns, and share activities. Staff are developing children's independence by allowing them to pour their own drinks and self-select activities. However, children's needs are not always met in large group situations.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are confident speakers & enjoy engaging in conversation with adults and each other. They listen to stories but are not always given ample opportunities to join in. However, children are encouraged to look at books independently and handle them with care. Children are provided with regular opportunities to see, hear and write letters of the alphabet, and clear mark-making opportunities are provided. Children enjoy engaging in sign language as another method of communicating with others.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children confidently count from 1-10 and beyond, and use number in everyday situations, such as circle time. When singing a range of counting songs they explore numbers and are introduced to simple calculation. Children are provided with a range of activities which allow them to successfully sort, and match, objects by shape, colour and size. Resources, such as compare bears and building blocks, allow children to develop an understanding of size e.g.shortest and longest.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are provided with good opportunities to explore, design & construct, using a wide range of objects, which they are able to self-select. The children enjoy talking about their weekend and what they are going to do in the future. ICT equipment is available which children use during their play. There is an excellent commitment from staff to help children learn about cultures and beliefs of others, as well as their own, through planned celebrations of festivals and visits in the community.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children successfully use a range of equipment, and confidently handle a variety of tools, such as pencils, rollers and cutters with increasing control. They move well, and with confidence, during their physical play showing awareness of personal space and that of others. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of health and bodily awareness when learning about healthy foods. There are very good opportunities for children to play in the fresh air and outdoors is used positively.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children enthusiastically explore shape, colour and texture using a variety of materials, e.g. water and sand. Music sessions encourage children to tap out rhythms to music and explore sounds. Children greatly enjoy singing familiar songs and putting actions to music. They use their imaginations very well during role play, often making up their own scenarios and stories based upon first hand experiences, such as going on a train.

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Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of good quality overall. Children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The next inspection will take place in three to four years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• Ensure that the organisation of large group time is effective in meeting the needs of all children. • Ensure that all opportunities are used during activities for children to observe, predict and think for themselves.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

The provider must draw up an action plan within 40 working days of receipt of this report showing how the key issues detailed above will be addressed. The action plan must be made available to all parents and to the Local Authority if required. An evaluation of the action taken will form part of the next inspection of funded nursery education.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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