Stratford Upon Avon School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/02/2004 Inspector Name Susan Linda Capon

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Crystals Day Nursery Setting Address 49 Maberley Road London SE19 2JE

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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

Little Crystals Day Nursery opened in 1994 and is part of the Crystal Childcare Limited group of nurseries. It is registered to Lorraine Duffy. The nursery operates from 3 playrooms, toilets, kitchen and an office on the ground floor of a semi-detached house situated in the London Borough of Bromley. There is a secure outdoor play area to the rear. The group serves the local area. There are currently 32 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 10 funded 3 year olds and 2 funded 4 year olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week for 50 weeks a year. Sessions are from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Three full-time and three part-time staff work directly with the children. Other staff include a cook and a cleaner. The company use their own bank staff to cover sickness, holidays and emergencies as required. Additional visitors provide

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Information about the setting

opportunities for the children to participate in dance, French and Spanish. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ3 level. One staff member is presently working towards an NVQ level 3 early years qualification. Staff are encouraged to continually update their training and development. The setting receives support from a mentor from the Early Years Development Team. The group is a member of the National Day Nursery Association.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Crystals Day Nursery offers good care for children. The staff work well as a team and provide a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. All the areas used are in good decorative order, bright and clean. Good induction information is provided for all new staff and students providing information about the group, individual roles and responsibilities and the organisation of the day. It is not clear if all students are given this information. The group operates a key worker system which helps the children to settle into the group and enables the staff to help each

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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 child develop appropriately. The staff ensure the premises are safe and secure on a daily basis and there is an ongoing detailed risk assessment plan in place. One area requires improvement. Detailed accident and medication administered records are maintained. The group has a good health and safety policy and procedures in place which are incorporated into the day by all the staff. The children are encouraged to practice good hygiene routines. Varied, balanced, nutritious meals are provided daily incorporating any special dietary needs. The Special Needs co-ordinator has a good working knowledge of how to incorporate these into the daily running of the nursery. Equal Opportunities is included in the groups activity plans to ensure all the children are valued and

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How good is the Day Care?

included. Minimal behaviour management is required as the children are kept fully occupied and stimulated. A good balance of adult led and free choice activities are available during each day. The children play co-operatively together and relate well to the adults in the setting. All parents and children are made to feel welcome. The staff team work hard to build good relationships with the parents. Parents are regularly updated regarding their child's day, development and progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The group were required to designate a named staff member for Child Protection and behaviour management. This has now been done. The children are able to learn in a safe and secure environment. The books in the younger room were required to be repaired or replaced. The children are able to learn in a clean and safe environment. Staff were required to use appropriate equipment to reach the equipment stored on the high shelving. The children are safe from accidents and receive continuity of care. A complaints procedure for parents was required to be put into place. The children benefit from being in a safe learning environment.

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What is being done well?

• The group operates a good registration system. Parents are required to sign their child in/out of the nursery. Staff check this signature complies with their collection information for the child. The group keep their own register which is also completed before and after lunch to ensure the correct number of children are present. The children are kept safe and secure. • The premises are warm, welcoming and clean throughout. Children's work is displayed prominently helping to build the child's self esteem. Attractive displays and posters are in place throughout the nursery making the building a pleasant place to spend the day.

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What is being done well?

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 • A good range of toys, equipment and activities are available on a daily basis. The group offers the children a balance of free choice and adult led activities throughout each day. The equipment is rotated on a regular basis. Some larger equipment is rotated around the nursery group to provide new activities for the children. • A varied, balanced and nutritious menu is available on a daily basis. The menus are rotated and are available in advance to the parents. Individual dietary needs are always incorporated into the meals provided. Mealtimes are a pleasant and social occasion with staff sitting with the children. Good hygiene procedures are followed by the cook and nursery staff. • The group has a good risk assessment plan in place. All the staff are aware

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What is being done well?

of the hazards within their working environment and ensure their rooms are safe and secure on a daily basis. The children are able to explore their environment safely.

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What needs to be improved?

• unvetted student procedures; • the procedures for an uncollected child; • the availability of the full emergency evacuation instructions.

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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 1 Ensure unvetted students do not left alone with the children. 2 Provide the procedures to be undertaken for an uncollected child. 6 Display the Fire Drill instructions used by the staff and children during an emergency evacuation in all rooms.

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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?

Little Crystals Day Nursery provides high quality nursery education. Children are making very good progress in all six areas of the foundation stage curriculum; a skilful and committed staff team supports their learning. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff display a good knowledge of the Early Learning Goals. Through the planned programme and their interactions with children staff ensue that children are offered appropriate challenges. They are particularly skilful at developing children's conversational skills. The system for assessment identifies areas for further learning and enables staff to be effective in supporting and extending children's learning. Written plans include clear learning intentions, which staff understand well. There are written plans for the use of equipment, which ensure the effective use of resources to support the curriculum. The daily timetable allows children plenty of opportunity to participate in free play and adult led activity.

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How effective is the nursery education?

However children do not use writing in free-play and opportunities for independent use of the computer are limited. Children's behaviour is excellent; staff use positive behaviour management strategies. Leadership and management of the setting are very good. Evaluation of the educational provision continues to ensure a high quality service. Good staff deployment ensures that adults are always available to maximise learning opportunities. Regular training and meetings with staff from other nurseries in the group ensure that staff are kept up-to-date with current developments in early education. They share ideas and discuss good practice. The partnership with parents is very good. Displays on parents' notice boards and throughout the nursery keep parents informed about the educational programme and nursery activities. Parents are able to talk with staff on a daily basis and regular meetings are arranged with key workers for parents to read and contribute to

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What is being done well?

• Children's behaviour is excellent; they are polite and caring towards each other. Nursery staff are careful to explain to children the consequence of their actions. Good behaviour is valued and praised. • Children's ability to communicate in group situations. When working in small groups children are able to express their views and feelings clearly and with confidence, they show a good awareness of the listener. Nursery staff are skilful in supporting the development of children's conversational skills. • Nursery staff make the most of their interactions with children. They support and extend children's learning during free play and planned adult led activities. They offer appropriate challenges and encourage children to

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What is being done well?

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 explain their thinking and understanding. • There is an effective system for observation, recording and assessment of children's learning, which enables staff to identify areas for further development, which are then included in the planned programme. • Long and short-term plans are clear about the intended outcomes for children's learning and are well understood by staff. The equipment plan ensures a balanced range of play materials is available to cover the six areas of learning. Evaluation of plans includes well thought out suggestions for future improvement.

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What needs to be improved?

• children's use of writing during free play • the planned programme for IT, to allow greater independent use of the computer to develop keyboard and mouse skills.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery was asked to continue to evaluate, monitor and improve the planning, teaching and assessment of the educational programme in order to ensure the current high quality service that is currently provided for children and parents. The planning monitoring and evaluation of the educational programme continues to ensue that a high quality service is maintained.

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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: Very Good Children are interested in the activities on offer, they display a high level of motivation, they are able to sit quietly and concentrate where appropriate. Children have good self-esteem; they are proud of their work and happily discuss their likes, dislikes and opinions. Children have formed good relationships with staff and peers, they are caring towards each other, work together harmoniously, take turns and share fairly. Children display good independence skills.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good In small group situations, such as around the lunch table, children display very good language skills. They are able to take turns in conversation and show a good awareness of the listener. They are able to discuss past experiences and make predictions about future events. Records of children's progress indicate that they are beginning to be aware of letter sounds. Children are able to write and recognise their own names. However they do not often use writing as part of free play.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children display a very good awareness of number, they are able to count reliably past ten and recognise numerals one to nine. When using compare bears children are able to demonstrate a good ability to compare, order and sort objects and use appropriate language such as "bigger" and "smaller".

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children show a keen interest in how things work. They are able to practice their design and making skills with construction toys and the junk and collage materials, which are freely available in the art area. Children have regular opportunities to use the computer. However, this is often heavily adult directed and does not allow children to have independent use to practice skills. Participation in celebrations such as Chinese New Year help children to develop an awareness of different cultures.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good When moving around the nursery children display a good awareness of space and speed. They are able to manoeuvre wheeled toys with skill, climb and balance with confidence. Records indicate that children are developing good throwing and catching skills. They are able to manipulate pencils and glue spreaders with precision. Discussions around the snack table indicate that children are developing a good awareness of the importance of keeping healthy and the factors which contribute to this.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

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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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make good use of the materials available to them in the art area to create their own collages. Children enjoy music and enthusiastically join in with group songs and rhymes. Some have their own repertoire of nursery songs, which they are able to sing independently. Children play co-operatively in role-play, they act out narratives and familiar scenarios. Some children produce recognisable drawings which they are able to discuss in detail.

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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 high quality. Children are making very 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

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • There are no key issues for action the following are points for consideration. • allow children greater independent use of the computer and ensure that the planned programme includes opportunities to develop keyboard, mouse and other IT skills • encourage children practice independent writing skills during free play. 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

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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