Lawnswood Childcare - Streetsbrook Road Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/03/2004 Inspector Name Janet Ann Keeling

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Lawnswood Nursery Setting Address Streetsbrook Road Shirley Solihull West Midlands B90 3PE

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Lawnswood Childcare Ltd Address Lawnswood Childcare, The Admin Unit, The Old Edwardians, Streetsbrook Road Shirley, Solihull West Midlands B90 3PE

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ORGANISATION 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

Lawnswood Day Nursery, Streetsbrook Road opened in 1986. It operates from converted premises at The Old Edwardians Rugby Club, in the Shirley area of Solihull. The facilities are on two floors, the ground floor provides accommodation for children from birth to three years whilst the first floor accommodates the three to five year olds. The nursery serves the local and surrounding areas. There are currently 74 children on roll, this includes 17 funded three and four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. At present, there are no funded children for whom English is an additional language or who have been identified as having special educational needs. The group opens five days a week all year round, except for public bank holidays. Sessions are from 07.30 until 18.00 hrs. There are sixteen staff who work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications. Two staff are currently working towards a recognised early

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Information about the setting

years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Lawnswood Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The nursery offers a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents. Staff work well as a team and provide a range of activities for the children, both in and outside of the nursery. However, the deployment of staff and the use of space are not always used effectively to support the children's needs. A good range of toys and equipment are available to support babies and children under two, but, resources for the pre-school children need to be extended. All required documentation is in place, although, some attention is needed in certain areas. Priority is given to safety within the nursery, risk assessments are completed and

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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 reviewed regularly, however, attention is needed to ensure the ground floor windows are safe. Effective procedures are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. Good attention is given to health and hygiene practices, children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines and discussion. The nursery offers a varied menu of home cooked meals and snacks, which take into account children's individual dietary needs and parents wishes. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day. Children are confident and play well together, they participate enthusiastically in activities and are keen to learn. Staff praise and encourage children, this reflects positively on their behaviour, which is good. Staff use available resources effectively

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How good is the Day Care?

to promote children's learning and play. Children are regularly involved in outdoor play and walks around the adjoining fields. Staff treat children with equal concern and ensure they all have equal access to toys and equipment. A good partnership with parents and carers has been established and is effective in supporting children's individual needs. Staff keep parents fully informed of their child's activities and achievements through daily feedback which is both written and verbal.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery were required to provide adequate bathroom/changing facilities for all children. Since the last inspection, the bathroom/changing facilities have been re-furbished and now provide appropriate facilities to meet the needs of all children attending nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Lawnswood nursery offers children and parents a welcoming environment where staff provide a range of worthwhile activities that promote children's learning and play. • Children participate enthusiastically in planned and spontaneous activities, they are confident, play well together and are keen to learn and develop new skills. • Interaction between staff and children is positive, staff praise and encourage children for good behaviour and achievement. • Good attention is given to health and hygiene practices, effective procedures and routines are in place. • Priority is given to safety both in and outside of the nursery. There are CCTV cameras in operation throughout the nursery with an intercom fitted to the main entrance door. All internal doors have key pads. • The partnership with parents is good. Parents have daily, informal opportunities to share information about their child's routine, activities and

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• the deployment of staff to ensure staffing ratio's are met at all times • the daily registration system • the 'grouping' of children in the pre-school room • the organisation of space in the pre-school room to ensure all children's needs are met • the range of toys and resources for children three to five years • the nursery risk assessment • the policy for child protection.

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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 Review the deployment of staff to ensure staffing ratio’s are met at all times during the operational hours of the nursery. Ensure the group size in the pre-school room does not exceed 26 children. 2 Ensure the daily registration system is accurate and includes the time of arrival and departure of staff and children. 4 Review the organisation of space in the pre-school room to ensure all children’s needs are supported. 5 Extend the range of toys and resources in order to meet the development needs of children from three to five years, ensuring they reflect positive imagery. 6 Conduct a risk assessment on the ground floor windows, identifying action to be taken to minimise identified risks. 13 Update the child protection policy to include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff.

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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 Lawnswood Day Nursery is generally good. It enables children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals in mathematics and communication, language and literacy, and very good progress in all other areas of learning. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff interact well with the children and stimulate learning through, a variety of planned Activities, appropriate resources and generally effective teaching skills. Activities are well planned, although opportunities are missed to consolidate and extend children's learning in mathematics and communication, language and literacy. Staff provide good role models and have high expectations for good behaviour. Staff encourage children to be involved in decision making and take responsibility for some areas of their own learning. Assessments are completed, but, at present are not used effectively to inform future planning.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Leadership and management is very good. Staff work effectively as a team and are clear about their roles and responsibilities. Good channels of communication are in place and contribute to the effective management of the nursery. The use of staff appraisals ensures that effective monitoring takes place of both staff and the nursery practices. Managers are fully committed to improve the quality of the educational programme. Staff have access to ongoing training and development and support from the Early Years teacher/mentor. Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Effective arrangements are in place to inform parents about their child's progress, through daily discussion with staff and the opportunity at parents evenings to see and discuss children's assessments. Newsletters are sent home on a regular basis and information relating to the curriculum and topic work is displayed on the notice board. Parent

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How effective is the nursery education?

questionnaires are used to gain feedback on the nursery provision.

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What is being done well?

• The programme and daily routine give good priority to personal and social development. The children are confident, enthusiastic, eager to learn and show consideration for each other. • Staff interact very positively with the children and provide an interesting and worthwhile range of activities which are both adult-led and child-initiated. • The programme for physical development is well planned and provides children with many opportunities to engage in an excellent range of activities. • Staff encourage children to be involved in decision making and to take responsibility for some areas of their learning and development. • Positive behaviour is valued by staff, who have high expectations for good

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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 behaviour. Staff actively use lots of praise and encouragement throughout the day. • Good leadership and management of the group ensures the provision is monitored and evaluated effectively. • Effective partnership with parents and carers ensures children's individual needs are supported.

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What needs to be improved?

• the linking of children's assessments to the planning of activities • the recognition of learning opportunities for children during routine times • the structure and management of story-time • the book corner.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has made generally good progress since the last inspection. Two points for consideration were raised at the previous inspection; display objects of interest for children to explore during free choice activities and ensure the alphabet display is not too high for the children to use effectively. An action plan was drawn up to address the issues detailed above, both issues have been addressed. Low level storage units are now in place, making toys, resources and equipment more accessible to the children. The alphabet line has been re-sited around the writing area and is now effectively used by children.

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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 relate well to each other and adults, they are confident, enthusiastic and eager to learn. Children's behaviour is very good, they learn to share and show consideration for each other. Children are encouraged to make decisions about their own learning and play. Children are able to express their feelings and can take care of their own personal needs. Children are beginning to learn about different cultures through planned activities.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are confident and fluent speakers and engage easily in conversation with their peers and adults. More able children are able to recognise the letters in their first name, some are able to form the letters correctly. Children are able to write for a purpose as they play, for example, as they play with the office equipment and completed a shopping list. Children enjoy stories, but story-time is not effectively managed and children are not encouraged to browse through books for pleasure.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children can count confidently up to ten and some beyond. More able children are recognising numerals to five. Children are developing their understanding of addition and subtraction through adult led activities, talking about 'one more' and' how many left', however, children have limited challenges to extend and consolidate their skills in addition and subtraction during everyday routine. Children learn about shape, size and weight and are familiar with number songs and rhymes.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children learn about the natural world and are developing an understanding of living things and how they grow. They talk about the weather, how it changes and record their observations each day. Children use various tools and materials to make and build objects, they have access to a computer to support their learning. Children frequently talk about past and present events in their own lives, as they recall their birthday celebrations.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident in all aspects of their physical development, they enjoy the weekly keep-fit 'Figgits' group where they are developing skills in balancing, jumping, hopping, marching and co-ordination. Children have acquired an awareness of space and others as they move to music and enjoy singing games. Children are developing their fine-motor co-ordination skills effectively through using malleable materials, scissors and writing materials.

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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 are able to express their creativity through planned and child initiated activities. Children are eager to explore colour, shape, and texture. Children explore sound effectively through singing, music and movement, taped music and percussion. Children explore their senses through topic work and, through the provision of sand, water, dough and paint. Children learn to develop their imagination and express their ideas and feelings whilst engaged in role-play activities.

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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

• Link assessments to planning to ensure children's individual needs are supported, plans should demonstrate how children will be grouped and how, more able children's learning will be extended and challenged. • Staff to recognise and use learning opportunities during routine times to reinforce children's learning in mathematics. • Improve the structure and management of story-time to ensure sessions are appropriate to children's age and individual stage of development. • Consider ways to improve the book corner and encourage children to browse through books for pleasure.

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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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