The Phoenix Collegiate

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/10/2003 Inspector Name Kay Roberts

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Sunbeams Day Nursery Setting Address 33-35 Dibden Road Downend Bristol BS16 6UE

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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

Sunbeams Day Nursery was established in 1999. It is located at the end of a rank of shops, opposite Blackhorse Junior School, Downend, South Gloucestershire. There are two main rooms. The first, which is sub-divided, accommodates babies from three months to two years and children of two years. The second room is occupied by children of three years and over. To the rear of the property there is an area suitable for outside play. An office is available for confidential discussion with parents. The nursery is registered to care for a maximum of twenty-five children under the age of five years at any one time. There are currently forty-three children on the register, and of these, funding is received for four three-year-olds. The nursery has provision for children for whom English is a second language and for children who have special educational needs. Children who attend the nursery live withhin the local communities in either Downend or the new housing development at Emerson's

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Information about the setting

Green. There are six members of staff, all of whom hold an early years qualification. Support with educational planning is provided by South Gloucestershire Council. The nursery has two pets, a rabbit and a goldfish.

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How good is the Day Care?

Sunbeams Day Nursery provides good quality care in a warm, secure and welcoming environment. Photographs of the children and displays of their art work brighten the nursery walls. However, the bathroom facilities do not provide privacy for children wishing to use them. There is a stable, enthusiastic, flexible, staff group, who work well together as a team. The high staff ratio and inclusion of students provide many opportunities for one-to-one work and regular outings, to a farm, local park, shops, animal sanctuary

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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 and library, for all children. Interesting, theme based activity plans, which encompass all aspects of development, are drawn up for babies and children, and take into consideration children's special needs. Activities are supported by an extensive range of resources, which are readily accessible to children. Many toys and books reflect positive images of gender, culture, race and disability. Although children are placed in key worker groups, flexibility at different times of the day ensures that individual needs are met and there is a gradual transition from one room to another as children mature. Children are happy, confident, sociable, well behaved and show increasing independence. Staff are vigilant about children's safety; risk assessments are regularly reviewed,

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How good is the Day Care?

fire drills practised and child protection concerns appropriately managed. Good health and hygiene are encouraged and all staff are qualified to administer first aid. Children are provided with healthy, well balanced meals and snacks, and special dietary requirements are met. Up to date, confidentially maintained documentation complies with requirements, except that the register does not include exact times of arrival and departure, and medication records do not include details of medication administered by parents. Staff work in close partnership with parents, who are well informed about both the provision and their child's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the manager agreed to address nine actions, four of which related to equal opportunities. To address the shortfall in this area of practice, all staff have undertaken equal opportunities training, recruitment procedures have been adjusted, new resources are in regular use, and many positive images of diversity are reflected around the premises. All four actions relating to equal opportunities have been met in full. The fifth action was to ensure that appropriate checks were completed for all staff. This action has been met by completing and forwarding the appropriate forms as required by Ofsted. Copies of qualifications are held on file. This action has been fully met. It was agreed by the manager that she would further develop the operational plan. This is an ongoing process and each time there are changes within the setting, these are reflected in the operational plan. This action has been met in full.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

In order to meet another action, the child protection statement has been updated to include, steps to be taken if an allegation is made against a member of staff. This action has been met. Similarly, the complaints procedure required updating. This has been done and now includes details of Ofsted as the registering authority. The last action agreed by the manager was to ensure consistency in providing all

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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 parents/carers with daily records. All parents/carers with children under three years now receive both a daily verbal and written update. Parents of children over this age receive verbal information about their child's day.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are enthusiastic and work well together as a team. • Staff organise interesting, theme based activities for all ages of children. • Children are happy, confident, sociable, well behaved and show increasing independence. • Staff are vigilant about children's safety. • Children are provided with healthy, well balanced meals and snacks. • Staff work in close partnership with parents.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

All children's learning, particularly in relation to their knowledge of the local area which is extended through regular outings.

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What needs to be improved?

• details of exact arrival and departure times of staff and children; • recording of information related to administering medication; • privacy available to children when using the toilet.

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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 the register includes exact times of arrival and departure 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 and children. 4 ensure that the dignity and privacy of children are respected when using the toilet. 7 when administering medication, record details of any previous dosage given prio to arrival at the nursery, when it was given and the amount of the dose.

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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?

Sunbeams Day Nursery provides a warm and welcoming environment, within which children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is very good. There is a well established, flexible, enthusiastic staff group who work well together as a team. Staff have a good understanding of the early learning goals. They provide a stimulating range of well planned topics, which encompass many interesting activities and outings. The outings enable to children to learn at first hand about the natural world and their local community. Activities are supported by an extensive range of excellent resources, which are readily accessible to children. Children's individual needs are met, including the requirements of those with special needs, and all children make excellent progress. They are happy, confident, curious and enthusiastic about learning. Staff are pro-active in managing children's behaviour and have a consistent approach, which

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How effective is the nursery education?

focuses on the positives. Management and leadership are very good and staff are provided with a clear focus. There is an appraisal system in place and a strong emphasis is placed on training. The leader is able to identify strengths and weaknesses of the setting. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents receive a warm welcome and are provided with good information about the setting and their child's progress. However, although parents are asked to contribute to the written records about their child, they rarely take up this opportunity. Sunbeams Day Nursery serves its local community very well.

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What is being done well?

• Children are making excellent progress in all areas of learning. They are happy, confident, well behaved, curious and enthusiastic about learning. • Children go on regular interesting outings and have access to an extensive range of excellent resources to support their learning. • There is a well established, flexible, enthusiastic staff group, who plan an exciting range of activities based on the Early Learning Goals and knowledge of individual children. • There is clear leadership with a vision as to how the quality of care and education provision can be improved for children. • Staff provide a warm welcome for parents and work in close partnership to ensure that each child's needs are met.

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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?

• maximisation of opportunities for informal mark making and for increasing independence.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable as this is the first educational inspection.

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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 curious and show enthusiasm for new activities. They are confident and have good concentration. Children are developing an awareness of their own needs and show increasing independence. They make good relationships with adults and their peers. Children are well behaved, courteous, and able to work in harmony. They are developing a very good understanding of the local community.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children have good communication skills. They enjoy choosing and listening to stories, as well as making up their own stories. Children participate in singing simple rhymes. They have a good phonological knowledge and are learning about the alphabet. Children know that print carries meaning and are able to recognise their name. There are some opportunities for informal mark making and more able children are beginning to print their name.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children recognise numbers as labels and can count to ten. They are able to recognise and name simple shapes. Children are developing the appropriate language to explain mathematical concepts, such as, bigger, taller, heavy, more than. Children have excellent problem solving skills, which they are using to maximum benefit in every day life.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live; of the natural world, the local community, our multi-cultural society and, information and communication technology. They are developing a sense of time and can relate to events of the past. Children particularly enjoy exploration and practising design making skills.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children have good co-ordination, they move confidently, showing an awareness of space. Indoors children are able to negotiate between small spaces and outside they ride bikes without bumping into each other. They are developing both large and fine muscle skills well. This is particularly evident in their ability to use a variety of materials, equipment and tools. In addition, children are developing an understanding of health and bodily awareness.

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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 alert to all their senses and clearly show emotion when responding to a variety of experiences. They are enthusiastic about exploring different media and materials. Children participate in singing simple rhymes, and particularly enjoy those with actions, such as 'I'm a Little Sandy Boy'. They are developing a sense of rhythm and enjoy exploring a variety of musical instruments. On occasions children become encapsulated in a make-believe world.

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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 significant weaknesses to report, but consideration should be given to the following: • ensuring that all opportunities to increase children's independence, are maximised; • ensuring that opportunities for informal mark making are encouraged in all areas of the nursery.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

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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