St Peter's Catholic Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/11/2003 Inspector Name Marilyn Joy

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Ellingham House Day Nursery Setting Address Ellingham Ringwood Hampshire BH24 3PJ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name ELLINGHAM HOUSE DAY NURSERY LTD Address ELLINGHAM RINGWOOD HAMPSHIRE BH24 3PJ

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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

Ellingham House Day Nursery opened in 1996. It operates from a converted house in a rural location. The nursery serves the local and wider area. There are currently 200 children from 0 to 5 years on roll. This includes 28 funded three-year-olds and 9 funded four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery currently supports a small number of children have special educational needs. The nursery supports children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 08:00 until 18:00. There are 21 full-time staff and six part-time staff working with the children. Over half have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3 and 2 staff are currently on training programmes. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Ellingham House Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. A welcoming and well-planned environment is provided where parents and children feel confident and secure. The nursery is divided into separate units according to children's age and stage of development. Displays of children's work decorate the walls. There is a wide variety of exciting toys and equipment in each unit. The grounds are used daily for outdoor play.The nursery is organised well and most documentation is in place. The nursery takes positive steps to ensure children's health and safety is maintained at all times. Thorough risk assessments are carried out and staff are proactive in maintaining a safe environment. The nursery has sound knowledge of children's individual needs and takes these into account when planning the healthy menu. The nursery supports children with special needs.

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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 A broad range of activities are provided to support children's development as they progress through the nursery. Staff are interested in the children, interact effectively and participate in their play. A consistent approach, as well as praise and encouragement, is used to promote positive behaviour with all ages. Partnership with parents is given a high priority. Effective systems are in place for exchanging information regularly regarding children's progress and well-being. Parents are given details of most policies and procedures when children join the nursery. Confidentiality is maintained at all times and parent's wishes respected.

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What is being done well?

• Effective management supports the staff team. Thorough induction procedures ensure staff have a sound understanding of policies and practices. Regular meetings and ongoing training keeps staff knowledge up-to-date and ensures children are cared for in a consistent manner. • Safety is given a high priority. Staff use their knowledge well to ensure a safe environment is maintained throughout the nursery. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of safety for themselves when playing outside and moving around the nursery. • Healthy and nutritious home-cooked meals, including fresh fruit and vegetables, are provided daily. Staff have a sound knowledge of children's individual dietary requirements and these are fully considered when planning menu options. Children develop good eating habits and social skills whilst sitting with each other and staff for meal and snack times. • An exciting range of resources are used to stimulate and challenge children

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What is being done well?

as they progress through the nursery. Sensory experiences are introduced for babies. Toddlers explore paint and the home corner whilst older children explore the adventure play equipment. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. • Partnership with parents is fostered through effective communication. Parents can discuss their child's development and progress on a daily basis as well as formally through written records and meetings. Clear information is provided when children move from one unit to another. Children have introductory visits and time to settle into the new routines.

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What needs to be improved?

• policies and procedures shared with parents • documentation to ensure it is up-to-date

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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

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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 12 develop policies and procedures to ensure they reflect practice and are shared with parents. 14 ensure documentation is updated and maintained accurately at all times.

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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?

Ellingham House Day Nursery provides high quality nursery education and children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. Their personal,social and emotional development is particularly good. The quality of teaching is very good. Most staff have sound knowledge of the early learning goals. All are involved in planning a balanced curriculum,using information gained from assessment of children's achievements. They liaise with other professionals to ensure that children with special needs are included. Staff build strong relationships with children. They use appropriate teaching methods,asking questions and making suggestions that promote learning, but do not provide enough opportunity for experiment. They are particularly good at integrating number work into daily activities and at developing children's language skills in conversation. They provide a stimulating environment with easily accessible resources, enabling

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How effective is the nursery education?

children to make choices and develop independence. Staff plan exciting role play situations where children develop imagination freely. They use praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour, and handle unwanted behaviour sensitively. The principal and manager provide strong leadership, sharing management responsibilities and being committed to achieving high standards of care and education. They have appointed well-qualified members of staff, who are clear about their roles and responsibilities. A system of staff appraisal identifies training needs, and staff are supported in developing their skills and knowledge. The effectiveness of the provision is continuously evaluated. Recommendations from previous inspections have been promptly addressed and suggestions by parents implemented, and there are plans for future improvement. Partnership with parents is very good. Communication is encouraged and parents

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How effective is the nursery education?

are confident in discussing any concerns. Their expertise is welcomed in the nursery and they enjoy regular social events.

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What is being done well?

• Children make particularly good progress in personal, social and emotional development. They are confident in their relationships with children and adults and develop independence and initiative. •• Staff are continuously encouraging conversation and introducing new vocabulary, so that children become confident speakers and are able to express their feelings and ideas. • Children experience counting and calculation throughout their daily activities and develop good understanding of number.

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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 • Children enjoy a variety of imaginative role play situations, both planned by staff and initiated by themselves. Staff provide a stimulating environment where children can develop their ideas and their imagination. • Strong consistent leadership and a clear management structure ensure that children benefit from provision which continues to develop and improve.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for older children to investigate, experiment and explore so that they can find things out for themselves; • the knowledge and understanding that some staff have of the early learning goals.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The Nursery has made very good progress since the last inspection. There were two points for consideration identified at the last inspection. One concerned provision to extend children's technological awareness and understanding. The second was the provision of information to parents about the Foundation Stage of Learning and the emphasis on learning through play. The nursery has increased provision for children to learn about technology with a computer in the preschool unit, which children use to support their learning. The preschool leader has produced information for staff on its use, and children are developing in expertise. All children are encouraged to use the computer and staff report that it has been effective in teaching children to listen, to follow instructions and to concentrate. Parents of children entering the preschool unit are given a booklet explaining the Foundation Stage and how it is used in the nursery. They now have the opportunity

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What has improved since the last inspection?

to develop a better understanding of what their children are doing and achieving, and are able to participate in their children's learning.

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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 sit quietly to listen and are able to concentrate for long periods. They show confidence in their interaction with other people and learn to take turns and to share. Staff use praise and encouragement to foster children's self-esteem and pride in their work, and to re-inforce good behaviour. Children learn to be independent in selecting activities and resources and in their personal care. They are sensitive to the needs of others and are introduced to different cultures and beliefs.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Three and four year olds are confident in speaking and become fluent as staff enable them to talk about feelings and experiences and extend their vocabulary. They enjoy looking at books in well-equipped and comfortable reading areas, listen attentively to stories and join in with enthusiasm. All children learn to write their names and some write captions on their work. Clear labelling on resources makes children familiar with written words and they regularly use writing in role play situations.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children experience counting and simple calculation as an integral part of daily activities. Most children can count to 10 and some beyond. They can solve simple problems such as the number of extra cups needed at the snack table. They learn to recognise numerals and older children can write numbers in recording their work. They use a variety of resources to learn about shape and recreate patterns, and practise mathematical language in such activities as playdough and sand play.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children learn about the natural world in walks around the grounds, noticing seasonal changes. They learn to design and build with construction toys and with recycled materials, but have limited opportunities to experiment, investigate and find out for themselves. Older children are able to use a computer, while the younger ones learn how to operate simple powered equipment. They share past experiences in circle time and learn about their community with the help of invited visitors.

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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: Very Good Children use the extensive grounds to enjoy natural opportunities for climbing, balancing and moving with confidence. Children develop good spatial awareness with ride-on toys outside and with movement sessions indoors, and learn to respect the space of other children. They develop manipulative skills with a range of tools, implements and materials. They learn about healthy eating and the importance of good hygiene practice.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children explore colour and texture with imaginative art and craft work and the results are displayed with pride throughout the nursery. CHildren experience exciting musical activities where they learn about rhythm and sound patterns. They use a range of instruments and join in songs and rhymes with enthusiasm. They move to music in regular sessions. Children develop imagination, communicate ideas and act out experiences in a variety of interesting role play situations and with puppets.

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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 improving the following: • increase opportunities for older children to investigate, experiment and explore so that they can find things out for themselves; • ensure that all staff have secure knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals.

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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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