Home From Home Day Nursery Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/02/2005 Inspector Name Patricia Mary Champion

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Home From Home Day Nursery Ltd Setting Address 7 Westminster Drive Westcliff-on-Sea Essex SS0 9SJ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Home From Home Day Nursery Ltd Address 7 Westminster Drive Westcliff-on-Sea Essex SS0 9SJ

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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

Home From Home Day Nursery is privately owned. It opened in 2004 and operates from three playrooms within a converted house in central Westciff. The premises are located within walking distance of shops, schools and the railway station. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. A maximum of 23 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The setting opens five days a week all year round, apart from public holidays and one week at Christmas. Operating times are from 08:00 until 18:00. There are currently 34 children aged under 5 years on roll. Of these 12 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend for a variety of sessions or full day care. The nursery serves the local community and surrounding areas. The setting supports a small number of children who have special needs or who have English as an additional language. The nursery employs nine staff. Seven of the staff, including the manager hold early

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Information about the setting

years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Three staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from Southend Sure Start and the Pre School Learning Alliance (PSLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

Home from Home Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff provide an attractive and welcoming setting for children in their care. There are plans to further improve the outdoor area. Children have access to a wide range of well-chosen activities and resources, which enable them to make progress and extend their skills. However, there is not yet any domestic style furniture in the baby room. Documentation is extremely well organised with a high regard given to confidentiality. All policies and procedures are in place and are clearly implemented by the staff.

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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 high regard is given to the children's safety. Risk assessment is regularly undertaken and children learn about evacuation procedures. Children are encouraged to learn about good hygiene practice through the daily routine. The staff are getting to know the children well and show care and concern for their individual needs. Snacks and drinks are provided with regard given to allergies and special diets. The staff are aware of their child protection responsibilities and clear procedures are in place to ensure children are kept safe. A broad range of fun activities and stimulating first hand experiences are provided to support the children's learning. Staff are consistent and use praise and encouragement effectively. The younger children respond well to staff's expectations

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How good is the Day Care?

for good behaviour. The staff interact very well with the children. They talk and listen respectfully to them and provide effective support during their activities. The policies regarding equality of opportunity and special needs cover all aspects of the nursery's work. The nursery develops good relationships with the parents. Comprehensive information is both gathered and shared with the parents so that children feel secure within the nursery. Parents are encouraged to approach the staff at any time and they value the warm and friendly environment.

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What is being done well?

• The staff are developing very good relationships with the children. They spend time working directly with the children and provide a warm and caring environment. The staff have taken on board new initiatives by attending training and use the Birth to Three Framework when planning activities and developing the assessment records. • High quality documentation required for the efficient and safe management of the nursery is in place. An operational plan has been devised and the records kept promoting the welfare, care and learning of all children are well maintained. • All staff consistently apply the comprehensive safety procedures. They are extremely vigilant about the children's security; access to the provision is monitored to keep children safe. • There are clear policies and procedures that promote good health and hygiene. Staff consistently protect children from illness and infection and sensitively care for children who are unwell. An Environmental Health Officer

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What is being done well?

has visited the premises and commended the staff on the excellent standard of cleanliness. • The parents are made to feel very welcome. They are well informed about the setting through written information and close contact with the staff. The nursery acts very quickly on any comments or suggestions parents may

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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 make. Parents speak very positively about the friendly and approachable staff. • Healthy eating is actively promoted with a high regard given to any allergies. Nutritious cooked meals are provided each day with an alternative menu for children who have special diets.

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What needs to be improved?

• provision for some domestic furniture in the baby room.

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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 5 Ensure that some domestic style furniture is provided in the baby room, to assist children in developing mobility and to continue normal life experiences.

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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 Home from Home Day Nursery is good. It enables children to make very good progress in their knowledge and understanding of the world and generally good progress in all other areas of learning. Teaching is generally good. The staff are developing a sound understanding of the Foundation Stage and provide a good range of purposeful activities, which support children's learning across the curriculum. The written planning and assessment cycle is thorough and links directly to all areas of learning. However, the older children are not always fully challenged and they sometimes lose interest in the activities. The younger funded children behave extremely well and are busy and interested as they learn through play. The staff have already identified a need to improve the provision for physical play. A soft play surface is to be fitted in the outdoor area during Spring 2005 with new climbing and balancing apparatus. A system is in place for children

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How effective is the nursery education?

who need extra support. Leadership and management is generally good. The owner of the nursery gives positive direction for the care and education of all children. Regular team meetings are held and staff appraisals are undertaken. A strong team spirit is developing. However, due to current staffing difficulties the manager is spending time delivering the curriculum as well as taking on more responsibilities than she originally intended. The partnership with parents is generally good. They have access to high quality information about the setting and are kept informed of their child's progress. The staff have organised an open day for April 2005 to further improve links for communication.

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What is being done well?

• Children are actively involved in developing their knowledge and understanding of the world through an excellent topic-based structured activity programme. There are stimulating opportunities for children to see, feel, touch and investigate the world in which they live. Artefacts and themed objects from around the world are provided for children to explore. Excellent use is made of the outdoor area to allow children to develop their understanding of the natural world. Children observe the icy weather and discuss the changing seasons. • The children's role-play is well supported. Excellent costumes, props and resources are provided to link with themes and topics. Children become absorbed when acting out roles both real and imaginary. They enjoy spending time in the safari café, they talk through why they need to take their sick baby to the doctor and act out what happens when you need to use a builder or plumber.

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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 • There is an effective partnership with parents. Regular newsletters and notices inform parents of coming events and the themes the children are working on. The staff provide ideas for children to share with parents at home to enhance topic work. Parents complete regular reviews and questionnaires so that staff can monitor the effectiveness and quality of care and nursery education.

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities for children to write for a purpose within their role play • the evaluation of activities so that more challenge is offered to the older or more able 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: Generally Good Children are extremely confident. They are initially curious and interested in activities and demonstrate pride in their achievements. However, some older children become easily distracted and do not always persevere with their tasks. Children can freely choose from the activities on offer and are independent in their self-care. Friendly relationships are formed with their peers and the staff team. Children cooperate and share resources, showing respect for each other by taking turns.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children speak extremely confidently to staff and visitors. Their vocabulary reflects the breadth of their experiences. Children listen to stories with enjoyment and handle books carefully. They can recognise their names by linking sounds to letters and clearly labelled displays help them to learn other familiar words. Although a variety of resources and materials are provided for mark making, there are missed opportunities for the children to practice emergent writing in their role-play.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are given many learning experiences to explore number, size and shape. They count reliably up to ten and higher with support. They sort jungle animals, count money and use a dice. Children recreate patterns using pegboards and write numerals on the hopscotch grid. Meaningful activities allow children to explore weight and measurement. Although children learn simple calculation when singing number rhymes, older children show less interest in number problems within the everyday routine.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children's investigative, scientific and exploratory skills are well used as they explore the properties of ice or shaving foam. They make models using construction toys or recycled materials. Children learn about technology using telephones, tills and the computer. Work planned around the broad range of themes and topics stimulates the children's interest and curiosity about the natural world and awareness of cultures. Children are very interested in jungle animals and where they come from.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

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

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children show a good awareness of space as they move around inside or outdoors. They ride scooters and bikes with expertise, avoiding obstacles and following playground markings. Children jump confidently in and out of hoops and particularly enjoy playing with the parachute. Older children have less challenge when climbing or balancing. Children handle and explore tools and malleable materials. Health, bodily awareness and hygiene procedures are covered through topics and everyday routines.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children show interest in what they see, hear, touch and feel. They recognise colours and a range of materials is used to allow children to explore texture. Artwork is displayed for children's appreciation. Children really enjoy using their imagination through dressing up and role-play using an excellent range of props. Children enjoy singing and using musical instruments and explore sound with great enthusiasm. Less evidence of child initiated art and design is offered within written planning.

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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

• review use of resources to maximise children's learning, particularly by providing materials for children to write for a purpose • continue to monitor and evaluate the daily routine to ensure that sufficient challenge is provided for the older or more able children and ensure their interest is sustained during planned activities.

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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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