Lilliput Farm Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/06/2004 Inspector Name Rebecca Hadley

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Lilliput Farm Day Nursery Setting Address 1 Dunhampton Farm Cottage Dunhampton Nr Stourport Worcs DY13 9SW

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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

Lilliput Farm Day Nursery opened in 1993. It operates from four rooms in a detached property in Dunhampton near Ombersley. The nursery serves the local and surrounding areas. There are currently 65 children under 5 years on role. This includes 22 funded 3-year-olds and 7 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 08.00 to 18.00. There are six full-time and four part-time staff who work with the children. Six staff have early years qualifications to NVQ Level 2 or 3. There are currently four staff working towards a recognised early 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?

Lilliput Farm Day Nursery provides good quality childcare. Good use is made of space and a safe, welcoming environment is provided for children and parents. There are effective procedures in place for appointing and vetting staff and for protecting children from persons who are not vetted. The wide range of toys is stored to enable children to easily choose for themselves and is regularly cleaned and checked. All documentation is in place and stored confidentially, although occasionally it is not accurately maintained. Staff demonstrate a very good awareness of safety procedures and, in the main, are vigilant about children's safety. Staff are pro-active in promoting good hygiene and there are excellent procedures in place for protecting children from infections. Healthy and nutritious snacks and meals are provided which meet children's individual dietary requirements. All children are valued with equality of opportunity

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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 actively promoted. Children are able to say good morning in a variety of languages. All staff have a very good awareness of signs and symptoms of abuse and of Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Staff interact positively with children and actively encourage them to participate in the wide range of activities provided. There are consistent and positive methods in place for managing children's behaviour. Effective procedures are in place for passing on information to parents verbally and through daily diaries, newsletters and notice boards, although some information is not readily available.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to develop an operational plan to include procedures for lost and uncollected childen and a list of named drivers with relevant vehicle information. She agreed to remove hazards from the driveway and obtain permission from parents before administering medication. She also agreed to develop a behaviour management statement and improve the child protection policy to include Area Child Protection Committee procedures and those to be followed should an allegation be made against a member of staff. The operational plan is now in place and includes information on the daily running of the nursery, all policies and procedures including those the owner agreed to implement and details of named drivers and proof of required documentation. Permission is now obtained from parents before administering medication and the driveway is free from hazards. These changes have improved the overall

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What has improved since the last inspection?

arrangements for the safety and welfare of the children.

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What is being done well?

• Children have access to a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities both inside and outdoors to help them make progress in all areas of learning and development. • Staff actively encourage children to eat healthy food and regularly talk with them about the importance of eating healthily. • There are very good procedures for identifying and monitoring children with special needs. Staff actively work with parents and outside agencies to ensure that children's needs are met appropriately. • There are consistent procedures in place for managing children's behaviour which include giving children an explanation as to why behaviour is not appropriate and offering constant praise and encouragement to reinforce positive behaviour. • Parents are actively encouraged to be involved in the nursery and regular events are held which parents are invited to attend.

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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?

• procedures to ensure that the daily register is accurately maintained at all times • procedures to ensure that the water in the downstairs bathroom is maintained at an appropriate temperature • the complaints procedure to include Ofsted's contact details.

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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 that the daily register accurately records the arrival and departure time of children and adults. 6 Ensure that the water in the bathroom handbasins is maintained at an appropriate temperature at all times. 12 Ensure that the complaints procedure includes the regulator's address and telephone number.

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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?

Lilliput Farm Day Nursery provides very good quality nursery education. Children are enthusiastic and eager to try the varied and stimulating learning opportunities which are provided to help them make very good progress towards the early learning goals. Quality of teaching is very good and staff ensure that children are well supported across all areas of learning. Staff have a comprehensive knowledge of the Foundation Stage and plan creative, interesting and exciting activities to help children progress. They provide children with opportunities to extend learning through group and play situations and ask questions to encourage children to think. Staff are consistent in their approach to managing children's behaviour. They have high expectations and help children to develop good social values, confidence and self-esteem. Staff use assessment records well to identify the progress children are making and to help them move forward at a pace suitable for their individual needs,

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How effective is the nursery education?

although these are not always confidentially used. They organise the daily routine well and set out activites to enable children to make independent choices. Leadership and management is very good. The nursery benefits from a good management structure and staff are aware of senior management's roles. Staff have regular opportunities to improve personal development through training and are actively encouraged to do so. The registered person is pro-active in implementing ways to improve the nursery. Management and staff are totally committed to providing high quality education for the children. Partnership with parents is very good and parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's learning. They are regularly informed of their children's progress. Good information is available to parents and parents views regarding their children's education are welcomed.

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What is being done well?

• Children have very good opportunities to explore and investigate. They regularly look at changes which take place in the natural world and have excellent opportunities to look at living creatures and to learn about how things grow. • Staff provide a wide range of activities to promote physical well being and have regular opportunities to develop and practise physical skills. They show a good awareness of space both for themselves and for others and move confidently with control and co-ordination negotiating obstacles. • Children play imaginatively both individually and with their peers. Role play is well supported and the children have access to a wide range of resources to encourage them to use their imagination to act out familiar stories 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 experiences. • Staff help children to develop an excellent understanding of peoples differing cultures and beliefs through a variety of activities and good use of resources. They celebrate a range of festivals and are learning simple words and phrases in several different languages. • The nursery is pro-active in encouraging parents to be involved in their child's learning. Parents are informed of their child's progress through regular parents' open days and daily verbal communication.

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What needs to be improved?

• the use of children's development charts to ensure that confidentiality is maintained in relation to parent access.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Improvement since last inspection is very good. At that time the points for development related to staff awareness of the early years curriculum and their involvement in planning. Staff have now attended Foundation Stage training and contribute well to curriculum planning. This covers all areas of learning and is used to enable children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

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

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are interested, motivated to learn and enthusiastic to join in activities. They are very confident and chat happily expressing their views to each other and staff. They form very good relationships with their peers and adults and are sensitive to each others' needs. They are co-operative and are able to work as part of a group to complete tasks and also play independently alongside each other.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident speakers and listeners. They actively join in group times, share information with each other and answer simple questions. They practise mark-making on a daily basis, are starting to form recognisable letters without adult support and some can write their own name. Many children can link sounds to letters and can name the letter that objects start with. They recognise their own names and the names of familiar objects which surround them.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show an active interest in numbers and counting and use number and counting in everyday situations. All children are able to count to 15 and some to 20. They understand and use a range of mathematical language to compare size, shape, weight and measure in a variety of different activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children explore and learn about their local environment and the wider world. They are developing a good understanding of peoples different cultures and beliefs through a variety of activities. They are able to discuss past and present events in their lives and are developing a good sense of time. They are able to use a variety of everyday information technology including a computer, a camera, a telephone and a calculator.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children have access to a wide range of activities which encourage physical development. They show a good awareness of space both for themselves and others and can move with control and co-ordination. They are developing a good understanding of how to stay healthy and are aware of the need for personal hygiene. They recognise the changes that take place to their bodies after exercise.

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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 play imaginatively both individually and with their peers. They enjoy exploring sounds and listening to music and regularly sing throughout the day. They respond well to creative experiences and are able to create using a wide range of media and materials. They are able to express themselves in a variety of ways including dance, drama and activities which use their senses.

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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: • the procedures for recording children's development to ensure that confidentiality between staff and parents is maintained at all times.

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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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