Tots Junction

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 04/10/2004 Inspector Name Christine Fraser Turner

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Tots Junction Setting Address Grimshaw Lane Middleton, Manchester Lancs. M24 2AT

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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

Tots Junction opened in 1998 under its current owner. It operates from a single story building in Middleton. There are three playrooms for the children, a central bathroom/nappy changing area, a kitchen, an office and a staff room. A secure outdoor play area is available and offers play on both hard and grassed areas. The nursery serves a wide area. There are currently 27 children from 0 to under 5 years on roll. This includes 6 funded 3 year olds and 1 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently no children with special needs on roll and the group supports 1 child with English as an additional language. The group opens Monday to Friday 07:30 to 18:00, all year round. There are eight full time staff and a manager employed at the nursery. All but one member of staff holds a childcare qualification. The unqualified member of staff is working towards gaining an NVQ level two childcare qualification. Current staff

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Information about the setting

holding NVQ level two qualification qualifications are working towards gaining a level three qualification. An additional member of staff is employed as a lunchtime supervisor. A cook is employed to provide meals for the children and a cleaner is employed at weekends to clean the nursery.

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How good is the Day Care?

Tots Junction provides satisfactory day care for children. Effective procedures are in place to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children. Detailed policies are in place to support the running of the nursery but not all staff are familiar with them. The premises are clean, warm and welcoming. Children of all ages are able to access their toys easily. There is a wide variety of outdoor equipment but resources to promote all areas of equality of opportunity are limited. Most required documents are in place to support the care of children but some need improvements.

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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 Risk assessment are in place and reviewed annually. Most aspects of safety are addressed but some need to be changed. Parents are well informed on health matters. Children are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines. Staff manage most aspects of hygiene well and some areas need improvement. Staff respect parents dietary requests for their child and staff are well informed about allergies. The nursery needs to review the current arrangements for the provision of drinks. Staff use information provided by parents to offer individual care for children. Systems are in place to care for children with special needs. Staff understand their role in protecting children. Children have access to a range of interesting activities and staff work alongside

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How good is the Day Care?

children and join in with play. Staff need to develop current plans in all areas to ensure they are linked to children's developmental needs, using their observation to plan for individual needs. Staff manage children's behaviour well. Parents and carers have good relationships with staff. Parents spoken to at the time of inspection were happy with the care provided for their child and felt that staff were approachable.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the previous inspection, the provider agreed to improve some policies and procedures. Effective vetting procedure are now in place and an operational plan is available to support the running of the nursery. The provider has included details of the regulator in the complaints procedure so parents know who to contact if they are not happy with the service. The behaviour management policy includes a statement on bullying and there is a named person for behaviour management. There is now a designated member of staff for child protection so staff know who to discuss any concerns about child protection with. Although parents have previously given consent for swimming this was not available at the time of inspection. A first-aid box is now readily available for staff to administer first aid treatment to children if required.

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What is being done well?

• The partnership with parents is good and daily diaries are used as means of communication for babies to ensure that parents have detailed information on their child's daily routine. Parents of older children receive verbal feedback from staff • Staff implement the behaviour management policy consistently and give age appropriate explanations to children. • Wide range of good quality equipment is available to promote learning in all age groups. • Parents are well informed on health matters via the nursery policy and staff provide leaflets giving specific health information. This reduces the spread of infection between children.

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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 supervision of children at meal times • the procedure for parents to countersign the medication records • the written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, written consent for children to go swimming and use transport • the security of the premises when parents are arriving in the morning and the access to the kitchen • the storage of children's tooth brushes

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 7 Keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children. 11/10/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Ensure that children do not have access to the kitchen except with direct staff supervision. 6 Make sure that premises are secure when parents are arriving in a morning and no unauthorised person can gain access to the premises. 6 Ensure children are supervised at meal times. 6 Obtain written consent from parents prior to their child going swimming and obtain written consent for children to use transport. 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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 7 Improve the storage of tooth brushes for children to prevent cross infection.

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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 educational provision at Tots Junction is acceptable but has some significant areas for improvement. Children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals in personal and social development, knowledge and understanding of the world and physical development. However, progress in other areas is limited. The quality of teaching has significant weaknesses. Staffs management of children's behaviour is generally good. They are beginning to make links with how continuous provision promotes learning. Staffs limited understanding of the curriculum guidance for the foundation stage impacts on their ability to plan effectively for children's learning. Resources used for teaching do not always sufficiently challenge children. Staff plan for each area of learning but this is not based on assessment of the children's understanding, skill and what they need to do next. Plans contain insufficient detail to inform teaching.

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How effective is the nursery education?

The leadership and management of the nursery has some significant weaknesses. There is, however, a commitment to develop the practice and staff have implemented some new ideas following training. There are no systems in place currently to monitor the effectiveness of the nursery education. Staff have insufficient time to plan which has an impact on the detail in planning and limits children's progress. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Parents receive regular updates through news letters and parents receive information on the setting. Staff implement parents wishes. Parents know what the child is learning from what the child does at home. There are insufficient opportunities for staff and parents to review children's progress. There is limited use made of activity sheets for parents this idea should continue to be developed.

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What is being done well?

• Children form good relationships with each other and this results in children having opportunities to initiate some child led activities. • Children behave well supported staff who manage behaviour consistently which results in children being able to concentrate well for periods of time. • Children are using large and small equipment and gaining lots of experience. There is a good range of outdoor equipment including equipment for climbing that offers good challenge to older children. • There are good opportunities in the garden for children to get first hand experiences as they examine insects.

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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?

• increase staffs knowledge and understanding of the foundation stage curriculum • improve the programme for teaching mathematics • improve opportunities for children to learn about print in the environment and opportunities for free writing. • improve the opportunities for children to use resources that support role play, building models and using their imagination through dance.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Progress from the previous inspection is poor. No action plan was available to measure how effectively staff planned and implemented it. Staff were asked to extend the weekly planning systems to show what children were expected to learn. Current plans contain insufficient details to inform teaching this limits children's progress in some areas of learning. Staff were asked to support their check list with regular, recorded observations then use the observations to inform plans for individual children and groups of children for the next steps for learning. The check lists are no longer used and have been replaced with staff comment sheets on children's progress. These sheets do not cover all the six areas of learning in the foundation stage. There is no evidence of observations to support the comments on children's progress which was part of a key issue in the last inspection or that they inform the next steps for learning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Staff plan meaningful opportunities for children to record their observations in science but still need to provide opportunities that encourage children to record number.

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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 make good relationships with each other. They confidently select activities from resources provided by staff. Children make a good attempt at putting on their own coats. They behave well and are beginning to learn right from wrong. Insufficient attention is given to children finding out about other peoples cultures and beliefs.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children are learning to listen to and enjoy stories. They are beginning to recognise their own name. Children speak confidently to each other in role play. Children are able to handle books. Children do not practice writing their own names enough and need more opportunities for writing with a purpose in role play. Too little importance is placed on print in the environment and children's vocabulary is not sufficiently extended by staff introducing new words to children.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children are beginning to learn about shape through themed activities. Children use mathematical language for size during play as they build a big tower. Children are beginning to learn about the idea of pattern as they work alongside staff. There are too few opportunities for children to learn to count and to recognise numbers. Children have insufficient opportunities to learn about calculating, how many etc.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children talk to each other about events at home. They learn about their local community as they walk to feed the ducks and visit the local library. Children have regular opportunities to construct with man made materials. Plans show children learn about things that float and sink as they play in the water. Children collect bugs in the nursery garden and record their findings. Children do not use information technology sufficiently or learn about other peoples cultures.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children move confidently and are able to ride bikes well. Children are learning to find their own space as they prepare to do exercise. They handle tools with increasing confidence. Children climb confidently but there are insufficient opportunities for children to learn to balance. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene and how regular brushing of teeth keeps them healthy.

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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: Significant Weaknesses Children use their imagination well as they play together. They explore colour as they engage in painting and printing. Children have regular opportunities to use musical instruments. Children explore texture as they use sand, cooked spaghetti and mashed potatoes. Children's imagination is not sufficiently supported with well resourced role play areas. There are too few opportunities for children to make models using recycled materials and use their imagination in dance.

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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 but has some significant areas for improvement. Children's progress towards the early learning goals is limited by some significant weaknesses. The next inspection will take place in one to two years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• develop staffs knowledge of the foundation stage curriculum to enable them to use the guidance effectively, focusing on the links between observation/assessment, planning and teaching • give greater emphasis to the programme for mathematics and make sure that all stepping stones for this area are fully promoted • improve opportunities for children to learn about the importance of print and to explore writing themselves. Provide more opportunities for staff to extend children's vocabulary • improve the resources in the role play area to ensure that children are fully supported and make the links between other areas of learning for example reading and writing materials. Increase the opportunities for children to build models using recycled materials and ensure children have more planned opportunities to use their imagination through dance.

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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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