Nancledra School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/07/2003 Inspector Name Sara Bailey

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Eager Beavers Nursery Group Setting Address St John Ambulance Hall Park Road Street Somerset

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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

Eager Beavers Nursery Group opened in 1989. It is a private group which operates from the St. Johns Ambulance Hall in Street, Somerset. The group have use of one large room with a smaller adjoining room located off. There is a kitchen, toilets, cloakroom area and a small fully enclosed car park used for outside play. Eager Beavers serves the local area. There are currently 36 children on roll. This includes 16 funded three year olds and 8 funded four year olds. One child has Special Needs, no children speak English as an additional language. Eager Beavers Nursery Group is registered for 26 children aged two to five years. They operate from 9.15 am to 12.15 pm with an optional lunch session offered until 1.10pm. A shorter session from 9.30 am to 11.30am is offered for two year olds. The group are open Monday to Friday term time only. Nine staff work with the children at a variety of sessions, five of whom are qualified

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Information about the setting

to level 3 equivalent in Early Years. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. (EYDCP)

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How good is the Day Care?

Eager Beavers Nursery Group offers satisfactory care for children. The sessions are generally well organized with good use of two play rooms to group the children appropriately, although there are times when the young children are sitting un-necessarily and staff could be better deployed due to the high ratios and less dependant on the managers direction. The premises are transformed daily into a bright, cheerful and welcoming environment with a good range of toys. The outside play area needs to be utilized more effectively for so many children. Documentation is very well presented but missing some essential policies and information. Some areas of the premises were not safe or suitable for children to access, other

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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 potential hazards need to be addressed by a risk assessment. Some aspects of health are un-satisfactory and require attention to prevent cross infection. Children's individual needs are clearly met with a good understanding of Special Needs and children are beginning to be introduced to other cultures. There is however a poor knowledge of Child Protection procedures. The children experience a wide range of activities with a particular enjoyment for books, stories and singing. They are encouraged to be confident in speaking out in a group and are developing good relationships within a caring environment. The children's behaviour is good with much praise and encouragement by staff. Parents receive very good information about the setting and their children's

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How good is the Day Care?

development. Access to keyworkers and notice board is sometimes restricted and not all necessary information about the children is recorded. Parents are very positive about the provision.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

6 of the 7 actions from last inspection have been addressed. A fire log book is now in place. Parental consent for emergency medical treatment and administering medication along with a medication record book is now in place. Hand drying is improved with the use of individual paper towels although hand washing practices is a newly identified area in need of attention. Drinking water is now available although the poster said to be in place to assist children to the accessibility of the jugs and cups is no longer in place. A record of significant incidents is still not in place although OFSTED had been informed of a book having been identified for this purpose.

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What is being done well?

• Children are cared for in a well presented, bright, cheerful environment which is warm and welcoming. • Children's individual and special needs are identified and met through keyworker systems and assessments and record keeping. • Parent's are well informed of their children's progress and actively encouraged to be involved with a book sharing scheme.

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What needs to be improved?

• the policies, procedures, written records, risk assessments and documentation needs to be more comprehensive, on the premises at all times and in line with the National Standards • the grouping for children to maximise staff deployment, time and resources indoors and out • the nappy changing, sleeping facilities and hand washing procedures to be

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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 improved to promote positive hygiene practices. • first aid box and disposable gloves to be readily available in an emergency and all accidents recorded immediately. • child protection knowledge and understanding for all staff.

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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 ensure procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection with particular attention to use of blankets and handwashing 01/09/2003

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

2 devise a procedure for lost children and a staff induction programme 01/09/2003

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

6 conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying action(s) to be taken to minimize identified risks and ensure procedures are in place for transporting children/outings 01/09/2003

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

13 ensure that the child protection procedure for the nursery group complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures and that staffs knowledge and understanding is improved 01/09/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 develop organisation and grouping of children to maximise staff deployment, time and resources 4 improve nappy changing facilties 4 outside play area to be restricted to smaller groups at a time

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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 ensure first aid box and disposable gloves are located for easy access 11 keep a sufficiently detailed record of significant issues and share this with parents 12 ensure information about allergies and dietary requirements form part of the standard information held on all children and OFSTED’s name and address is available to parents on the complaints procedure as the regulatory body

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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?

Eager Beavers Nursery Group offers acceptable nursery education and is of good quality overall. Children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is generally good. Staff make good use of space indoors to create an inviting learning environment but staff deployment and lack of organisation at whole group times leads to a deterioration in children's behaviour. Staff are keen to train to support children with limited communication but need to ensure that children's observations and assessments are linked to the stepping stones so they can plan effectively for their progress. Leadership and management is generally good. Over half of the staff are Level 3 trained and are keen to continue their training. There are excellent resources in place to support staff with assessments, planning and extension activities but these are not currently used. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good and parents were all

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How effective is the nursery education?

positive in their feedback about the nursery. They have access to a good prospectus and regular newsletters and are able to have some contact with their child's keyworker on a regular basis. They are encouraged to be involved with their child's learning by the use of a library book system but are not kept fully informed about their children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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What is being done well?

• Somerset Total Communication (STC) is used with all children to aid communication. • Children are forming good relationships and are supportive of each other. • Excellent opportunities are provided for children to use books for enjoyment and to listen and respond to stories and rhymes.

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What needs to be improved?

• children's assessments need to be linked to the stepping stones to inform planning and show children's progression towards the early learning goals • planning to ensure that activities and resources meet the needs of all children with appropriate challenges for more able children • opportunities for children to use language to compare numbers and to fully benefit from good resources available by the effective use of staff's interaction

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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 • accessibility and organisation of resources and activities to encourage children's independence and self-control.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has made generally good progress since the last inspection. Staff have started to make children aware of other cultures through providing positive images in good quality books and posters. Children are encouraged to ask questions within the activities provided on a daily basis.

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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 generally good progress in personal, social and emotional development. They are forming good relationships with each other and behaviour is generally good. The staff are keen to use Somerset Total Communication (STC) with all children to improve communication. More opportunities are needed to encourage children to become independent, especially at snack time.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in communication, language and literacy. There are excellent opportunities for children to use books and to listen and respond to stories with enjoyment. Children are encouraged to write their name on their work and older children practise this skill in their workbook. They are beginning to link sounds with letters.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children make generally good progress in mathematical development. There are very good resources for maths but these are not used effectively without staff's interaction. Children are able to count and recognise numbers but need more opportunities to show interest in number problems.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children make generally good progress in knowledge and understanding of the world. There are good opportunities for children to share events in their own lives but planning doesn't ensure that the children are learning about the cultures and beliefs of other people. Children are keen to practice their design and making skills but resources are not readily accessible to encourage independence.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children make generally good progress in physical development. They are able to move confidently and imaginatively in safety and are confident at using a variety of tools and materials. Physical play is part of the everyday routine but needs to be better organised to meet children's individual needs and ensure that children have access to age/ability appropriate equipment.

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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 make generally good progress in creative development. Children are confident to use their imagination in role-play, art and design, music and especially stories. There are good opportunities for children to respond to what they see, hear, smell, taste, touch and feel through activities provided

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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

• develop an assessment system which will record how children are progressing along the stepping stones. • develop systems for planning which are linked to children's assessments, ensuring coverage of all areas of learning and extending activities for more able children. • ensure resources, organisation, staff deployment and time management meet children's needs, especially at whole group times and when utilising outside play, and encourage their independence.

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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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