Trench Tots Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/04/2004 Inspector Name Dianne Andrews

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Trench Tots Neighbourhood Nursery Setting Address The Sutherland School Gibbons Road, Trench Telford Shropshire TF2 7JR

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Trench Tots Neighbourhood Nursery Limited 4838548 1102017

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Trench Tots Neighbourhood Nursery Limited Address c/o The Sutherland School Gibbons Road, Trench Telford Shropshire TF2 7JR

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Trench Tots Neighbourhood Nursery opened in January 2004. It operates from a purpose-built, demountable building in the grounds of the Sutherland School, Trench, Telford. The nursery serves the local community and serves to support families in need, with 30 places being offered for this purpose. There are 32 children from 3 months to 5 years on roll. This includes three and four-year-olds in receipt of education grant. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Children who have special needs and children who speak English as an additional language are supported within the setting. The setting opens five days a week throughout the year. Sessions are from 08:00 to 18:00. There are seven staff working with the children, over half have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Unqualified staff are working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Trench Tots Neighbourhood Nursery provides a satisfactory level of care for children. A warm and welcoming environment is provided for parents and children. As a member of the Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative, the nursery is proactive in its aim to provide support for families in need within the locality. Procedures to ensure that staff have a consistent approach to their work, such as staff induction programme, updating training and regular staff meetings are effective. Children's safety is a priority within the nursery where, on the whole, positive steps are taken to promote safety and to prevent accidents. The daily routine encourages children to have good personal hygiene standards and staff take appropriate steps

p.2

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 to prevent the spread of infection in most areas of their practice. Children are well behaved and respond positively to expectations. Meals are provided in generous quantities and are healthy and nutritious.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The nursery is still in its infancy as a full day care provision and staff continue to build on the range of resources, particularly for the toddler and baby rooms. Planning for activities is displayed for all areas of the nursery and children are involved in a variety of age-appropriate opportunities both indoors and in the recently completed outdoor play area. Staff are building good relationships with parents through the regular sharing of information by newsletter, daily diaries and verbal exchange. The re-introduction of a key worker system will offer parents more consistent liaison with their child's carer.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable, as this is the first inspection for the full day care provision.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Positive steps are taken to promote and review safety within the group. • Children in need are given priority and are integrated effectively into the group. Staff liaise with local groups and agencies to promote partnership with the community. • The partnership with parents is good. Staff work hard to provide information to keep them informed about the provision on a daily and on-going basis.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• notification to Ofsted of any changes which effect the registration • registration arrangements, to include children's times of attendance • regulation of room temperatures • organisation of space and resources • safety of the steps to the outdoor play area • hygiene procedures for sleeping arrangements • recording of children who arrive at the setting with existing injuries.

p.3

Outcome of the 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

p.3

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.

p.4

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

Std Action Date 1 Ensure that variations to the requirements of registration are requested from Ofsted. 16/04/2004

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure that registration arrangements show the times that children are present. 4 Ensure that there are procedures to allow for the regulation of room temperature. 4 Develop the space in the toddler and baby room to ensure children’s needs are effectively met. 6 Ensure that children can use the steps from the pre-school room to the outdoor area safely. 7 Improve hygiene procedures for sleeping children, to prevent the spread of infection. 13 Ensure that procedures are extended to include the recording of existing injuries presented as children arrive at the provision.

p.4

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

p.4

How effective is the nursery education?

Trench Tots Neighbourhood Nursery provides generally good nursery education for three and four-year-old children. Key staff have attended training to ensure that they have a clear knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum and obtain the support of the Early Years Foundation Stage Mentor. The children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff ensure that there are a wide variety of resources available to children and make good use of space available, however opportunities for children to self-select activities and resources are limited. There are good strategies are in place to support children with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language. A new planning system has been implemented which is in it's infancy. There is further scope to monitor the effectiveness of the new approach to ensure that it reflects a balanced curriculum for

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

all children, including those who attend part-time. Leadership and management of the setting are generally good. There is commitment to improving care and education for children in the group, with staff and managers meeting regularly to review the educational programme. Staff are becoming clear about their roles and responsibilities and strategies are in place to encourage team-working. More thought should be given to the introduction of systems which enable the evaluation of the setting's overall effectiveness. Partnership with parents is generally good. As this is a neighbourhood nursery, very good support is offered to families in the community. Staff work hard to maintain good relationships with parents and provide them with good quality written information regarding the educational provision. Communication between staff and parents is friendly and relaxed. The planned re-organisation of the key-worker system will ensure that parents are kept

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

well-informed of their children's progress.

p.5

What is being done well?

• Children behave appropriately and are aware of the rules within the setting. Staff have high expectations of behaviour and promote children's self esteem through reinforcement and praise. • Three and four-year-olds are confident, work well independently and take initiative, showing that they are keen to learn. They play co-operatively together, taking turns and sharing with others. • Children are keen to explore and investigate, staff plan practical activities to help children become aware of changes in the environment and to celebrate diversity in cultures and beliefs.

p.5

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

p.5

What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for children to make choices and develop their independence and self-care skills • activities to encourage children to recognise letters and to make progress in linking them to sound • the use of labelling within the environment to offer children opportunities to begin to recognise everyday words and text • activities to encourage children's interest in books • activities and opportunities for children to show a developing understanding of addition and subtraction • opportunities to access numerals within the environment and use as a learning tool and resource • consideration of the learning potential within the daily routine • opportunities to encourage children to write their own name and to use writing as a means of recording and communicating in all areas of the nursery • planning to ensure all aspects of children's physical development are considered • opportunities for children to develop their creativity through their own

p.6

What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable, as this is the first inspection of Trench Tots Neighbourhood Nursery.

p.6

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

p.6

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children confidently express their needs and ideas and relate well to each other and adults in the group. Most children concentrate effectively when working alone or at a group activity. They behave appropriately, are aware of the rules within the setting and respond to staff's guidance. Opportunities for self-selection, choice and the development of self-care skills are limited.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children are confident and fluent speakers and engage easily in conversations with their peers and adults in the group. They listen to adults with interest and respond appropriately. Opportunities to develop writing skills within everyday activities and to link sounds to letters are limited. Activities to foster an interest in books and opportunities to develop children's pre-reading skills are frequently missed.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Staff provide a range of activities, planned and spontaneous, to encourage children to practice their skills with shapes, sizes, patterns and measures. However, they are given limited opportunities to extend their learning in number recognition and counting, or to explore the concepts of calculation. Children use the language of mathematics within their play and respond appropriately to directions that involve positional language.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children have many opportunities to observe features and changes in plants and living things. They are naturally curious and keen to discuss the changes observed. They are developing an understanding of past and present events and are becoming aware of their own and other's cultures and beliefs. Staff provide a range of materials and tools for construction and design and some children are beginning to adapt and modify their work. Technology is provided which supports children's learning.

p.7

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children move around the nursery with confidence and are developing an awareness of space. They practice skills and co-ordination when using a range of small tools and materials. Children recognise the importance of keeping healthy and practice good hygiene through effective daily routines. Staff encourage children to be active, however planning does not presently ensure that activities provided offer appropriate physical challenge for all children attending.

p.7

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

p.7

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Opportunities are provided for children to express themselves through music, movement, singing and model-making. They re-enact a range of real and imaginary experiences using role play, taking on and developing a variety of characters. Children explore colour, shape and texture through planned activities, but do not have access to materials and resources to encourage creativity through their own imagination.

p.8

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

p.8

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.

p.9

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• Develop children's skills in the areas of counting, number recognition and the concepts of calculation. • Develop opportunities for children to practise self-care skills and to increase independence in selecting and carrying out activities. • Provide opportunities for children to practise linking sounds and letters and to show an interest in books and written print in the environment. • Provide more opportunities throughout the nursery for children to attempt writing for different purposes.

p.9

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.

p.9

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

p.9

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.10

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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

p.11