The Little Ripley Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/01/2004 Inspector Name Jennifer Turner

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Ripley Setting Address 105 Short Heath Road Erdington Birmingham West Midlands B23 6LH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Little Ripley Day Nurseries Ltd Address 243 Marsh Hill Erdington Birmingham B23 7HY

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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

Little Ripley Day Nursery opened in 2002 . It operates from 5 rooms within a detached house in the Erdington area of the West Midlands. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 52 children from 6 months to 8 years on roll. This includes 10 funded three-year-olds and 4 funded four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs, and who speak English as an additional language.

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Information about the setting

The group opens 5 days a week all year round. Sessions are from 7:30 until 18:00. 11 full time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. 4 staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Ripley Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The nursery is well organised with the premises maintained to a very good standard of cleanliness and hygiene. Toys are stored to allow children to easily and safely select for themselves, and there are effective procedures in place to ensure that toys and equipment are safe and suitable for the children, however the organisation of space for younger children limits their free movement. Staff demonstrate a good awareness of health and safety, and procedures are in place to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. However, risk assessments are not reviewed sufficiently to account for significant changes. Good hygiene is promoted throughout the nursery, and the children have a good

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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 understanding about why they need to wash their hands, which they do sensibly.

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How good is the Day Care?

Procedures for integrating children with specific needs into the group are effective, but there are limited resources promoting positive images of disabilities. Staff work with outside agencies and parents to ensure that children's individual needs are met. There are good systems in place to raise staff awareness and understanding of child protection and related issues, and parents are fully aware of the policy. Healthy nutritious meals are provided for the children daily, but access to regular drinking water is limited. The children have access to a wide range of interesting activities which support their learning. Staff in the main recognise the need to encourage good behaviour, however there is a need for consistency in the strategies used by staff. There are effective procedures in place for sharing information with parents whilst ensuring that confidentiality is maintained. However, a small number of entries have

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How good is the Day Care?

not been signed by to acknowledge when medication is administered.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

A system for recording children attendance including the times of arrival and departure is now in place and is carried through appropriately. The development of the operational plan ensures that both staff and parents are fully informed of the groups policies and procedures.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide a variety of stimulating activities throughout the day and children respond well to routine and changes. • Children are involved in a broad range of activities which support their language, imagination and creativity. • Staff show interest in what the children do and say, and they constantly talk to them and ask questions to encourage them to think. • There are very good procedures in place for promoting health and hygiene and for protecting the children from infection. • Children's individual needs are recognised and met appropriately. • Staff are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities in protecting children. • There are good procedures in place for dealing with and recording concerns and for sharing the information with parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• procedures for checking the sutiability and experience of staff • the play space to enable younger children to move about freely and safely

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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 • the provision of suitable play materials and resources promoting positive images • the procedures for regularly reviewing the risk assessment • the written documentation for parents to acknowledge the administration of medication • the opportunities for children to access regular drinking water.

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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 1 ensure that there are effective procedures in place for checking that staff are suitably experienced to work with children. 27/01/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 Ensure play space offer younger children scope for free movement and well spread out activities. 5 Promote equal opportunities with regard to access to resources and activities. 6 Ensure risk assessments is conducted on the premises and this is reviewed if there is a significant change. 7 Ensure parents sign all medication records to acknowledge entries. 8 Ensure fresh drinking water is available to children at all times. 11 Ensure staff's handling of behaviour is consistent and developmentally appropriate, respecting individual children's level of understanding and maturity.

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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?

Little Ripley Day Nursery provides acceptable nursery education but has some significant areas for improvement. Children's progress towards the early learning goals is limited by some significant weaknesses in the provision. Three and four year olds are confident and work well independently showing that they are keen to learn. Most staff are patient, tolerant, calm, ask challenging questions and work directly with children. However, staff have a basic understanding of the foundation stage curriculum and early learning goals. Systems for assessing and recording children's progress are inconsistent between rooms, are not kept up to date, lack detail and are not used to guide and plan teaching. Planning covers the six areas of learning, but documentation lacks detail and does not take account of individual children's stages of development or attainment. Activities provided are purposeful and interesting although some activities lack

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How effective is the nursery education?

challenge for more able or older children. Children's behaviour is generally good though when staff are presented with challenging behaviour they lack positive strategies to deal with it. The accommodation and resources are used well to support learning. Leadership and management has significant weaknesses. The manager and staff work as a team and use their knowledge of the children to organise a varied programme of activities. However, there are insufficient systems in place to monitor and evaluate the provision for nursery education. Parents receive good quality information about nursery routines and settling in procedures. The nursery has its own website, although information sharing about children's achievements and progress is limited and informal. Staff make parents feel welcome, they show an understanding of the children's home and family circumstances.

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What is being done well?

• Three and four year olds are confident and work well independently showing that they are keen to learn. • Most staff are patient, tolerant, calm, ask challenging questions and work directly with children • The accommodation and resources are used well to support learning. • Staff make parents feel welcome, they show an understanding of the children's home and family circumstances.

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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 • Parents receive good quality information about nursery routines and settling in procedures. The nursery has its own website.

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What needs to be improved?

• Staff knowledge of the early learning goals. • System of planning, assessment and evaluation of the provision for nursery education. • Activities to provide sufficient challenge for older children, adapted accordingly. • Use of the daily routine to improve opportunities for all children to maximise their learning opportunities in communication, language and literacy and mathematics. • Information sharing with parents regarding children's progress.

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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 Three and four year olds are confident and work well independently showing that they are keen to learn. Opportunities are limited to help children develop personal independence and promote other areas of learning during daily routines such as drinks or dinner time. Children listen to each other, share equipment and understand the rules of the setting. Children can access a range of positive images around the nursery, which depict race, culture, age and family groups.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children engage easily in conversation with each other and adults in the group. Labels around the room help to encourage children to read familiar words such as chair, window etc. Three year old children are encouraged to write their own names and practise emergent writing. However, children have insufficient opportunities to link sounds and letters, use books for enjoyment or as a research tool, write their names or practice emergent writing.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children join in number rhymes, songs and counting although staff do not encourage children to count back .There is an over reliance on worksheets hence children have limited opportunities to use developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve problems or show an understanding of addition and subtraction through practical activities. Sand and water play is limited to once a week. There are examples of number related posters around the room, but no graphs or representational data.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children's artwork shows observational paintings. Children play purposefully with construction materials, mobilo and brio. However the provision for children to use information and communication technology is restricted to once a week. Children have opportunities to look at different festivals and positive images and photographs of diversity are evident throughout the Nursery.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children move confidently around the outdoor area demonstrating an awareness of space and others. They are developing a good awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Children handle small world toys, construction toys and utensils with increasing skill. Planning limits children's opportunities to play with malleable materials.

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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 paint, draw and make constructions that reflect their own ideas. Children use a good range of materials and resources to enable them to explore colour, texture and shape. Planning and photographic evidence shows opportunities for children to make pictures using, glitter and a variety of materials. Three and four year olds confidently sing songs independently and in large groups. They are building up a repertoire of songs.

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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 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

• Increase staff knowledge of the early learning goals. • Develop a more rigorous system of planning, assessment and evaluation of the provision for nursery education based on the early learning goals. Ensure that activities provide sufficient challenge for older children, can be adapted accordingly. • Improve opportunities for all children through daily routine to improve opportunities for all children to maximise their learning opportunities in communication, language and literacy and mathematics. • Increase opportunities to share information with parents about their children's progress.

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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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