Prelude Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/11/2003 Inspector Name Christine Hands

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Prelude Nursery Setting Address Ensign House High Street Osbournby Lincs NG34 0DG

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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

Prelude Day Nursery opened in 1999. It is privately owned and operates from a former Victorian school building in the centre of the village of Osbournby. The nursery is on two floors and uses a variety of rooms for different ages. There are two areas for outdoor play, one grassed and the other having a hard surface. There is a car park for the cars of both staff and parents. The nursery is within walking distance of the village shops, post office and local school. The nursery is open daily from 08.00 to 17.30 throughout the year, closing only for bank holidays and for one week during the summer. Children attend for a variety of sessions each week. There are 19 funded three year old children in the nursery with a total of 97 children on roll. The nursery have experience of working with children who have special needs. There are 12 full time and four part time members of staff working with the children,

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Information about the setting

of these 14 hold child care qualifications. Two members of staff are attending training courses in order to gain a relevant child care qualification. Prelude Nursery is a supported by the EYDCP and as such has received support from the curriculum advisor. The nursery is also a member of the National Day Nurseries Association.

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How good is the Day Care?

Prelude Day Nursery offers a good standard of care for children between the ages of birth and eight years. They have key workers with a high percentage of trained and experienced staff in each age group. The nursery offers a warm, welcoming environment where both children and parents are valued as individuals. Nutritious meals are provided by the nursery and special diets are catered for. All food is cooked fresh and at least one member of staff eats the meals to ensure food is quality controlled. Drinks are generally available throughout the day. Staff plan in all areas of the nursery to ensure that all areas of learning and

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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 development are covered and children remain happy and interested. There are opportunities for children to socialise both with their peers and adults as well as during group times which include singing, story, music, physical play and discussions. Children have opportunities to develop their independence through many of the activities provided. Good behaviour is encouraged and praise and encouragement is used effectively. Staff work closely with parents to ensure they are kept informed of the progress their child is making within the setting. Information regarding their child is shared verbally on a daily basis. Parents are provided with good quality information and staff ensure that parents are aware that as the primary carers of their children their knowledge

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How good is the Day Care?

and input is valued. Records are held securely, confidentiality addressed and most consents have been obtained from parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection a condition was made that hazards to children were minimised i.e. heaters and hot water. Most of the heaters are now covered to prevent children burning themselves and others are carefully monitored to ensure they remain safe to the touch. The hot water is monitored to ensure the risks to the children are minimised. A further condition was that rooms are maintained at an adequate temperature. This was in respect of the new dining area, which at the previous inspection the temperature was below that which was required. The heaters in this area are now able to be controlled to ensure the room is kept at a comfortable level for the children.

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What is being done well?

• There are clear procedures for recruiting and appointing staff. Good induction procedures are in place as well as appraisal systems and opportunities for training. Staff feel supported and valued enabling them to develop their knowledge and experiences. • Staff are deployed effectively to ensure consistency and the needs of all children can be met. They are interested in what children have to say and extend learning through questioning and interaction. • Resources are easily accessible to children enabling them to make their own choices. • There is a good range of quality resources and equipment to promote learning in all areas. • There are clear policies and procedures in place to ensure both the safety of the children and the consistency of the staff. • The children are provided with good role models by staff who are consistent in their approach and have high expectations of children's behaviour.

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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 • The staff work hard to maintain good relationships with parents and ensure they are involved as far as possible in their child's activities. Communication is both written and verbal, shared on a daily basis and in the frequent newsletters.

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What needs to be improved?

• the availability of accessible drinks for children throughout the day • written consent from parents/carers to allow photographs to be taken within the nursery.

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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 8 Provide drinks throughout the session which children can access easily. 12 Obtain written consent to allow photographs of children to be taken.

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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?

Prelude Day Nursery provides a happy, stimulating environment where children make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff work well alongside children providing good role models and have high expectations of children's behaviour. Staff plan effectively and have a secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum, providing a stimulating range of practical activities to help children learn, however there are limited opportunities for children to access information, communication and technology equipment. Staff are aware of this and are currently looking to remedy this situation. Planning and assessment systems provide an effective framework to help children to make progress. The lack of a written evaluation system does not support future planning. The leadership and management of the group is generally good. All staff are positively encouraged and supported to undertake training. The manager provides

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How effective is the nursery education?

clear direction to the staff team. The manager and staff are enthusiastic and keen to improve standards within the nursery. Regular staff meetings ensure opportunities are provided for sharing information and ideas. Staff work well as a team and provide an environment which is welcoming to both children and parents. Parents receive good quality information about the setting and curriculum. Staff use their knowledge and skills to fully support children who have special needs and welcome them into the group.

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What is being done well?

• Staff work well as a team and present good role models for children. • Staff provide a stimulating environment where children are motivated to learn. •• There is a good balance of child and adult initiated activities. • Staff give a high priority to children's personal, social and emotional development. Children are confident, interested and able to work on their own. Behaviour and relationships are good. • Staff have a clear understanding of the importance of partnership with parents which is fostered through effective verbal and written communication.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for children to have greater access to information, communication and technology equipment;

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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 • written evaluations to provide information to be taken into consideration for future planning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The progress since the last inspection is generally good. Staff have developed their understanding of Knowledge and Understanding of the World and now provide more opportunities to broaden children's understanding. Staff have developed the children's assessment records and these are used infuture planning, clearly identifying any specific areas. Staff provide more opportunities for children to initiate their own creative activities and ensure they are able to self select resources.

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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 making very good progress in the area of personal, social and emotional development. They work well both independently and in groups, are enthusiastic and able to take turns. Staff provide good role models. Children are developing good relationships with both adults and their peers, are confident and able to express own needs.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children interact well both with their peers and adults, and are able to negotiate and use language to organise play. Children are encouraged to explore and ask questions. Children are becoming aware of the elements of a book and gaining an understanding that the title of the book conveys the contents. Children have many opportunities for writing and mark making during imaginative play and are encouraged to write own names on paintings and craft work.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are making generally good progress in mathematical development. They are confident in their understanding of shape and are able to recognise numbers up to 10. Children take part in regular cookery activities which allows them to predict and solve simple problems. There is a lack of use of directional language and correct terminology for addition and subtraction.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children are making generally good progress in this area. They are developing a thorough understanding of their own and other's cultures and are encouraged to investigate and describe materials using a range of senses. Children have limited opportunities to use information, communication and technology equipment on a regular basis.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are making generally good progress in this area. They are able to move confidently and safely both indoors and outside. Children have many opportunities for developing their skills through a wide range of tools and apparatus. Children are developing understanding of the importance of keeping healthy as they explain why they wash their hands and what foods are good for them.

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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: Generally Good Children are making generally good progress in the area of creative development. They have a wide range of resources, and opportunities are provided for children to design and create. Children are encouraged to make independent choices when selecting materials. They use their imagination when they engage in role play based on first hand and imagined experiences.

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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

• provide opportunities for children to have greater access to information, communication and technology equipment • develop written evaluations to provide information to be used for future planning.

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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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