Little Dreams Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/03/2005 Inspector Name Helen Ann Woods

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Dreams (ex Little Angels ) Setting Address 55 Dudley Road Feltham Middlesex TW14 8EJ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Mrs Harbinder Dalal Address 55 Dudley Road Feltham TW14 8EJ

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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 Dreams Day Nursery is based in a detached property in Feltham in a largely residential area of the London Borough of Hounslow, close to local amenities. The nursery operates on the ground and first floor. It is is open from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, all year and provides full day care for 35 children aged 3 months to 5 years. Currently there are 17 children on roll, 2 children aged three and 1 aged four are in receipt of nursery education funding. There are no children with special educational needs and no children attending with English as a second language although some are bi-lingual. Over 50% of the staff employed hold a current Early Years Qualification. The ground floor premises consists of a large play area for children aged from 2 years to 5 years, kitchen, laundry/staff facilities, toilet and nappy changing area. Children also access the garden at the rear of the premises. The first floor

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Information about the setting

accomodates 15 children aged under two years within 2 base rooms as well as nappy change and toilet facilities. There are no pets kept on the premises and no overnight care is provided.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Little Dreams Day Nursery offers good care overall for children aged 3 months to 5 years. The premises are spacious and well organised to create a stimulating, orderly and supportive environment for the children. A broad range of practical activities support and stimulate children's social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Children are able to access resources easily and make their own choices. Staff work well as a team to plan activities and rotate duties. Staff have a consistent approach to the operation of the group by having regular staff meetings and seeking training opportunities.

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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 The quality of care meets the needs of all the children and consistent relationships are well established. Staff ensure that children with special needs are fully included in all activities. Children are provided with a substantial healthy snack every day that takes account of special dietary needs and preferences. Meal time is relaxed and enjoyable for the children. The nursery has good relationships with the parents where information is given through regular meetings and news letters. Staff have a high level of awareness of risks to the children's health and safety and frequent risk assessments are acted upon immediately.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first inspection since registration.

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What is being done well?

• The organisation of the nursery offers the children continuity of care with a key worker system and good contingency arrangements for staff shortages. • An excellent range of activities and resources are well planned and organised to support and stimulate children's all round development. • The premises are welcoming to children and their families, well maintained with plenty of space offering easy access to the facilities and range of activities. • The children are provided with a varied menu that allows a choice every day, introduces dishes from around the world that link to topical activities encouraging children to develop an understanding of the world. • Positive steps to promote safety within the nursery and on outings ensures that proper precautions such as regular risk assessments, are taken to prevent accidents. • The staff have secure knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs and work together with parents and other agencies to provide a

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What is being done well?

positive environment that supports children in reaching their full potential.

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What needs to be improved?

• There are no significant areas for improvement. Unsolicited improvements are being made to the nursery interior space so that the children can be separated into developmentally appropriate activities for part of the day.

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PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS (This section applies only to inspections carried out

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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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received one concern, raised by the nursery, about the suitability of a member of staff relating to National Standards 1, 3 and 13. Ofsted investigated and found that the provider had taken all reasonable steps to protect children in her care. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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 nursery education at Little Dreams Day Nursery is good and enables children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals and very good progress in two areas. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff plan a variety of practical activities indoors and outdoors in the large playground. Resources are of good quality and well organised to encourage children's independence, however more able children are not sufficiently challenged in some areas of maths, spontaneous writing, understanding how things work and creating three dimensional models. Communication between staff and children is good with children encouraged and supported to join in the full range of activities. The leadership and management of the playgroup is generally good. The supervisor has been effective in developing an enthusiastic staff team who have a good understanding of their responsibilities towards the assessment and progress of the children's learning.

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How effective is the nursery education?

The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are provided with good quality information about all aspects of the setting's activities and are included in the planning and assessment of their children both in the setting as well as being able to support their children's learning at home.

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What is being done well?

• The children demonstrate curiosity, excitement and enthusiasm in their active learning sessions. They are confident and demonstrate that they have a very good understanding of the topics. Children persist for extended periods of time and actively discuss their learning with the adults and their peers. • Very good introduction to early reading skills includes good use of labelling and resources to stimulate interest in early reading. The children recognise their own names and those of peers. Children handle books competently, are aware of directionality and that print carries meaning. • Good use is made of spontaneous situations to enable children to develop an understanding of how the body works and staying healthy. A range of activities are provided that offer appropriate physical challenges and introduces the language of movement to children, alongside their actions. • Very good use of indoor and outdoor space and regular spontaneous

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What is being done well?

opportunities are used well to support the development of a wide range of physical skills across the six learning areas. Children are well coordinated, have good spatial awareness and are able to successfully negotiate obstacles, move and stop under control. • Good use is made of profile and assessment records to plan next steps in

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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 development for individual children, small group activities are used to focus on particular areas and encourage progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities to discover how every day objects work • the inclusion, in role play situations, of opportunites to practice early writing skills, illustarting writing for a variety of purposes • the recording of purposeful mathematical findings such as measurements of growth, height and weight. • the range of materials available for children to create three dimensional art work.

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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 demonstrate curiosity, excitement and enthusiasm for learning. They are lively, dynamic and persist for extended periods of time at activities. Children are confident and have good self esteem which is fostered well by staff who listen with interest to children and praise them. Children model respect and care shown by adults, enjoy good relationships and work cooperatively with their peers. Children have good opportunities to exercise autonomy and be independent in their learning.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children express themselves and communicate confidently using gesture, expression and language. Adults introduce new vocabulary and make good use of pictorial aids to reinforce developing language skills. Children's interest in early reading is stimulated through a comfortable well provided book corner. Children are beginning to recognise their first names and write letters however role play activities are not sufficiently extended to use writing for different purposes.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Planned activities and everyday situations are used very well to explore mathematical concepts. Good use of number language is used in a variety of activities that reinforces counting and measuring such as setting table for snack time and recording growth of seeds. There are missed opportunities for the more able children to develop awareness of the meaningful use of calculators, addition and subtraction in role play activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children confidently investigate and explore a small range of favourite natural materials. Children use simple computer programmes and handle the mouse skilfully, they have regular opportunities to learn about everyday technology and it's uses however more opportunity to discover how every day objects work e.g. torches, whisk, tape recorder. Children demonstrate a good understanding of time and place as they talk about significant events in their lives.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are well coordinated, have good spatial awareness and a wide range of movement skills. Physical activities are well planned for indoor and outdoor space, in the large garden where there is opportunity for climbing, running and jumping. Fine physical skills are well developed; children are dextrous and have good manipulation skills, they handle simple tools and equipment safely and appropriately.

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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 encouraged to explore colour, shape, texture and space at art activities and in the creative workshop. Children enjoy and make good use of imaginary provision to role play familiar situations and involve peers in negotiating more complex storylines to act out, adults support and extend this play well. Children express themselves in various ways; painting, drawing and singing although opportunities for children to create three dimensional art work is limited.

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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 more opportunities to discover how every day objects work e.g. torches, whisk tape recorder. • Enhance opportunities, through role play situations, for children to practice meaningful writing. • Encourage the recording of purposeful mathematical findings such as measurements of growth, height and weight. • Extend the range of materials provided for children to create three dimensional art work.

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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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