Lilliput Lodge Children's Day Nursery Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/04/2003 Inspector Name Susan Rogers

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Lilliput Lodge Children's Day Nursery Ltd Setting Address Thimblemill Recreational Site Bearwood West Midlands B67 6NR

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Lilliput Lodge Children's Day Nursery Ltd

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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

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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

Lilliput lodge Children's Day Nursery Ltd opened in 2002. It operates from a purpsefully converted single storey lodge, situated just off Thimblemill Road. The nursery is surrounded by woodland with a recreational lake and fields nearby. There are twenty three children on roll. Children with special needs and those with English as an additional language are supported. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6pm, closing for up to 2 weeks at christmas. There are 7 staff including the manager and the cook. Five of the childcare staff have an early years qualification, the sixth is working towards a level 3 qualification. The nursery receive support from a teacher mentor from Sandwell Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Lilliput lodge Children's Day Nursery provides good quality day care for children aged 0-5 years. Children are treated as individuals; children with special needs are included in all activities with additional support from designated staff to address their specific needs. Children behave very well. Staff demonstrate effective skills in managing more challenging behaviour. There is a consistent approach in child care practice that is supported by effective policies and strong management structure . The partnership with parents is very good. Staff are approachable and support parents in their role. Regular newsletters, parents evenings and children's daily diaries ensure that parents are kept well informed. The activities offered are varied, and suited to the child's age with children benefiting from regular outings to the surrounding woodland and leisure facilities. However, activities that address the

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How good is the Day Care?

issue of equality of opportunity are limited. High priority is given to both safety provision, and children's personal hygiene. Risk assessments are completed on a regular basis, and this contributes to the safety of children whilst they attend the nursery

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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

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What is being done well?

Partnership with parents is very good, daily diaries, attention to parents wishes, and good communication skills are evident;(Standard 12) The care of young babies is particularly good, individual needs are attended to, with parents wishes respected;(Standard 3,12) Provision for special needs is very good. Individual care plans are followed, and staff are skilled and confident in their knowledge. Effective links are made with other agencies;(Standard 10) There are comprehensive health and safety policies and practices. Priority is given to children's safety. Effective hygiene, policies are also followed.(Standard 6,7,14)

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What needs to be improved?

the promotion of equal opportunities through nursery activities and display; interaction between staff and children at mealtimes.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Increase the opportunities to provide positive interaction between staff and children at meal times. 9 Ensure equal opportunities is promoted in every dqay activities and displays.

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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

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How effective is the nursery education?

Lilliput Lodge children's Day Nursery offers early years education where children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is generally good. The staff have a good knowledge of the early learning goals in most of the areas of learning. Activities are varied, and use is made of the surrounding environment, but some mathematical and physical activities do not offer children sufficient enough challenge in some areas of learning. Children behave well and are supported by staff who are skilled in managing more challenging situations. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. An assessment system is in place to check children's progress, this however does not focus on specific early learning goals, in respect of each child's progress. Staff support children who do not have English as a first language, by ensuring they participate in all of the activities offered.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Children with special educational needs are given sensitive support, by staff who have effective skills. Creativity is encouraged, and children are able to express their ideas freely, using a wide range of equipment and materials. Support is given to create a wide range of creative opportunities, for children through construction, painting, dance and music. Leadership and management are generally good. There is an effective management group, which offer a commitment to staff training needs. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good, and there are good links providing effective exchanges of information, where parents are able to discuss the progress of their child.

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What is being done well?

Children communicate well as a result of staff being actively involved in their conversations, play and learning; Children's creative development is very good, with a varied range of activities provided that explore many aspects of children's creativity; There is an effective management structure, with commitment towards Early Years Education.

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What needs to be improved?

activities to improve the use of language to describe size, shape, position and quantity, in the area of mathematics; more opportunity for everyday events, and technology to be shared and described to children; assessments need to be more specific to the individual child; oppertunities for the use of large scale equipment, and structured play, during out dooor activities.

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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

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children make generally good progress in personal social and emotional development. They behave well and are confident. Children respond well to the adults that care for them and are positive about their own, and other children's needs. They demonstrate independance most of the time.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are making generally good progress in communication, language and literacy. Children speak with confidence, using expansive vocabulary in conversations with adults, and with each other.However oppornutities for children to expand on discussions about themselves is limited. Children enjoy stories, and have opportunities to familiarise themselves with the meaning of text.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses There are significant weaknesses with children's progress in the area of mathematics. Children are able to count up to five, and are able to carry this through other areas of learning. There are limited opportunities to use appropriate language to compare shape, size and quantity, and for children to explore the concepts of addition and subtraction.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses There are significant weaknesses, in children's progress in the areas of knowledge and understanding of the world. There are many opportunities for children to learn about the natural world, as the setting is placed in an environment where opportunities are high. However these are not always used to best effect, and opportunities are missed that would enhance children's learning.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses There are significant weaknesses in children's development in the areas of physical development. Children move with confidence, and there are frequent opportunities for out door play. However children's progress is hindered by the infrequent use of large scale climbing equipment, and the lack of structured play opportunities during out door play.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in the areas of creative development. They are able to express their ideas through a range of music dance, singing and craft

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CREATIVE 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 activities. Children are able to demonstrate their individuality through spontaneous opportunities.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered appropriately: Y

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CREATIVE 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

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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

Use the full range of children's activities available, to develop children's understanding of mathematics. Improve the availability of equipment and activities offered, to enable children to experience structured physical activities. Evaluate the experiences available to children, including technology and everyday experiences, to ensure children gain the most from the activities offered.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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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 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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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

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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

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