The Sunshine Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/03/2004 Inspector Name Marilyn Besford

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Sunshine Nursery Setting Address O'Neill Drive Peterlee SR8 5UD

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Sunshine Nursery Address O'Neill Drive Peterlee Co Durham SR8 5UD

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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

Sunshine Nursery opened in 2002. It provides full daycare, including after-school care, for children from birth to under eight years. It operates in purpose-built, self-contained premises near the centre of Peterlee. Children attend the nursery from a wide area around the town. There are currently 143 children on the roll of whom 24 are funded 3 and 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Forty six children were present during the inspection of whom 17 were funded. The setting supports children with special needs. No children have English as an additional language. The nursery is open from 07:15 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, all year round. Nineteen staff work with the children, of whom eleven have early years qualifications, nine to NVQ level 3 and two to NVQ level 2, and seven are working towards recognised qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

Sunshine Day Nursery provides good care for children. Staff are appropriately qualified and committed to developing their skills further. There are clear policies and procedures which form an effective operational plan although the complaint procedure needs additional information. Systems are in place to keep all required records. Confidentiality is maintained for most of them. The nursery is clean, warm and welcoming with attractive displays of children's artwork and photographs. It is equipped with suitable furniture and play materials for the children cared for. Children are grouped appropriately by age. The organisation and layout of the rooms in which they are based could be improved in order to use space more effectively to support the children in their activities. Staff have a good understanding of health and safety procedures and maintain a

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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 safe environment for the children. Security arrangements are thorough, with controlled access to the nursery. The range of activities for children of all ages is enjoyable and stimulating. Interaction between staff and children is responsive and encouraging. There is a positive approach to managing children's behaviour and children behave well. Nursery staff work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children, sharing information effectively, with the result that children are cared for in a happy, secure and consistent environment

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What is being done well?

• Staff work well as a team. An effective induction, appraisal and training programme ensures that staff are familiar with all policies and procedures and provides them with ongoing professional development which benefits the children they care for. • Children have opportunities to take part in play activities and experiences which are developmentally appropriate and enjoyable. They are supported and encouraged by the staff who are aware of the children's individual needs and, as a result, the children are happy and settled. • The safety and welfare of the children are promoted through policies and good practice. Staff supervise children carefully. The premises are secure, access is controlled and the system for children arriving and being collected ensures their safety. • The partnership with parents is good. Systems for exchanging information work well, with written information and children's records, up to date notice

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What is being done well?

boards and opportunities for discussion with the staff responsible for individual children.

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What needs to be improved?

• the organisation and use of space • the procedure in the event of a complaint • the confidentiality of medication records.

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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

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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 4 Consider how to improve organisation of space and resources to create a more orderly and supportive environment. 7 Ensure that records of medication are kept confidential. 12 Develop the written statement of the procedure to be followed in the event of a complaint to include how to contact Ofsted.

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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?

Sunshine Nursery provides a warm welcoming atmosphere for children so that they make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Children make generally good progress in knowledge and understanding of the world, communication language and literacy, and in mathematical, physical and creative, development. Children make very good progress in personal social and emotional development. The quality of teaching is generally good, Staff are enthusiastic and work to provide an interesting stimulating and well resourced environment for the children. Planning shows that they have an understanding of the early leaning goals and the use of assessments. However staff should provide more challenge for older children. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour which is good. The leadership and management is generally good. Staff have the opportunity for regular supervision and appraisals, with management committed to ongoing training

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How effective is the nursery education?

programmes. However management needs to ensure that sufficient challenges are provided for all children in all areas of the curriculum. Partnership with parents is generally good. Parents are provided with good quality information. They are encouraged to contribute to their child's learning environment and parents feel this is an important aspect. Parents are well informed of their child's progress through newsletters and verbally at the end of the day. However parents should be kept informed of the foundation stage.

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What is being done well?

• Children are developing good relationships and behaviour is of a high standard. Children are confident and happy. • Children are developing an understanding of numbers through everyday activities. • Children are developing an understanding of cultures and religions in society and enjoy celebrating different festivals. • Children are beginning to develop an understanding of colour and texture using exciting activities with which they can experiment. • Staff have developed sound relationships with parents, who they ensure are kept informed.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for children to develop reading skills

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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 • opportunities for older children to develop mathematical concepts through simple problem solving • opportunities for children to construct for a purpose • the planning of regular activities to promote the development of children's large motor skills to include music to movement • management and staff need to ensure that the curriculum is monitored and evaluated in more detail so that all the areas of learning are covered • opportunities for parents to be kept informed of the foundation stage • organisation of space to ensure children are provided with areas to allow children to develop concentration and small groups.

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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 have formed good relationships with adults and their peer group, working well together and harmoniously developing confidence, independence and their understanding of taking turns. Children's behaviour is good, with children developing an understanding of what is right and wrong. Children talk freely about their home environment and make connections with nursery

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are encouraged to express their views, and feelings, both in groups and individually. Children are able to develop writing skills, developing pre writing activities to writing names. However children should be encouraged to use the book corner to encourage reading skills.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children show and use mathematical language and numbers are displayed around the room, however there is limited opportunity for children to develop problem solving. Children develop an understanding of shape and size of both two and three dimensional shapes.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children develop a sound understanding of cultures and religions within society. Children talk confidently in groups about events in their lives and have an understanding of time. Children are able to explore how things work. However there is limited opportunity for children to experience construction activities, or to access information technology.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able to develop spatial awareness, they are able to move confidentially within the activities. Through a range of activities children develop fine motor skills, using various equipment. However children should have the opportunity to develop large physical skills through a planned programme of activities.

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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 able to differentiate between colours with older children developing an understanding of colour mixing. They are able to express themselves using a rich stimulating imaginative area. They are able to use their senses in a range of activities and use body language to communicate. However opportunities should be provided for children to move to music.

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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

• plan regular opportunities for children to develop reading skills • provide children with opportunities to construct for a purpose • develop opportunities for children to express themselves to music and movement • develop opportunities for children to access a range of planned physical activities to develop large motor skills • ensure that parents are able to access information on the foundation stage • ensure that space is organised to allow children to access a range of activities in a quiet and calm environment • ensure that staff and management monitor and evaluate the curriculum to ensure all areas are covered.

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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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