The Avenue Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/07/2003 Inspector Name Jennifer Barton

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Avenue Nursery School Setting Address 2 Hyde Park Avenue North Petherton Bridgwater Somerset TA6 6SL

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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

Avenue Nursery School opened in September 1992 and is privately owned. It is a small nursery situated in a residential dwelling, close to the centre of rural North Petherton near Bridgwater in Somerset. The nursery have access to two playrooms including a conservatory and a large secure outside play area. The nursery opens Monday to Friday during term time and offers holiday care for four weeks in the summer holidays. The times of opening depend on the time of year and parent demand, usually sessional care in the winter months leading to extended sessional to full day care in the summer. They are registered to care for a maximum of 10 children aged from two years and six months to five years of age. At present there are 30 children on roll, of these, 10 children are funded three year olds and 11 are funded four year olds. The nursery supports children who have been identified as having special educational needs. At

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Information about the setting

present no children have English as an additional language. Sessions are organised in age groups with three and four year olds attending on different days. The nursery has close links with the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. There are three staff working with the children, one is a qualified teacher, one is NNEB qualified and one is working towards NVQ level 3. Children attending the nursery are from the local rural area and usually transfer to the local schools which have contacts with the nursery.

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How good is the Day Care?

The nursery provides good care overall for children aged two to five years of age. Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment for parents and children. There are colourful collages, mobiles and children's work on display. There are policies and procedures in place to ensure staff have a consistent approach to their work. Staff

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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 are deployed well; appraisals have been included in the operational plan but not yet implemented. Most aspects of health are good but written consent for sun protection is required. Aspects of safety are good, fire procedures are displayed and regular drills and risk assessments are completed. Effective systems for arrivals and departures of children. Staff organise exciting and interesting activities for children, they have good interaction skills and encourage children to progress through effective questioning. Staff complete a daily diary of children's achievements Prospectus, newsletter and notice board keep parents well informed of the provision. Staff are available at any time to discuss children's concerns or progress and

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How good is the Day Care?

parents are given three written reports, initial, progress towards the ELG's and stepping stones.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Improvement since the last inspection has been good. The provider has ensured that all adults over the age of 16 on the premises are vetted, all but two household members have received confirmation from the CRB. Written permission is now received from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children.

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What is being done well?

• Good organisation of space, resources and staff deployment provides an effective learning and caring environment that is warm and welcoming. (St.2) • Interesting and exciting activities are planned to encourage children to make progress in all areas of development. (St.3.) • Daily risk assessments and effective system for arrival and departure of children are positive steps to promote safety. (St.6.) • Staff take positive steps to promote good health and hygiene, to prevent the spread of infection and take appropriate action when children are ill. (St.7.) • Appropriate records completed by parents and comprehensive policies help staff to support children's individual needs. (St.9.) • Parents are well informed about the provision through prospectus, newsletters and noticeboard. (St.12.)

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What needs to be improved?

• ensure staff appraisals are completed. (St.2.) • obtain written parental consent for use of sun cream. (St.7.)

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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

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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 2 Implement staff appraisals. 7 Obtain written permission from parents for children to use sun protection.

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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?

Avenue Nursery School provides very good provision which helps children make effective progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is generally good. Staff have a sound knowledge of the ELGs and display total commitment to the children in their care. Activities planned for children are interesting and exciting and provide sufficient challenge for both three and four year olds. Staff are deployed effectively and support children's learning as they play, recognising and extending spontaneous learning opportunities. Good support is provided for a child with special educational needs. There are no children attending with English as an additional language. There is no formal system in place to record children's progress. Information given to parents about progress and development relies on staff's knowledge of individual children. Planning is generally good but the nursery does not have a system in place to

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How effective is the nursery education?

assess the delivered programme or record children's progress. Leadership and management is generally good. The owner/manager works closely with staff and is very involved in delivering the daily programme. Staff are encouraged to take the lead in activities and attend any training available. There is no formal procedure to assess the daily programme and educational plan and the staff appraisal system is not implemented effectively. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are well informed about the setting, routines, themes and activities. There are good opportunities for parents to be involved in their child's learning and discuss individual progress. Due to there being no formal written procedures for recording children's progress, parents can only receive verbal information during the term.

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What is being done well?

• Children are confident and capable, relate well to adults and show care and concern for each other. • Children are developing a good awareness of language, letter, reading and writing. They are confident in their use of number and becoming aware of shape, size and measure. •• Staff have a sound knowledge of the early learning goals. They are totally committed to children's play and learning and provide a wide range of interesting and exciting opportunities.

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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 children to have free expression during creative activities. • the evaluation and monitoring of the educational programme. • use of assessment to inform planning of the next steps in learning for all children. • appraisal system for all staff.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Staff have made very good progress in addressing the point for development raised at the previous inspection. Opportunities for children to begin solving problems have been introduced to the planned programme. Staff also encourage children to solve spontaneous mathematical problems and question them to extend their awareness as they play.

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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 personal, social and emotional development. They are enthusiastic about new activities and experiences and are able to take responsibility for their own learning. behaviour is good. Children are confident and capable, relate well to adults and show care and concern for each other.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Progress in the area of communication, language and literacy is very good. Children are confident speakers and regularly contribute to discussions. Most children are able to write their names using recognisable letters, correctly formed. There are regular occasions for children to learn about letters, through shape, sign and action. Children have access to a wide range of appropriate books and use them with confidence.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are making very good progress in the area of mathematical development. They are very confident in their knowledge and use of numbers and are developing an understanding of measure and mathematical concepts through practical play activities. They have learned about shape and pattern and produced bar charts and graphs.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good The programme for knowledge and understanding of the world is very good. Children are learning about the natural world and gaining an awareness of the local area and further afield through visitors, outings and related activities. Good skills are being developed in cutting, joining and model making. Children build confidently using a variety of construction materials and they use simple tools with confidence. They are familiar with technology through regular access to the computer.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Progress in the area of physical development is very good. All children experience a wide range of activities which help to develop gross and fine motor skills. They are developing a good sense of space and self and an awareness of their own physical needs. Children are confident in the use of simple tools, such as scissors.

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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. There are many good opportunities for them to use their senses, including music, art, singing and craft work. However, creative activates are too adult-directed and pre-prepared and do not give children sufficient opportunities to explore or express their own ideas. Children use their imagination well when involved in role play situations, such as going on a picnic.

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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 high quality. Children are making very 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

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • Ensure children are provided with more opportunities for free expression during creative activities. • Introduce a system for evaluating and monitoring the educational programme. • Introduce a method of assessment to inform planning of the next steps in learning for all children. • Make use of the appraisal system and ensure it is in place for all staff. 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

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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