Lee-On-the-Solent Infant and Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/12/2004 Inspector Name Helen Ann Woods

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name 9 Months Nursery Setting Address 30a The Grove Isleworth Middlesex TW7 4JU

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name 9 Months Limited Address Garden Hall House Wellesley Road Sutton Surrey SM2 5BW

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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

9 Months Nursery operates from the basement floor of a large modernised Victorian house. It is located in a residential area of Isleworth, in the London Borough of Hounslow, close to main links to London. There is a high security system with cameras inside and out. The nursery has 34 children on the register attending both full time and part time. The space is divided into three rooms for different age groups, with consistent staff to each room. Main rooms have cameras linked to a secure website and parents can observe their child during the day if they wish. All staff hold appropriate child care qualifications. The nursery is a member of the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership and currently receives nursery funding for 5 three year olds and 1 four year old. The nursery also supports 2 children with special educational needs and several who have English as a second language. A teacher attends weekly to provide French lessons and fortnightly for music and

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Information about the setting

movement sessions. The nursery does not provide overnight care.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Nine Months Nursery offers good quality care for children aged three months to five years old. The nursery is welcoming to children, their families and visitors. Positive steps have been taken to promote safety within the nursery and as well as holding recognised qualifications all staff have completed first aid training. There is a clear system for registering staff and children's attendance on a daily basis with actual times of arrival and departure recorded.

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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 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, physical intellectual and emotional development. Children are able to access toys and equipment easily. Consistent relationships are well established between parents, children and staff with a daily exchange of information. Children are provided with substantial healthy meals and snacks that takes account of special dietary needs and preferences. There is a consistent positive approach to the management of children's behaviour with clear boundaries established according to the children's level of understanding.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to obtain suitable seating for small children and those progressing from high chairs, devise a procedure for recording concerns, ensure staff have access to Child Protection training and to extend the contents of the first aid box. All have been put in place by the due date.

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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 support and stimulate children's all round development whilst helping them make successful progress towards the early learning goals. • The premises is 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 inspiring the children to develop an understanding of the world. • Positive steps to promote safety within the nursery and on outings ensure that proper precautions such as regular risk assessments, are taken to prevent accidents. • The staff have secure knowledge and understanding of children's individual

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What is being done well?

needs and work together with parents and other agencies to provide a learning environment that supports children reaching their full potential.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Excellent care is provided to children under two years where the continuity of care is successfully managed even when there may be staff shortages. Parents are consulted daily about the children's individual routines. There is a relaxed, calm atmosphere where staff are holding and engaging with the babies, providing accessible resources and encouraging participation in collaborative activities. Staff observe and record what the children do, using their observations to monitor the

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

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 children's progress daily to support individual care, learning and play.

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What needs to be improved?

• No weaknesses to report however the nursery is improving on equipment for learning and play as well as extending a programme for taking the children out on local visits to places of interest.

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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 education at Nine Months Nursery is very good and of a high quality. Children make very good progress in all six learning areas. They are confident, motivated, enthusiastic learners who persist at planned activities and explore independently. There is very good relationships between the children and staff which creates a calm and positive learning environment. Very good quality of teaching and a rich environment ensures children make very good progress across the curriculum. Staff have an excellent understanding of the foundation stage and stepping stones. Continued assessment of planning and delivery of the activities creates an excellent learning environment. Very good use of observations and assessments is made to plan next steps in individual development. The education programme is continually monitored, evaluated and adapted to meet children's needs. Good use of teaching and questioning techniques extends children's thinking and learning and staff exploit

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How effective is the nursery education?

impromptu situations well. The leadership of the group is very good, supported by effective management and communication systems. Clear vision and practical commitment to providing a high quality service is evident in all areas of practice, supported well by self assessment and improvement. The staff team are established, positive and dynamic. They work well together to ensure that children receive high quality care and education. Staff are valued and the strong commitment to professional development promotes good teaching. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents have access to good information about the setting. Staff make sure that parents are well informed about their children's achievements and progress, which leads to positive learning experiences for individual children. Parents speak highly about the setting, the stability of the staff team, positive relationships with key workers and the good progress their children

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What is being done well?

• Effective leadership and management. Clear vision and commitment to providing high quality care, supported by continuous and progressive improvements. Effective management and communication systems, good relationships at all levels. • Confident, dynamic and motivated staff team who work well together to create a rich and stimulating learning environment for the children. Strong commitment to professional development and good access to training, impacts positively on the environment and children's learning.

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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 • Good quality teaching. Staff have very good understanding of how children learn and the foundation stage. Knowledge of the stepping stones is excellent, ensuring staff are able to plan well for individual children. Good use of teaching techniques and questioning to extend children's thinking and learning effectively at planned activities and spontaneous situations. • Effective planning of a wide range of experiences and learning situations with clear learning intentions. Good observations and assessments are well used to inform planning. Learning opportunities across the curriculum are provided for children at appropriate points in their individual development. • Very good planning, teaching and provision of resources enables children to

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What is being done well?

make very good progress towards the early learning goals in the six learning areas. • Partnership with parents is very good. Relationships are warm, there is good sharing of information to create a positive learning experience for children. A wide range of information about the setting and the curriculum is easily accessible. Records are shared.

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What needs to be improved?

• There are no weaknesses to report however the nursery is considering: • investing in mathematical equipment that will extend the children's problem solving abilities through activities. • planning visits to boats and docks. • introducing children to be more conscious of road safety.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first Nursery Education Inspection.

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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 enthusiastic, motivated, attentive and concentrate well. Good support and attention from staff fosters their self esteem and confidence. Children freely initiate conversations, share discoveries, describe their feelings and express opinions. They model respect and care shown by adults, enjoy good relationships and work cooperatively with their peers. Good independent access to a range of resources encourages children to exercise autonomy and independence in their learning.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Good use of activities and spontaneous situations enables frequent introduction of language and vocabulary. Children are articulate and express themselves well. Good attention is paid to linking sounds and letters. Children have daily exposure to reading materials and good use is made of labelling to stimulate interest, although independent access to books is limited. Children recognise and confidently attempt to write their own names, forming and naming many letters correctly.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Planned activities and everyday situations are used very well to explore number, colour, shape, quantity and position. Children compare, estimate and predict routinely. They count and recognise numerals and develop more complex skills such as calculating through practical activities and experience. They have a good command of mathematical language.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Staff plan good opportunities for children to investigate and explore independently and through planned activities. Children formulate questions and solutions about living things and technology, staff extend their thinking and knowledge well. Simple computer programmes are used to good effect, children use these competently. There are good opportunities to explore cultures and beliefs and develop a positive sense of self.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Very good use of indoor and outdoor space allows children spontaneous opportunities to explore and develop skills across the curriculum. Children have good spatial awareness and a wide range of movement skills. They confidently control, manipulate and operate apparatus and use construction resources well. Very good use is made of planned and impromptu situations to develop an understanding of how the body works and staying healthy.

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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: Very Good Planned activities introduce a wide range of art techniques, children also have time for independent exploration of colour, shape, texture and space. The rich, well equipped environment stimulates diverse imaginative role play. Children are able to negotiate and act out storylines, adults skilfully extend imaginative play. Children respond with pleasure to songs and participating with musical instruments.

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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: • There are no significant weaknesses to report however the nursery is considering: • investing in mathematical equipment that will extend the children's problem solving abilities through activities. • planning visits to boats and docks. • introducing children to be more conscious of road safety 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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