Willowdene Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/02/2004 Inspector Name Lynne Elizabeth Lewington

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name WILLOWDENE NURSERY SCHOOL Setting Address 42 Reading Road Chineham Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8LT

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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

Willowdene Nursery School opened in 1990. It operates from the ground floor of a house that has been adapted to provide nursery accommodation, in Chineham, Basingstoke. The nursery serves the Basingstoke area. There are currently 76 children on the roll from two years nine months to eight years. This includes 48 funded three year olds and 13 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Currently no children have special educational needs and the group supports no children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week from 08:00 until18:00. After school and holiday care for five to eight year olds available. Six part time and four full time staff work with the children. Staff have teaching, NVQ3 and pre-school playgroup qualifications. The setting receives support from the advisory teacher and Early Years partnership. They use the principles of the High

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How good is the Day Care?

Willowdene Nursery School offers good quality care for children. Staff are all relatively new to the setting, however, they are all working enthusiastically together. Some staff documentation is not available. Staff deliver a broad range of activities and nurture the children well. There is a wide range of good quality toys and equipment including two computers. Resources reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, disability and gender. The staff work hard to ensure that the environment is warm and welcoming for the children and their parents. Storage facilities for supplies are not ideal. Space is well set out with an area for messy play and quiet activities, children make good use of most areas. However, opportunities are missed for children to make use of the book corner.

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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 staff have an understanding of safety issues and help the children to learn good personal hygiene habits. Children bring their own lunch boxes and enjoy a social lunchtime with staff who join them to eat. A snack bar provides the children with snacks and drinks in each session. Children develop confidence and are secure in their environment. The staff ensure they have access to a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities indoors and out. Staff are caring and understanding of special needs, equal opportunities and understand the procedures regarding child protection. Behaviour is managed well and staff set good role models for the children, the children behave well. The staff have excellent relationships with the parents. Parents are kept informed of

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How good is the Day Care?

their child's progress, the notice board informs of daily activities and they are given information about how they can promote their child's development at home. A home-school library service is offered and children regularly take books home.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery provides an effective play and learning environment for the children indoors and out. Children are happy and settled, they move freely and with confidence within the nursery. Good use is made of the limited space available to provide a warm welcoming environment with access to a wide variety of activities to encourage young children's learning. • Children develop confidence and a sense of security in their surroundings. Their independence in personal hygiene is fostered appropriately. The children relate well to the staff and each other. • The relationship with parents and carers is excellent, parents are kept informed of activities and encouraged to follow through by finding things at home and learning the songs. The notice board is interesting and very informative. • The nursery has a large selection of well maintained toys and equipment for the children to play with and they make good use of these. The resources are

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What is being done well?

all stored at child height; giving the children freedom of choice to select what they want to play with.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation regarding checks for all members of staff • storage in the toilet area, to create a more pleasant environment • use of the book area, to encourage children to use more frequently.

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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 4 Improve storage for supplies and cleaning agents.

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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?

The provision for nursery education at Willowdene Nursery School is of high quality. It enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. The children enjoy learning through a wide range of planned interesting and stimulating activities. Key worker groups provide an opportunity for children to consider what play opportunities are available in a small intimate group and group time provides a fun lively learning opportunity in which all children participate and consolidate their learning. The quality of teaching is very good and staff develop excellent relationships with the children. They are spontaneous and recognise the learning opportunities in everyday activities encouraging the children to learn in everything that they do. Staff do not track the time some children spend at activities, ensuring children access the good range of activities provided and effective use is not made of the book area.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Observations and assessments are used effectively to plan the next stage of children's learning. Leadership and management is very good. Recent staff changes have been managed well and new ideas and enthusiasm are evident in the setting. Professional development is valued and staff are encouraged to attend relevant courses. There is close co-operation between the staff, who work hard to make the nursery a warm welcoming place for children and their parents. Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents speak highly of the quality of service offered and the friendly staff. Excellent information is provided about the children's learning including ideas to be built on at home and the words to the songs the children learn. Parents meet with key workers to discuss development at a formal meeting although they can discuss with staff informally when they wish.

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What is being done well?

• Children demonstrate good independence skills; they visit the snack bar, put on aprons, wash their hands, manage their own clothing and make choices regarding activities. Staff use praise and encouragement to reward their efforts, achievements, good behaviour and manners. • Children learn initial sounds; extend their vocabulary and practice counting skills in a fun active way every day at circle time. • There is good provision of programmable toys and equipment to encourage the children to use technology effectively to support their play and learning. • Children access a good range of tools and activities to enhance their physical development. Good use is made of outdoor areas to develop large motor skills and children have ample opportunities to use scissors, brushes, pens,

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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 spatula's to develop fine motor skills. • The staff form excellent partnership with parents, they share information about how children learn, how parents can help their child and about the individual child's progress. Parents speak highly of the warm welcoming environment provided.

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What needs to be improved?

• tracking of children's time spent at activities, to ensure they all access the good range of learning opportunities • the book area, make more welcoming to encourage children to use effectively.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has made very good progress since the last inspection. At the last inspection the areas for consideration were to maintain high standards and provide opportunities for children to develop there own problem solving skills, to organise the book box to enable children to see the covers and allow better choice. The high standards in the provision of education have been maintained. Children have opportunities to problem solve using the resources that are always available including a maths table, writing table, computer, snack bar and creative area. The High scope method of education is used and children discuss with their key worker what is available and then make choices about what they do. The books are displayed attractively in a small book area and on displays throughout the setting. Children use the books but do not sit in the book area to use them preferring to take elsewhere in 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children relate confidently to each other and adults behave well and share toys and resources. Children show good concentration skills and express their needs and ideas confidently to adults. They are developing independence skills they serve themselves in the snack bar. Children are praised and encouraged in their work and play; this builds their self-esteem and self-confidence.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children confidently find name cards and are beginning to understand that print carries meaning. Staff extend and encourage communication and language at every opportunity. Children listen and respond appropriately, carpet time introduces the children to the letter of the week and they explore the use of the sound of the letter in a poem and practice writing it in the air. Children practice their emerging reading and writing skills in a variety of well planned and role-play situations.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good There are good opportunities to extend children's understanding of matching, comparing and sorting, with good resources always available. Some children are able to count to ten and beyond, they can recognise numerals between one and nine. Staff use their initiative in daily activities to encourage the children to use mathematical vocabulary and understand its meaning. They talked about the length of the fireman's hose and make comparisons.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children talk confidently about personal events in their own lives and are becoming aware of other cultures, and traditions. They are learning about the work some people do, currently the fireman. Resources provided in every day play opportunities, encourage the children to investigate, construct and assemble. Children are developing increasing knowledge and ability from a range of practical activities and resources. They use technology with confidence.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show good co-ordination and spatial awareness. They use trikes, and scooters competently. Children are able to control pencils, pens, and scissors when undertaking a good range of activities and develop their manipulative and fine motor skills. Staff talk to the children about eating healthily, taking exercise and getting enough sleep. Children know that their hearts beat faster when they have been physically active.

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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 Children express their ideas freely through a good range of activities including role-play, construction toys, creative activity and movement. Children respond enthusiastically to new experiences and are confident in communicating their thoughts and feelings. They dress as firemen, drive the engine fast and put out the 'fire' with water sprays.

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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 staff track children's movements around the nursery to ensure they access all the activities • make the book area a more inviting area for children to use. 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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