Good Foundations Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/02/2004 Inspector Name Tina Garner

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Good Foundations Day Nursery Setting Address Pentecostal Church 49 Station Road Carlton Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 3AR

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Pentecostal Church Address 49 Station Road Carlton Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 3AR

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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

Good Foundations Day Nursery operates within Carlton Pentecostal Church premises in Carlton, a suburb of Nottingham. The mixed community is represented in both the families using the nursery and the staff group. It opened in October 1995 and the manager and deputy have been employed since then with other staff employed as the nursery has expanded. There are 12 childcare staff, 8 of whom are suitably qualified, others awaiting or undergoing training and assessment, or have childcare experience. There are 3 designated areas for 0-2, 2-3, and 3-5 year old children plus the playgroup room, and the church hall that can be used for both quiet activities or physical play. A safely enclosed outdoor play area is used on a rota basis when the playgroup is in session. The nursery is registered to provide 35 places for children aged between 0-8, there are currently 44 on the register including 1 over 5. This includes 17 funded 3 and 4

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Information about the setting

year old children. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00 throughout the year except for Bank Holidays and 2 weeks at Christmas.

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How good is the Day Care?

Good Foundations Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The majority of the staff team have been in post for several years, most have a relevant childcare qualification or are currently training. Most staff also attend additional training to keep abreast of current child care issues. Staff are competent and confident and there are clear Health and Safety procedures in place to ensure that children are cared for in a mainly safe and secure environment. Staff are vigilant in their supervision of the children. The children are grouped appropriately, so that they feel secure and confident with the adults looking after them. A clear registration system ensures that adequate staff work directly with the children. Children are familiar with staff and routines. Staff relate well to the children, they

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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 build positive relationships and help children to develop good independence skills. A wide range of resources support children's learning, and a broad range of activities are provided. However staff need to ensure that all activities are age appropriate, and organised to enable children to use them more effectively. Staff are good role models and gently guide the children, they offer praise and encouragement, children are generally very well behaved. Parents generally receive good information about the Nursery through attractive displays, notice boards and the parents prospectus, although access to policies and procedures could be improved. An effective key worker system enables staff to establish consistent relationships with parents and children, records which are kept

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How good is the Day Care?

on children's progress are shared with parents on a regular basis. The records required for registration are generally well maintained and careful consideration has been given to issues of confidentiality.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the Nursery has devised new written consent forms, and procedures to record complaints. These new systems ensure that all relevant parental consents are obtained when children initially start at the nursery, and records are effectively maintained of any concerns raised by parents.

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What is being done well?

• The staff team are a well established group, they are competent and confident, and work effectively together, supporting each other to ensure the smooth running of the day. • Staff have good relationships with the children. Children approach them for support, to initiate conversation and to engage with them in play. Staff offer appropriate support and guidance to encourage the children's independence skills and extend their learning. • Staff have a good knowledge of the policies and procedures of the group, this enables them to promote the welfare of the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• provision of activities which are age appropriate to the children and meet their individual needs • organisation of space and resources to enable children to make full use of the activities • procedures, to ensure all medication and accident records are signed by parents • safety, to ensure that hazards to children are minimised.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 6 Take steps to promote safety within the setting with regard to making low-level glass safe or inaccessible. 11/03/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure space and resources are effectively organised to enable children to make clear choices about their play and learning. 3 Provide a range of age appropriate activities and play opportunities that meet children’s individual needs. 7 Ensure accident and medication records are consistently maintained with parent’s signatures.

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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?

Good Foundations Day Nursery offers good quality nursery education, with children making generally good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. The quality of teaching at the nursery is generally good. Staff use their knowledge of the Foundation Stage Curriculum to plan a good range of stimulating activities. They adapt the planned curriculum to accommodate children's interests, as with the recent topic on the local environment. All members of staff are involved in the planning process. Children's progress is observed and recorded, however observations are not always used as effectively as they might be to identify children's next steps in learning. Consequently some areas of planning do not always offer sufficient opportunities for younger children. The staff work effectively as a team to deliver the curriculum, they have caring relationships with the children who are secure, happy and keen to engage with the adults and their

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How effective is the nursery education?

peers. Overall, the leadership and management of the setting is generally good. The staff work well as a team with the active involvement of the manager, and her deputy. The management have adopted a proactive attitude to the inspection process and to introducing positive changes. Staff have generally good relationships with parents, having introduced a number of systems for keeping parents informed about the work of the setting and their child's educational progress. This has led to some progress in involving parents in the work of the nursery, however strategies for involving parents in their child's educational progress are ineffective.

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What is being done well?

• Carefully planned role-play areas enable children to use their imagination to act out situations and reflect their own ideas. • Children are keen mark makers and demonstrate an awareness of writing for a purpose. Many four year olds can write their names and younger children are eager to learn how to form letters. • Children have good fine motor skills which are taught through a range of well planned and purposeful activities. • Staff work well as a team to provide a good range of activities that the majority of children are keen to participate in.

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What needs to be improved?

• staff's knowledge of the stepping stones towards the Early Learning Goals, to

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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 increase their understanding about what children should learn from the activities provided • systems to provide opportunities for parents to share what they know about their child • the organisation of the day to enable younger or less able children to grow in confidence to participate in all activities and during group time.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The Nursery have made generally good progress since the last inspection. At the last inspection they were asked to devise a system for children to independently access a variety of resources, tools and junk materials. A drawing area has now been provided with storage systems which allow children to access pens, paper, scissors, hole punchers and a range of junk boxes. This provides children with good opportunities to freely access resources, for practical, non-directed activities. Ongoing improvements are being made to ensure children are provided with more challenge in their physical development. A wider range of planned outdoor activities are now provided, however improved opportunities for large motor development are still being looked at. Systems to consistently allow parents to contribute towards assessments of children's progress are still inadequate, and remain an ongoing issue.

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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: Generally Good Children form good relationships with adults and with each other. They use social language, such as 'please', 'thank you' and 'sorry' without prompting. Children have good independence skills which they learn through daily routines. They respond well when asked to perform tasks such as tidying up. Children enjoy their learning and are involved in their play, sustaining their interest in independently chosen activities for good lengths of time.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are confident in expressing their thoughts, experiences and feelings and have good vocabulary. In group activities older children respond to adult's questions, answering fully. Children are also showing progress in handwriting, and are provided with meaningful opportunities to practice these skills. Older children show emerging writing skills and many can write their names. Younger children are keen to mark make and show good pencil control.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are confident with numbers as labels and for counting, using them spontaneously in planned and child led activities. They develop a sound knowledge of shapes, measure, space and position, with many children accurately describing on, under and behind. Many children can also recognise and compare shape and size.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy a varied programme of well planned craft and art activities, which allow them to develop their design and making skills. They show enjoyment and develop skill in their use of construction toys and resources. An exciting programme gives many opportunities to learn about the local environment, and about people from other cultures and with different beliefs.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in physical development is generally good. They show a developing awareness of their bodies and how to look after them. They move confidently and safely around the setting. There are good resources to enable them to develop, though access to climbing equipment could be extended. Children are competent at using a wide range of tools during craft activities and to support meal times.

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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 enjoy music and are familiar with a wide range of songs. They have active imaginations during role play and construction activities, regularly inventing games and scenarios. They also have many opportunities to develop their understanding of texture, form and space, and adults encourage them to communicate their findings.

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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

• Develop staff's knowledge of the stepping stones towards the Early Learning Goals, enabling them to use their knowledge to assess what children are learning and help them plan individual children's next steps. • Provide opportunities for parents to share what they know about their child and to contribute to the assessment records of children's progress towards the Early Learning Goals. • Ensure the inclusion of younger, less able children to enable them to grow in confidence and build on what they already know.

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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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