Bright Horizons Tingley Day Nursery and Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/04/2004 Inspector Name June Rice

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Asquith nursery - Tingley Setting Address Asquith Court Nursery Lowry Road, Tingley Wakefield West Yorkshire WF3 1TW

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Asquith Court Nurseries Limited 3077271

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Asquith Court Nurseries Limited Address Orbital House Park View Road Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 3EY

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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

Asquith Court Nursery has been registered since 1993 and belongs to a National chain of nurseries. It is a single storey purpose built nursery with outdoor play areas. It is situated in Tingley which is close to the city of Wakefield and motorway networks. It serves the local community and parents working in surrounding areas. There are 286 children on roll from three months to five years of age. This includes 26 funded three year olds and 9 four year olds. The nursery supports children with special educational needs (SEN) and children with English as an additional language (EAL). The setting is open all year round from 8:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. There are 20 staff working with the children of whom the majority hold relevant child care qualifications. The nursery has support from the early years development and childcare partnership (EYDCP) and belongs to the Leeds Day Nurseries network.

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How good is the Day Care?

Asquith Court Nursery provides satisfactory care with some good aspects. A welcoming environment is provided and children are very happy and settled. The facility has good security systems. Policies and procedures are in place and comply with the National Standards requirements. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities and work well together which contributes to the smooth running of the day care. The programme for supporting the inclusion of children with special educational needs is good. The management of children's safety is in place, however staff need to extend their knowledge of child protection issues and ensure ratios are in place at all times. Health and hygiene standards are effective and dental hygiene is promoted to highlight children's awareness of caring for teeth. Children are supplied with a good range of healthy, fresh and nutritious food and have access to drinks throughout the

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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 There is an excellent range of activities supported with good planning to progress children's learning and development. Toys and resources are suitable for all age groups and are easily accessible to promote independence and choice. Gross motor skills are developed through the well designed outdoor play area and climbing apparatus. All staff interact successfully with the children and have a positive relationship with them. Strategies for behaviour management are effective and very good; children respond well and are aware of their boundaries. The nursery works in partnership with parents effectively. Parents are welcomed and are fully aware of their child's individual key worker. They share information regularly

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How good is the Day Care?

regarding the children's needs and parents are provided with good information about the setting and their child's progress, however access is required to the complaints policy. Parents are given verbal feedback everyday regarding their child's care. Positive comments were received on the day of inspection from parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the previous inspection an action was in place - to maintain staff/child ratios. This has not been effectively met and therefore this remains an action in this inspection.

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What is being done well?

• The excellent range of activities help children to progress and develop. Staff use effective questioning techniques to encourage imagination and learning. Children's development is entered in a record of achievement which is available for parents. Outdoor play is available where children have a three tiered area to play with climbing apparatus and an all weather surface. • There is a good varied range of well balanced nutritious meals. The chef caters for all needs and incorporates children's favourites into the menus. Meal times are social occasions where children are encouraged to use cutlery and be independent. • The behaviour of children is managed well and they respond positively to staff's clear guidance and praise. Strategies are in place for the different ages and levels of understanding. Children are happy and settled and approach the staff with ease. • All children are welcomed. Special needs children have appropriate

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What is being done well?

equipment and care in place to meet all their needs effectivley. Staff have access to specialised training from the community nurse. • Partnerships with parents is effective. They receive a good selection of information regarding their child's care. Records of achievement are readily available for parents and they receive verbal feedback daily from key workers regarding their child's day. Parents gave positive comments and are very happy with their child's care.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• the staff/child ratios to be maintained at all times • the complaints procedure to be shared and displayed with parents • the staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 2 Submit an action plan detailing how child/staff ratio's will be in place at all times. 07/05/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 12 Ensure the complaints policy is displayed and shared with parents. 13 Develop staff’s knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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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?

Asquith Court Nursery serves the locality and surrounding areas well. It creates a safe and stimulating environment for children to settle and learn. Children who are three-years-old and four-years-old are making very good progress overall towards the achievement of the early learning goals in all areas of learning. Quality of teaching is very good. Staff use an effective and manageable record keeping system to assess children's achievements and progress. This consists of collections of photographs and a wide range of children's work, also the completion of detailed written observations. Staff are experienced at supporting children with identified special educational needs, such as the development and implementation of individual educational plans to meet children's needs. Leadership and management is very good. The setting is able to identify and assess the main strengths and weaknesses of the overall nursery provision, including the

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How effective is the nursery education?

pre-school provision. There is a firm commitment to improve the care and education for all children, highlighted well in the way the pre-school staff welcome and fully implement any suggestions made by the visiting advisory teacher. Partnership with parents and carers is very good. They are well informed about their child's achievements and progress, supported by the use of a 'key worker' system and the organisation of parent evenings, also through on-going conversations with accessible staff. Parents are given a good range of quality information about the nursery and its provision, such as a well illustrated prospectus, are encouraged to be involved in their child's learning, and are encouraged to share what they know about their child.

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What is being done well?

• Staff's use of a manageable and effective record keeping system to assess children's achievements and progress. This consists of collections of photographs and a wide range of children's work, also the completion of detailed written observations. • The setting's ability to identify and assess the main strengths and weaknesses of the overall nursery provision, including the pre-school provision. • Children's level of self-confidence, often shown when taking it in turns to sing their favourite songs in front of the pre-school staff and children. They are aware of 'our rules in Rabbit Range', and are willing to try new activities, such as handling a whisk during a water play activity. • Children's early reading skills, promoted well in the comfortable and inviting 'reading area'. This includes the opportunity to take a book home to further

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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 practice their early reading skills with the help of their parents. • Children's ability to recognise numerals 1-9, fostered well when spending some of their time in the well resourced 'mathematical zone'. This includes the ability to form a wide variety of recognisable numbers when handling different coloured pipe cleaners. • Parent's knowledge of their child's achievements and progress, supported by the use of a 'key worker' system and the organisation of parent evenings, also through on-going conversations with accessible staff.

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What needs to be improved?

• Enhancement of children's creative development through music and dance activities.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Asquith Court Nursery staff have made very good progress since the last inspection, and this has had a positive impact on the overall nursery provision and on children's learning. There are two main improvements linked to the previous two points to consider: The weekly plans have been further developed, ensuring that it is clearer what children should learn from the activities. Plans contain a higher level of detail, such as how the children are grouped and how the staff are deployed.

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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 achieved a high level of self-confidence, often shown when taking it in turns to sing their favourite songs in front of the pre-school staff and children. They are aware of 'our rules in Rabbit Range', and are willing to try new activities, such as handling a whisk during a water play activity. Children have formed good relationships with each other and the staff, highlighted well during group work.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are developing their early reading skills, promoted well in the comfortable and inviting 'reading area'. This includes the opportunity to take a book home to further practice their early reading skills with the help of their parents. They are able to link sounds and letters, sometimes by focusing on one alphabet letter in turn, such as 'C', and frequently write their names and write for a variety of purposes.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are able to recognise numerals 1-9, fostered well when spending some of their time in the well resourced 'mathematical zone'. This includes the ability to form a wide variety of recognisable numbers when handling different coloured pipe cleaners. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of subtraction, often when singing songs, such as 'ten green crocodiles sitting on a wall', when one is taken away at a time.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are skilful at designing and making three-dimensional models, often when handling a wide range of accessible everyday materials. They are able to explore and investigate, including talking about the daily weather and recording their observations on a chart, also when looking closely at the changes to the flowers and plants featured in the outside garden areas, and are developing a sense of the recent past.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are developing their small muscles and manipulative skills, often through handling a varied range of good quality accessible tools, objects, construction and malleable materials, including art and craft tools, mark-making and writing implements. They can move about confidently on large equipment, such as a challenging climbing frame, to help foster their climbing and balancing skills, and are able to show an awareness of space.

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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 are encouraged to use their imagination through role play activities, particularly when spending some of their time in the well resourced 'home corner' area, including making up a story about 'looking after the babies'. They are able to explore colour, sometimes by focusing on one colour, such as green, then attempting to make contrasting shades of this colour by mixing paints together, and they can explore a range of textures.

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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: • Staff should address the following point for consideration in their action plan: • Continue to foster children's creative development through music and dance activities.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

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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