South Essex College of Further and Higher Education

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/03/2004 Inspector Name Susan McCourt

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Blueberry Nursery School Setting Address 5 Davigdor Road Hove East Sussex BN3 1QB

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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

Blueberry Nursery is privately owned and runs in a converted house in a residential area of Brighton, close to the city centre. The nursery is open from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, throughout the year and is open to the wider community. Children aged 18 months to 5 years attend. There is a staff team of seventeen, sixteen of whom are qualified and one who is in training. All staff have first aid training. The building has seven rooms available for childcare with an outside area that can be used throughout the year. The nursery is registered for 62 children and currently has 120 on roll. There are 28 funded four-year-olds, and 57 funded three-year olds. Of these, five have special educational needs and six have English as an additional language. The nursery receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Blueberry Nursery provides good quality care for children. The staff team create stimulating and interesting learning environments in all areas of the nursery, including the outdoor area. The nursery is well equipped and staff use the resources effectively to create exciting and challanging activities for the children. The office staff ensure that record-keeping is well-organised and confidentiality is maintained. The staff are committed to safety in all areas of the nursery and all practices are regularly reviewed. Staff follow hygiene routines strictly and teach children the importance of doing so. Medication records are well-maintained but should include parent signatures. The nursery provides well balanced hot meals and a range of healthy snacks. Water is available at all times. The staff are knowledgeable about the children's individual needs, including cultural and special needs. The staff are clear about their duties

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How good is the Day Care?

regarding child protection and the welfare of the child is paramount. The staff take care to ensure children are confident and secure in the nursery.

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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 Children are organised into small groups with whom they stay as they grow through the nursery. Staff plan an excellent range of activities to support the children's development and the staff know each child in their group very well. Children are independent and active, and toys and equipment are easily accessible to them. There is an excellent variety of play materials from around the world and imaginative activities to introduce children to different cultures. The children are well-behaved and staff encourage them to co-operate and be helpful. Parents are given good quality information about the nursery and can take part in nursery life in a variety of ways such as organising an activity or helping to interview

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How good is the Day Care?

new staff. Parents receive termly reports on their child's progress and staff are regularly available if parents wish to meet with them.

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What is being done well?

• The staff set up excellent learning environments which invite children to explore and take part. • The outdoor area is partially covered for year-round use. This has also been set up as a stimulating learning environment. • Children are offered a range of healthy foods through the day, including a two course hot lunch. Children also have access to spring water in their play rooms. • Parents are involved in every aspect of the nursery and their contribution is greatly valued by the staff.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The nursery has an excellent variety of play equipment from different cultures, covering all aspects of the curriculum. Objects are labelled in various languages to support bilingual children and there are numerous images of people and places from around the world.

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What needs to be improved?

• the inclusion of parent's signatures on the medication records.

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Outcome of the 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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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 7 Include parent signatures on medication records.

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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 Blueberry Nursery is acceptable and is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of the curriculum. The quality of the teaching is very good. Staff understand the Foundation Stage very well and work with an early years teacher to ensure plans cover all of the stepping stones. Activities are imaginatively planned and well-resourced. The staff have set up excellent learning environments with equipment labelled and easily accessible to children. This fosters the children's independence and ensures that they are interested and involved. Staff observe the children closely and monitor their progress. Staff adapt the plans to ensure that they maximise the child's learning but this is not reflected in the written plans. Leadership and management is very good. Supernumerary managers are on call to support staff with the children and a mentoring system is also in place. The nursery

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How effective is the nursery education?

takes part in several accreditation schemes to monitor and improve the quality of the provision as well as regular in-house reviews. The managers pay close attention to the results of parent and staff surveys and will address area's for development. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are given good quality information about the policies and procedures and are given regular information about their child's progress. Parents are actively encouraged to participate in the group and bring particular skills to activities provided for the children. Parents also take part in interviewing new staff and can join the staff for relevant training events. There is a coffee lounge in the nursery building for parents to use, and newsletters give information about social events.

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What is being done well?

• Children are enabled to be very independent in their play. Activity areas are interesting and arranged so that children can access equipment easily. Children's curiosity is stimulated and they have good concentration spans. • Managers have high expectations of staff and support the staff well in meeting these expectations. Staff manage their own budgets for their equipment and have specialist areas of interest which they develop within the nursery. • Parents are involved in all aspects of the nursery.

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What needs to be improved?

• the link between assessment and planning, to enhance the challenge for

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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 more able children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to support children who had English as an additional language and also to support junior staff to promote consistency in practice. Where children have additional languages, parents are invited to teach the staff some helpful words to be able to talk with the child and word-labels in the room are made bi-lingual. A range of other lanuage scripts are also present in the nursery on a permanent basis. Junior staff have the support of more experienced practitioners and managers. There is a good induction programme in place and staff reported that they found their managers very supportive.

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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 Staff give children excellent support to settle into the nursery. The rooms are arranged to maximise children's independence. Children have high self-esteem and are confident, talking with staff, visitors and each other. They are well-behaved and remind each other of the rules. The children co-operate, take turns and treat each other with respect. Children wash their own hands, help tidy up and go to the toilet by themselves.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are articulate and initiate conversations regularly. They can identify different forms of writing, such as lists and menus, and confidently attempt to copy words for displays and labels. Children enjoy books and stories, and can put a familiar series of events such as a bedtime routine into the correct order. Children listen well and can share their experiences and memories. Children can link letters to sounds in familiar words.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children count spontaneously in their play and use number names with confidence. They can match objects to people and see that more would be needed. Children learn to do simple addition and subtraction in songs and activities and can divide shapes into quarters. Children identify shapes and patterns and can put objects into size order. Children learn to measure and record their observations. They learn about capacity, weight and measurement in a range of practical activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Staff provide a wide variety of materials for children to explore and manipulate. Children observe the changes that occur in cooking activities and when plants grow. They learn about the natural world by looking at the water cycle and objects such as a wormery. Children use computers on their own and technological toys are always present in role play areas. Children take part in history projects and experiments. They learn about other cultures in interesting outings and role plays.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children have excellent opportunities to run, cycle, balance, throw and catch. They take part in dance and action songs and move with confidence when pretending to be animals or dinosaurs. Staff teach children about good health and children notice the changes in their bodies when they exercise. Children use a variety of tools and equipment in art and craft. Children use objects such as scissors and knives safely.

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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 mix paints to match materials and skin tones. They make sounds with instruments and other objects and enjoy singing. Children take part in activities which encourage them to use all their senses and they can identify different smells and describe textures. Children are enthusiastic about role play and play together for extended periods. They draw pictures of their experiences and describe their feelings.

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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: • Improve the link between assessment and planning to enhance the challenge for more able children.

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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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