Alexandra Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/11/2004 Inspector Name Flo Griffin-Taylor

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Sunbeams Day Nursery Setting Address Hawkers Hill Mitcheldean Gloucestershire GL17 0BS

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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

Sunbeams Day Nursery was established in 1997 and is sited in a former Victorian primary school near the centre of the town of Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire. Children are accommodated in four rooms, with babies, toddlers and pre-school children having separate facilities. All children share access to a secure enclosed outside play area. The premises are owned and managed by Miss Sharon Hale, a qualified primary and early years teacher. The nursery operates all year round, excluding bank holidays, Monday to Friday, from 07:30 until 17:30. A maximum of 68 children may attend the nursery at any one time. There are currently 101 children on roll aged from five months to under eight years. This also includes some after school children. Nineteen three-year-olds and three four-year-old children are in receipt of funding. The nursery has provision for children with special educational needs and for those for whom English is an

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Information about the setting

additional language. Currently there are 16 members of staff who work directly with the children. Thirteen staff hold appropriate early years qualifications. The nursery receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Sunbeams Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The nursery is well organised and managed, with clear recruitment and induction procedures in place. Documentation is complete and reviewed regularly. Management staff are closely involved in the daily running of the provision. All staff are enthusiastic, work well together, and committed to providing good quality care and education. They have a positive approach to training and staff development. The nursery provides a warm, welcoming and relaxed environment where children

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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 are happy and involved. They are well cared for. Staff develop good relationships with them and are sensitive and responsive to their needs. They are consistent in approach and give positive praise and encouragement. Independence, self esteem and confidence are promoted well. Behaviour is good. Staff have a sound understanding of children's developmental learning requirements. Activities are well planned, and individual needs taken into account. Children's development is carefully monitored and a key worker system is in place. A good, varied range of toys and equipment is provided, which offers children challenge, interest and stimulation, and supports them well in their play and learning opportunities. The outside play area however, lacks creative planning and

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How good is the Day Care?

presentation. Sleep routines are well organised, but appropriate cots are not always used. Staff give high priority to ensuring children are safe and secure, and follow good health and hygiene practice. Food is freshly prepared and children given healthy meals and snacks. Individual dietary needs are respected. Staff work closely with parents and carers to ensure that children settle happily into the nursery. They relate well to parents, are welcoming, and care for children according to parent's wishes. Information is shared. Parents are kept well informed about the activities and the progress of their children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no actions made at the last inspection visit.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery is well organised and managed, with clear recruitment, induction and support procedures in place. Staff work well together, are committed, and have a positive approach to training and development. • A warm, welcoming and relaxed environment is provided, and children are happy and involved. Staff relate well to children and are sensitive and responsive to their needs. They give children clear, consistent boundaries with positive praise and encouragement. • Staff have a sound understanding of children's developmental learning requirements. Activities are well planned for each age group and individual needs taken into account. Children's progress is carefully monitored. • A good, varied range of toys and equipment is provided, which offers challenge, interest and stimulation, and supports the children well in their learning opportunities. Independence is encouraged. • Safety is given a high priority and clear established procedures are in place

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What is being done well?

for keeping children safe and the premises secure. Staff actively promote good health and hygiene, and follow good practice guidelines.

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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 • Staff work closely with parents and carers. They are valued and made welcome and kept well informed about their child's progress and the activities on offer.

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What needs to be improved?

• the outside play area • further consideration of sleep times, with the use of additional appropriate equipment.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

In May 2004 Ofsted received a concern which raised issues with regard to the following standards: Standard 6 - the level of supervision given to children; Standard 7 - accident reporting; Standard 13 - children's inappropriate behaviour. An unannounced visit was made, the outcome of which clearly demonstrated that the nursery had followed correct procedures and taken appropriate action in all cases. No further action was necessary, and the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 Make sure that the outside play area and resources provide children with sufficient challenge, interest and stimulation. 5 Ensure that suitable and sufficient equipment is available to meet the

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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 sleeping requirements of babies and young children.

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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?

Sunbeams Day Nursery offers high quality nursery education. It provides a caring, supportive and welcoming environment in which children are making very good progress in all areas towards the early learning goals. Teaching is very good. Staff have a clear understanding of how children learn and develop and a sound knowledge of the foundation stage. Activities are well planned and individual needs taken into account. They apply effective teaching methods, encourage participation and independence, and organise room space creatively to provide a stimulating learning environment. Staff interact well with children, are responsive, and listen and question appropriately. They offer children realistic challenges and a wide range of activities to foster their interest and imagination and to promote confidence and self esteem. Children's progress is carefully monitored and assessments, linked to the stepping stones, are completed for each child and

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How effective is the nursery education?

assist with future planning. Evidence of children's own work however is not routinely kept to further demonstrate ongoing progress, and access is limited. Leadership and management is very good. The nursery is well organised and has clear aims. Staff are very aware of their roles and responsibilities, are enthusiastic, and work well together as a team. They meet regularly to plan and evaluate and to assess their practice and provision. They show commitment to continued improvement through an active in-service training schedule. Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents are provided with good information about the nursery and its provision in a variety of formats. They are kept well informed about their child's achievements and receive regular ongoing verbal updates, as well as occasional written progress reports. They are warmly welcomed, valued, and encouraged to be involved in their children's learning.

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What is being done well?

• Children are making very good progress in all areas of the early learning goals. • Staff have a clear understanding of how children learn and develop, and a sound knowledge of the Foundation Stage. • Activities are well planned and individual needs taken into account. Staff provide a stimulating learning environment and offer challenges that sustain interest, foster independence and promote confidence and self esteem. • Staff interact well with the children. They are responsive to their needs and interested in what they say and do, asking appropriate questions to extend their thinking and learning. • There is effective leadership and an enthusiastic committed staff team, all of

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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 whom work well together. Staff access training opportunities to support children's learning and improve their practice and provision. • The staff have very good relationships with parents and carers, who are kept well informed about the setting, the provision on offer, and children's progress and achievements.

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What needs to be improved?

• the system of assessment and more ready accessibility, to further support and provide ongoing evidence of children's progress and achievements.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The last Ofsted inspection was on the 15 January 2001. Good progress has been made in the three key issues that were identified: 1. Mathematics is well integrated into the curriculum and every day activities. Children are provided with many opportunities to count, match, and use problem solving skills to work out simple number operations. 2. Parents and carers are provided with good information about the curriculum and the theme based activities on offer. These are clearly displayed in the room areas. News letters are also regularly produced, with regular ongoing verbal communication. Parents are encouraged be involved in their children's learning, to participate, to talk about their children and to share information. 3. The book corner is readily available to the children, with a good range of well presented and age appropriate story and reference books easily accessible.

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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 happy, interested, involved, and have good self esteem. They confidently choose activities and show good levels of independence. They ably speak out in small and large groups and listen carefully to staff and each other. Children are eager to try out new activities, and are able to concentrate for long periods. They form good relationships, and are co-operative, well behaved and show concern and respect for others. They are developing an awareness of the wider community.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children have good communication skills. They have a wide vocabulary and are confident speakers who engage easily in conversation with adults and other children. They talk through their actions, describe real and imaginary experiences and express feelings. Children enjoy singing rhymes and listening to stories. They understand that print carries meaning. Some children are able to recognise and write their own name, as well as linking sounds to letters. Books are enjoyed and used confidently.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Mathematical development is accommodated well through planned and every day activities. Children count confidently and accurately up to ten and beyond at group times and spontaneously in their play. They are starting to recognise numerals. Children are developing a good understanding of size, shape, position, and quantity, and use correct descriptive language. They are able to copy simple patterns and sequences. Problem solving skills are promoted well.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are enthusiastic about investigating new materials and ideas. They are developing a good knowledge and understanding both of their natural and surrounding environment, of the wider world, and of other cultures, through an interesting range of well planned topics and activities. They enjoy building and constructing and choosing the resources. Children talk confidently about events in their lives and have a good awareness of past and present. They are familiar with technology and its use.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

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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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently around, carefully negotiating obstacles, with good co-ordination, imagination and control. They show a keen awareness of space and of others. Through well planned topic work and activities, children are learning about themselves physically and how their bodies work and perform. They show a good awareness of health and hygiene, and understand the importance of keeping healthy. They confidently use a wide variety of equipment and tools and have good manipulative skills.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children have good opportunities to use a broad range of media and materials. They explore colour, shape, texture and form, and two and three dimensional art work, in free play and adult supported activities. Children use their imagination well and express their thoughts and feelings through painting, role play, storytelling and movement sessions. They have a good sense of rhythm and tempo, and enjoy singing and playing 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, but consideration should be given to the following: • continue to review, develop and extend the children's assessment system, and make it more readily accessible, to further support and provide on-going evidence of children's progress and achievements.

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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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