Bloxcidge House Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/02/2004 Inspector Name Kim Sharratt

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Bloxcidge House Day Nursery Setting Address Bloxcidge House Bloxcidge Street Oldbury West Midlands B68 8QH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Landmark Traders Ltd Address 53 Bloxcidge Street Oldbury West Midlands B68 8QH

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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

Bloxcidge Day Nursery opened in June 1990. It operates from seven rooms and is in a large converted Victorian detached house in a residential area of Oldbury, which is close to bus routes and local train station. The nursery serves the local community and also parents who travel into Oldbury for work. There are currently 76 children from 0 to 8 years on roll. This includes 12 funded three-year- olds and 4 funded four-year-olds. The nursery currently supports children with special needs. The nursery opens from 7:15am - 6:30pm, Monday to Friday all year round closing for Bank Holidays . 16 full/part time staff work with the children.12 of the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or3 or NNEB, BTec Nursery Nursing or general nursing. 4 staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The manager holds ADCE and a cook, general helper and caretaker are also employed.

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Information about the setting

The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership along with a representative from the SEN team who makes regular support visits. Individual Learning Plans record and monitor children's development from the baby room through to pre-school along with an extensive educational programme focusing on the Foundation stage and the Early learning Goals linked to the National Curriculum.

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How good is the Day Care?

Bloxcidge Day Nursery offers good care for children. The nursery has in place clear management structures, offering effective staff support. Detailed procedures are in place to protect children from unvetted persons. All of the nursery premises are maintained to a high standard and provides a child

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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 friendly enviroment. The nursey is well organised into seven different rooms and children are placed according to developmental stages. Procedures are in place to ensure the premises are safe including effective regular emergency evacuation. The procedures for recording accidents and administering medication are good and include parents signature. Healthy choice of drinks, snacks and meals are provided taking into account individual dietary requirements. Staff have a good understanding of child protection procedures and have all attended child protection training. A wide range of age appropriate activities supporting children's play and development are planned using recorded observations in all areas of the nursery to fully meet the individual needs of the

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How good is the Day Care?

children. Staff have in depth knowledge of the children and their families and they meet the needs of the children and the parents wishes. Good availability of resources and activities that promote positive images are available throughout the nursery. Good support is given to parents when identifying a child with a special need and appropriate help is available for the child to make progress. Approproiate strategies are in place to promote good behaviour. There is a strong relationship between parents and staff at the nursery. Parents are kept informed in a variety of ways.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable as there were no actions raised at previous inspection.

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What is being done well?

• The care of the children is very good, staff are very active in promoting activities that further the child's development. Staff interact with the children at all times and offer interesting and stimulating activities. • The operational plan is well documented and shared with parents. Induction procedures are effective in ensuring that each member of staff is aware of their roles and responsibilities. • Management and staff work successfully with parents to develop strong, trusting partnership where parents feel confident that the children will be well cared for in accordance with their wishes. Detailed information is exchanged and parents views are constantly acknowledged and used to improve the service. • The equipment is extensive and very accessible to all of the children. Staff have a good understanding of how to use the equipment effectively and provide children with good challenges that enhance their learning

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What is being done well?

opportunities. The equipment reflects positive images of special needs, gender and different cultures. Natural materials are also incorporated into children's holistic play experiences. • Staff awareness of health and safety issues are very good. Staff are vigilant of children's safety throughout the day and complete regular risk

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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 assessments that highlight any potential risks on the premises. The manager of the setting then implement changes that minimise or remove the risks. Meals and snacks are nutritious, varied and have regard for special diets that particular children may need. Staff ensure that children have access to regular drinks. Children behave very well. Staff have a good understanding of how to promote positive behaviour and encourage children to be kind to one another and to apologise when necessary.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The staff of the nursery have worked together to implement an excellent system for recording children's development by introducing Individual Learning Plans. These are for all the children who attend from baby room to pre-school and are stored in the child's room and are readily available to parent's at all times. These records are ongoing as the child moves through the nursery and passed to the parents when the child leaves. Parents are encouraged to contribute to these records, with staff offering support, advice and ideas. The staff continually add and update these records, which are very detailed and informative closely monitoring individual children's development along with highlighting any areas of concern, which are dealt with promptly.

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What needs to be improved?

• continue to enhance and further develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child development.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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?

Bloxidge Day Nursery offers very good provision across the six areas of learning, which helps children make very good progress towards the early Learning Goals. Teaching is very good. The key strengths in children's communication skills are due to the skilful interactions of the staff in engaging children in conversation and fostering their self-esteem. Staff know the children well and are able to plan an interesting range of activities, which help to develop children's individual progress and learning. The assessment of children's learning is very good. It matches the stepping-stones and informs the terms planning. Children behave well in response to high expectations and the sensitive support of the staff. The nursery is well resourced. The organisation and resources in the outside play area help to develop the children's knowledge and understanding of the world. Leadership and management is very good. The success of the nursery is due to

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How effective is the nursery education?

strong teamwork and a well-structured management system. These ensure a shared understanding of good early years practice and a commitment to on going staff development. The classroom manager has worked hard to develop an effective key work system, which has produced a confident staff team. Partnership with parents is very good. A parent representative ensures that information is relayed to staff and vice versa. Parents are well informed. They are given detailed written information regarding topics to be covered and changes within the setting. The staff actively encourages parental involvement by means of individual learning plans. A designated area is available for parents to discuss confidentially the individual needs of their children. An exchange of information takes place at the beginning and end of the day

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What is being done well?

• Good general organisation helps children become self-sufficient and to make choices. The flow of activities allows children time to complete tasks and work at their own pace. • Children's personal, social and emotional development is very good. They are confident, motivated and keen to learn. They work alone or with others. • Staff support and encourage children to try new experiences by providing a good range of activities linked to the foundation stage. • Very good leadership and management promote the common aim to develop and improve practice and to support the individual needs of the children. • Staff have implemented a very good system of recording children's progress

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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 ,which is shared with parents, who are encouraged to take an active role in ensuring their children's learning is developing.

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunity for more able children to extend their experiences of independence in every day situations.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has made very good progress. The position of the book rack so children are able to reach all books: Both of the book racks have been lower to ensure children are able to access books with ease.

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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 self-assured, and work well together and independently. They are able to make decisions and are keen to discover. They take turns and share with others in the group. They interact and relate well to their peers, staff and other adults. Children become skilled at relationships, act appropriately and are aware of the behaviour boundaries within the setting. Children's self esteem is promoted well by staff through praise and re-enforcement.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident, chatty and friendly. They are able to communicate their feelings well. They are able to listen to and repeat familiar songs, stories and rhymes. They listen to staff and each other. Children are able to link the names of letters to sounds, and are aware that text carries meaning. They handle books appropriately, and use speech to organise and explore real and imaginary experiences, ideas and feelings.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in this area. Practical activities and games help children develop techniques to sequence numbers. Children are familiar with number rhymes, and explore the concepts of addition and subtraction in a useful approach. More able children's learning of solving practical mathematical problems is not extended through games activities. Children use language to describe and compare shape, position, size and quantity in their everyday learning .

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are given the opportunity to discuss freely past, present and future events relating to themselves, their families and the wider community. Children explore the environment and nature through planned activities. Information and communication technology equipment is readily available and used effectively to support children's independence, confidence and learning in this area.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are making very good progress to developing an awareness of a healthy lifestyle. They are beginning to recognise the importance of healthy eating and changes that occur in their bodies through exercise. Planned activities such as bubble blowing, hide and seek promote this learning. Children are competent and confident in the use of both large and small apparatus.

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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 making very good progress in this area. Children respond to and are able to express their preferences in activities and food. Children enjoy participating in a wide range of activities. They are confident in experimenting with paints and other mediums. Children are able to express their thought and feeling through role-play. They engage in musical activities with enthusiasm, enjoying both singing and dancing. Children respond spontaneously to all creative opportunities

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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 weakness to report, but consideration should be given to the following: • Ensure more able children's opportunities to experience independence through every day situations is extended.

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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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