Highfield Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/11/2004 Inspector Name Jennifer Turner

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Highfield Day Nursery Setting Address 3/4 Highfield Rd Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3ED

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Child Base Limited 2418535

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Child Base Limited Address Kingston House, Northampton Road Newport Pagnell Buckinghamshire MK16 8NJ

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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

Highfield Day Nursery is a chain nursery run by Child Base company. It opened in 2001 and operates from 14 rooms in a large grade 2 listed building. It is situated in the residential area of Edgbaston, on the outskirts of Birmingham. The nursery is open each weekday from 07.30 to 18.30 for 52 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 100 children aged from 6 weeks to under 5 years on roll. Of these 18, 3 year olds and 9, 4 year olds receive funding for nursery education. The nursery currently supports children who speak English as an additional language. Twenty five staff are employed to work with the children, in addition to a cook and administrator. Twenty four of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. One staff member is currently working towards a qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Highfield Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment that is child centred, spacious and brightly decorated with children's own art work displayed. Children are happy, as they engage in some stimulating activities within the nursery. There is an excellent range and variety of toys and equipment available for the children, including those to support all areas of equality. The nursery is well organised with children divided into peer groups with appropriate toys and equipment easily accessible, to allow children choice. Children are encouraged to investigate, explore and make their own decisions regarding activities. The nursery has good plans in place, detailing the wide range of activities available, these are displayed for all parents. Children are well occupied and interaction with the staff is very good. Children are very involved in their own play, with good support from staff who are

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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 actively involved with children's play, to offer enjoyment and learning opportunities. Staff constantly engage in conversation's with children extending their language development. Staff have a good understanding of health and safety issues and good hygiene practices are applied throughout. Children are encouraged to develop good personal hygiene and they understand the need to maintain hand washing. Policies are available covering all areas of health and safety, with regular risk assessment carried out effectively, although details of visitor are not always maintained. Snack time is a social occasion and children have a good understanding about healthy eating. There are good relationships with parents and they are kept informed of all aspects

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How good is the Day Care?

of the nursery and their child's progress and development. There are detailed policies available to parents as well as information on activities and what their children have done during the day.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery provides a warm and welcoming environment that is child centred. Children are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the nursery, choosing equipment, tidying up, preparing tables and sharing out snacks. • Space is well organised and activities set out to be inviting and interesting. There is an excellent range of toys and equipment and children are encouraged to explore, investigate and make their own decisions regarding play. • Interaction between children and staff is very good. Language and conversation are extended with staff giving good explanations and reasons. • Staff work well as a team and provide good role models for the children. • Partnership with parents is good with effective systems in place for information sharing.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The nursery provides and exciting and stimulating developmental programme for children from birth to five years. The Sound Learning programme is interactive, which is specifically designed to focus on developing a child's self esteem, social skills and language. Through this programme the staff are able to help children to absorb, interpret and respond to methods of communication for example using facial expression, body language and particularly the human voice, in order to develop all skills. The whole nursery has been transformed with sensory rooms developed for children of all ages and equipped with a range of visual stimuli that excites children and encourages their natural curiosity. A detailed training programme has been organised for all staff in order that a successful programme is delivered.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

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 systems to ensure details for visitors are maintained.

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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 2 Maintain records of visitors on the premises.

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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?

Highfield Day Nursery provides very good quality nursery education. Children make very good progress towards all areas of learning. Teaching is very good. Staff have high expectations of the children, who behave very well and show sensitivity to others. Staff have a sound understanding of the early learning goals and they ensure that the children find learning an exciting experience. Careful planning and the appropriate use of resources ensures children use their imaginations well whilst having fun. The needs of all children are carefully considered and the teaching adapted accordingly. Staff in general set good challenges for the children in all area particularly for the more able children. There is an effective system in place to support children with special educational needs or who speak English as an additional language. Leadership and management are very good. There are effective systems in place to

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How effective is the nursery education?

ensure staff undertake formal early years training. The manager ensures that all staff are involved in the planning, assessments and organisation of activities to support children's learning. The management team reviews the educational programme, there are some systems in place to monitor the quality of teaching and learning. The partnership with parents is very good. Staff use every opportunity to exchange information about a child's progress and attainment with parents. Parents are well informed about the activities in the setting and are enthusiastic in supporting their children's learning, as they feel that their comments and views are valued by staff who know their children well. These good links have a very positive impact on children's learning.

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What is being done well?

• Staff create a secure and happy learning environment, with strong relationships between parents, who are enthusiastic in supporting the nursery through taking part in activities and events. An effective key worker system ensures good communication between parents and staff, and security for the children within their own group. • Staff work well as a team and are consistent in their handling of the children. There are high expectations of the children and they behave very well. • Children's natural curiosity is enhanced through the provision of a wide range of stimulating activities and resources. They are encouraged to use their senses freely and develop investigation skills, e.g. looking at changes in the weather. • There are many very good opportunities for children to take part in imaginative role play on their own, with peers or sometimes with staff support.

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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 • Children's individual choice and independence are encouraged well with many opportunities to select their own play and the resources needed, e.g. cutting their own materials for art activities. • Children benefit from regular dance, music and movement sessions and rhythm sessions, encouraging their creative and physical development.

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What needs to be improved?

• the systems to monitor the quality of teaching and learning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting has made very good progress since the last inspection, they were asked to develop opportunities for staff to extend older children in their learning of simple words and their ability to use mathematical ideas and methods to solve practical problems. Staff have created a learning environment where children see words and numbers all around. They are given lots of opportunities to write independently. Children wrote letters to Santa and labels for their art work. Children have many opportunities to solve practical problems as they add and subtract using action rhymes, they predict how many marbles it would take to sink a boat, measure objects and record their findings.

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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 feel secure in the environment and are eager and excited to learn, particularly when new activities are introduced. Children are confident, and concentrate very well working alone or in groups. Children show increasing respect and care for others as they take turns, share and include each other in their play.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are becoming clear confident speakers, and good listeners. Very good use is made of the well-resourced book area with children looking at books alone or with friends. They enjoy listening to stories and making up rhyming words. Very good role play opportunities encourage early writing skills and the extension of vocabulary. Four-year-old children are recognising their own and friends' names, and they are all able to write their names, words whilst forming letters correctly.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Mathematical learning is based in carefully planned, interesting activities, using incidental opportunities as they arise during daily routines. Staff introduce simple sums well to many activities. Children learn about numbers they count reliably to 10 and above. Many numerals are displayed around the room. Children are beginning to use mathematical language well to solve simple problems.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children explore the natural world during outdoor play and on walks in the local area. They use magnifying glasses to observe features and changes in plants and living things. They are naturally curious and keen to ask questions as they investigate the world around them, e.g. weather changes. Children observe how things change when making play dough. Use of technology is well-supported, with many good opportunities to become familiar with the computer and other programmable toys.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children enjoy outdoor play, they participate confidently in dance, music and circle games. Children engage in a wide range of activities to develop skills in bike riding, throwing, catching and balancing. Their awareness of keeping healthy is increased through discussion and practical activities. Children use a good variety of tools with increasing skill, to construction and build. They move confidently and safely during play, are increasing able to manoeuvre wheeled toys safely outside.

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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 respond well to new techniques, particularly when exploring textures or mixing paint. Children are able to create their own real life situations using their imaginations, free painting and role play. Children are able to select a wide variety of creative materials and tools as they design models and sculptures. They enjoy stories and sing enthusiastically to favourite songs. Children express their feeling and particularly enjoy drama sessions.

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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 keys issues to report, however the following is a point for consideration • enhance the system to monitor the quality of teaching and learning. 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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