Little Owls Nursery Hunslet Rylestone

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/09/2004 Inspector Name Susan Webb

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Rylestone EYC Setting Address Whitfield Avenue Hunslet Leeds West Yorkshire LS10 2NR

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Leeds City Council Address Whitfield Avenue Hunslet Leeds West Yorkshire LS10 2NR

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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

Rylestone Early Years Centre was registered in the 1980s. It is registered to care for 50 children from 3 months to 5 years and currently has 53 children on roll. The Centre is open Monday to Friday all year round except Bank Holidays and children attend on a flexible full or part-time basis. The Centre supports children with special needs or who have English as a second language. There are fourteen funded 3 year olds and no funded 4 year olds currently on roll. The nursery is housed in a purpose built, single storey building situated in the centre of Hunslet, South Leeds. The interior of the building is open plan with 3 designated areas for children aged under 2, 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 years. Each has its own enclosed outdoor play area. There are a total of 17 members of staff working full or part-time and more than half have a relevant qualification. There are also 2 kitchen staff. The Centre receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare

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Information about the setting

Partnership and is supported by a Parents Group. The centre runs a stay and play group on other premises for non working parents.

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How good is the Day Care?

Rylestone Early Years Centre provides good care for children. It provides a very warm, welcoming and exciting environment for children who are happy, settled and very active in their play and learning. Effective policies and procedures support the smooth running of the nursery and an excellent range of easily accessible resources supports the all round development of the children. Most records are well maintained and remain confidential. The safety of the children both on and off the premises is a high priority and children are encouraged to eat healthily. Children have good relationships with the staff and are learning to respect and involve all children in their play.

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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 Staff work very well together as a team and interaction with the children is excellent. They develop children's self confidence and independence through constant praise and enabling them to take part in spontaneous activities. Staff have good behaviour management skills and children are learning to take responsibility for their own actions. A close and trusting partnership with parents is developing. Parents are very well informed about the setting and their children's development and are confident about leaving their children.

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What is being done well?

• Well written policies and procedures support an effective operational plan; staff work very well as a team supporting each other and they are very sensitive to the needs of the children. • The creation of an exciting and stimulating environment encourages the children to have fun whilst developing confidence and learning new skills. Staff interaction with the children is excellent. They know the children well and build on their special interests. • Resources throughout the nursery are excellent and staff use them well to develop children's understanding of the world around them and respect for each other. Staff take good account of children's individual needs and ensure that all children are included. • Excellent use of texture creates a warm environment and imaginative use of space ensures that the building meets the needs of the children. • Safety and security is a very important aspect of the care and comprehensive

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What is being done well?

procedures cover all aspects of safety. • Behaviour management is good and staff have a consistent and positive approach. Children receive constant praise and encouragement. • Strong and trusting partnerships are developing with parents

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The whole outdoor play area is especially exciting for children. The organisation and provision of improvised play materials encourages the development of children's imagination and creative skills. The way staff manage and enthuse children enhances the whole experience and the organisation of the garden and children's involvement with living plants and animals gives them opportunities to explore and investigate the world around them.

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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 • the administration of medication procedure • how accident records inform general safety • the arrangements for taking photographs of the children.

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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 Keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children and ensure that the procedure is consistent and confidential. 7 Provide an overview of accidents to inform risk assessments. 12 Obtain written permission to take photographs of the children and include the purpose for which they will be used.

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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?

Rylstone Early Years Centre provides very good education for children and the children make very good progress in all six area's of learning. The quality of teaching is very good, the staff have excellent interaction with the children, they are skilled at questioning and listening to children and offer many challenges to further develop what the children know. The staff have a good understanding of the Early Learning Goals and this enables them to plan an interesting and stimulating range of activities, however a point for consideration is identified. They organise resources well and give thought to how activities are presented for children particularly outdoors, where access to resources and equipment is good and supports children's learning . The staff manage the children's behaviour effectively, they use explanation to help children understand what is expected of them and offer constant positive reinforcement for the children's

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How effective is the nursery education?

enthusiasm and efforts. Partnership with parents is very good, parents receive good information from a variety of sources regarding all aspects of the nursery and the progress their children are making. They are included and involved in many ways and are able to make positive contributions towards their children's learning. Leadership and management is very good, there are good systems in place to support staff at all levels. The comprehensive training opportunities ensure that staff are able to further their professional development and keep up to date with current practice. The settings strengths and weaknesses are effectively evaluated and regularly monitored.

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What is being done well?

• The children's interest and understanding of living and growing things is well fostered, children know about many aspects of the natural world and explore and investigate with enthusiasm and delight. • Most of the children make very good attempts at writing, they are familiar with placing their own names onto their art work and some of the more able children can form recognisable letters. • Children enjoy books and stories, stories which are more familiar to them are well received, they participate in the narrative and key points of the story, they can explain what is happening and listen well. • Children are forming excellent relationships, both with their peers and with adults, they share their experiences eagerly and willingly. • Children are highly involved in all activities, both indoors and outdoors they work extremely well in groups and as individuals and participate with

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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 enthusiasm and enjoyment. • Children enjoy making music, they use musical instruments imaginatively and can improvise with sounds using everyday items. • Staff use their skills in questioning and listening to children in order to offer challenges which further develops what the children know. • Thoughtful presentation of resources particularly outdoors supports the children's learning well and ensures that the children are able to have good access to all equipment.

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunity for the children to develop a deeper understanding of keeping healthy during spontaneous activities.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery were asked to ensure that assessments of children's progress covers all the Early Learning Goals in each area of learning. Children's learning is well assessed by the staff, development records show a clear indication of the progress that children are making in all six area's of learning. They were also asked to ensure that daily communication between parents and key workers takes place particularly for those children who are collected late. There are various systems in place which ensure that parents receive clear information, key workers discuss all issues relating to children with parents on a daily basis and staff ensure that those parents of children collected late are given any information left by the child's key worker.

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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 All the children are very confident, they are able to speak with adults and their peers and are highly involved in all activities. They are forming excellent relationships with adults and peers and are willing and eager to share their experiences. Children work well together in groups and individually. Children's behaviour is very good, they understand what is expected of them and are able to share and to take turns. They show well developed care for others and for living things.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Most children are making very good attempts at writing, they know that marks carry meaning and are particularly keen to put their own names onto their art work. Children enjoy stories and books, they want to join in with the familiar parts and are able to explain and describe what is happening, they ask questions and listen well. All the children are able to communicate well, they speak clearly with adults and peers and can make their needs and wants known to others.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are using numbers for counting during familiar and everyday activities, they are able to count to ten and more children are able to count beyond. Children are beginning to recognise when numbers are different and when they are the same, they show that they are interested in number problems and make attempts at solutions.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good All children show a well developed interest in living and growing things. They are able to describe accurately the life cycle of the caterpillar and know the names of many mini beasts. They explore their environment with enthusiasm. Children build and construct with enjoyment, they are able to handle large and small equipment and resources well particularly when designing and building a train outdoors. Most of the children are developing skills for using IT and can operate a simple programme.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move in safety and with confidence, they have good co-ordination, particularly outdoors and during construction and move with enthusiasm and enjoyment. They have a well developed sense of space and show a respect for the space of others. Children use tools and materials well during building and mark making. They have good hand eye co-ordination and know how to handle equipment safely. During a spontaneous activity outdoors the children were not aware of keeping healthy.

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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 use their imaginations very well particularly during role play. The older children assume roles and explain roles to other children. They express themselves well and use all their senses to describe touch, feel and smell. Children enjoy making music and dancing and participate eagerly, they know a range of songs from memory.

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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 improving the following: • the opportunity for children to develop a deeper understanding of keeping healthy during spontaneous 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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