Kindred Brockley Nursery and Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/09/2004 Inspector Name Silvia Richardson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Hillyfields Day Nursery Setting Address Hillyfields Day Nursery 41 Harcourt Road London SE4 2AJ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Hillyfields Ltd Address 41 Harcourt Road London SE4 2AJ

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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

Hillyfields Day Nursery re-opened in its newly converted premises in 2004. The nursery is set out over three floors, is situated in a residential area and serves the local community. There are currently 48 children from six months to under five years on roll. This includes 15 funded three year olds and 8 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week all year round. Sessions are from 08:00 to 18:00. Eleven full-time and two part-time staff work with the children. About half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Several staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Hillyfields Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The nursery environment is bright, attractive and welcoming to both children and parents. The premises are secure and well organised to provide a suitable outside play area and range of group settings for different aged children. The operational plan works well in providing opportunities for younger and older children to mix in order to meet their individual developmental needs. Children are assigned a key worker who is primarily responsible for their care and for providing parents with information about children's welfare, progress and development. Good information is available to parents, and staff work well in partnership, especially in providing details of baby's care and routines. Staff are generally skilled in childcare practice, although some are less effective in promoting children's learning and acquisition of skills, through limited knowledge and training in how

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How good is the Day Care?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 children learn and in procedures for observing and planning for next steps. Children are happy and settled and staff interaction with both babies and children is warm and kind. Staff provide a wide range of accessible play materials enabling children to enjoy variety and choice. Children have opportunities to play in small groups, promoting social skills and children with special needs are supported to make full use of the provision. Safety measures are taken and reasonable precautionary measures are in place throughout the nursery, although some stair gates and a top opening window pose as potential hazards. Staff are vigilant in their care of children and supervise them closely. Good hygiene routines are in place to minimise risk of spread of infection

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How good is the Day Care?

and staff encourage the children to develop good personal hygiene habits. Sound policies and procedures are in place which contribute to the overall safe and efficient management of the nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Good security systems are in place to ensure authorised entry only into the nursery, keeping children safe and secure. • The operational plan and routines are flexible to meet the individual and developmental needs of all children. • Activities, play equipment and toys are well organised and attractively presented, providing babies and children with a balanced range of interesting and stimulating play experiences. • Staff follow individual routines for babies and toddlers and provide much attention, so that care and welfare needs are met appropriately and babies are settled and secure. • Parents receive good detailed written information about baby's routines, progress and development, keeping them well informed and promoting a positive partnership approach to care and welfare.

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What needs to be improved?

• Staff training, particularly those working with three and four year olds, to enhance their knowledge and understanding of how to promote children's learning and acquisition of skills. • Staff qualifications, to ensure that at least half the staff in key worker roles have some formal training in childcare and early education, to enhance their knowledge and understanding of children's play and learning needs in the day care setting. • Safety, ensuring stairs and windows are not a hazard to children.

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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

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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 develop an action plan that sets out how staff training and qualification requirements will be met; 6 ensure first floor stair gates are safe and operate effectively and make the window safe in 'Shark's' room.

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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?

Hillyfields Day Nursery provides a warm, friendly atmosphere where children's progress towards the early learning goals is generally good, with very good aspects relating to personal, social and emotional development, physical and creative development. Teaching is generally good. Staff's understanding of the early learning goals is very good. They plan and evaluate a wide range of activities under the early learning goals and include daily focus activities. They use their observations of children's learning to aid future planning. Staff could make better use of time and resources to ensure children are provided with more frequent opportunities to develop knowledge of information technology. Staff need to extend the challenges set for children, providing opportunities for children to develop their literacy and maths skills. Children who have identified special educational needs are supported well, with

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How effective is the nursery education?

close staff supervision and use of individual education plans. Staff use consistent and positive methods when managing children's behaviour and give lots of praise and encouragement, as a result children are well behaved. The leadership and management are effective and help support good teamwork and a commitment to constant development of the quality of service. All staff are actively involved in planning, evaluation and children's assessments. They work cooperatively together throughout the day creating a calm and productive atmosphere. Staff liaise closely with other professionals to ensure children's needs are identified and provision appropriate. Partnership with parents is very good. They are provided with a variety of information about the setting, their child's progress and activities that are taking place on an ongoing basis. Parents are encouraged to be involved in nursery events, celebrations and outings. Parents commented that they are very happy with

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How effective is the nursery education?

the nursery environment and equipment, the level of care and friendliness of staff.

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What is being done well?

• Children's personal, social and emotional development is very good. They are independent, interested to learn and demonstrate good self care skills. They form good relationships with staff and their peers. • Relationships between staff, children and parents are very good. Parents find staff very approachable and welcoming. Staff management of children and their behaviour is positive, resulting in a calm and productive atmosphere. • The outside play area is used effectively, creating a stimulating environment that supports children's physical development and their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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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 are provided with a good range of opportunities to develop their creative skills. Their creative work and drawings are positively valued by staff.

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What needs to be improved?

• Opportunities for children to use writing for a variety of purposes and for more able children to develop links between letters and the sounds they make. • Opportunities for children to explore information and communication technology more frequently. • Opportunities to develop maths skills that encourage awareness of shape, space and measure.

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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's personal, social and emotional development is very good. They are interested to learn and participate well in all activities. They concentrate well during group activities and show confidence while speaking in these small groups. Children are developing very good skills of independence and self care. They are able to select resources and work independently. Children have good relationships with staff and their peers. They can share, take turns and respond well to the daily routine.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in communication language and literacy is generally good. They are developing good writing skills and are able to form recognisable letters, however staff could do more to encourage children to link sounds to letters and use writing for a variety of purposes. Children are developing good reading skills, use books purposefully and enjoy stories, songs and rhymes. Children communicate well, are confident speakers and engage easily in conversations with each other and adults.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in mathematical development is generally good. They have good opportunities to recognise numerals. They are able to count reliably in excess of 10 and develop counting skills through a variety of activities and practical experiences. Opportunities for children to explore shape, space and measure need to be extended. Children enjoy group activities and songs and rhymes aimed at developing their maths skills.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in knowledge and understanding of the world is very good. Children are able to explore and investigate objects and learn about nature, for example, while growing sunflowers and tomatoes and caring for the hamster and wormery. Opportunities are limited for children to develop knowledge of information technology. Children use construction toys effectively. They are developing a good sense of time and an awareness of their own cultures and that of other people.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in physical development is very good. They are developing an awareness of their bodies and good health. Children show good control and skilful use of hand tools, objects, construction equipment and malleable materials. They make good use of the outside play area and use a variety of climbing equipment and wheeled toys effectively. They move confidently and show competent balance, spatial awareness and coordination.

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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 make very good progress in creative development. They are able to explore using a variety of media and materials such as paint, collage, foam and plastercine. Children express themselves imaginatively through a variety of activities including role-play, music, action songs and art activities. They show a good awareness of shape and colour when creating representational pictures. They can sing simple songs from memory and have good opportunities to experience a variety of types of music.

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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 good quality overall. Children are making generally 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: THE KEY ISSUES

• Ensure children have opportunities to use writing for a variety of purposes and for more able children to develop links between letters and the sounds they make. • Ensure more frequent opportunities are provided for children to explore information and communication technology. • Provide opportunities to develop children's maths skills that encourage awareness of shape, space and measure.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

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: THE KEY ISSUES

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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