Kids Planet Topsham House

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/06/2003 Inspector Name Kate Bryan

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Topsham House Day Nursery Setting Address 16 Peckleton Lane Desford Leicester Leicestershire LE9 9JU

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Topsham House Limited Address 16 Peckleton Lane Desford Leicester Leicestershire LE9 9JU

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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

Topsham House Day Nursery was established in 1996. It is privately owned and registered to provide full day care for up to 50 children under the age of eight years, of these not more than 20 may be under two years. Opening times are from 7:45 until 18:00 on weekdays and overnight care is not provided. The nursery runs from a detached, converted Edwardian property in Desford, serving Desford and the surrounding areas. It is registered to accept nursery education funding. At present there are 81 children on roll, including six funded four-year-olds and 16 funded three-year-olds. Children under the age of two years are cared for in three group rooms on the ground floor, children aged two and above are cared for in three group rooms on the first floor. Staff have experience of providing a service for children identified as having special educational needs and for children for whom English is an additional language.

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Information about the setting

In total 15 members of staff work with children throughout the week, of these 13 members of staff hold recognised childcare qualifications. The nursery is a member of the National Day Nurseries Association and is currently working towards "Quality Counts" self-assurance scheme. The nursery receives support from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership through visits from a qualified teacher and also has an Investor in People award.

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How good is the Day Care?

Topsham House Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The nursery building is spacious and children are able to use rooms which are specific for their age and stage of development. Babies have separate rooms with sleeping areas, whilst older children are in rooms on the first floor. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place which cover all required areas. The nursery has an Investor in People award and is working towards the "Quality

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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 Counts" self-assurance scheme. The nursery is committed to staff training and yearly in-house training includes behaviour management and child protection. Most staff at the nursery are qualified and the remainder are undertaking relevant training. Arrangements for health and safety at the nursery are good and priority is given to maintaining children's safety. Procedures are in place for fire evacuations and the checking of equipment, risk assessments are in place and the nursery receives regular health and safety updates from an independent advisor. The perimeter fence is in need of attention and must be made safe or repaired. The quality of care for children is very good and staff interact well with the children.

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How good is the Day Care?

Effective curriculum planning ensures that children are making progress towards the early learning goals and planning is in place for younger children. Babies have routines for sleeping and eating which are beneficial in helping them to feel secure. The nursery has a wide range of resources for all ages of children.

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How good is the Day Care?

The nursery works well in partnership with parents and carers, who receive a range of information about children and the provision. A newsletter is produced regularly and a brochure is available. Parent's views are sought via a questionnaire, of which they respond and results are made known. A daily diary is completed for babies whilst older children have a weekly diary. The nursery also has its own website.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

No actions were raised at the last inspection.

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What is being done well?

• There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place which cover all required areas and all staff, but two, are qualified, these staff members are currently undertaking training (Standard 2). • Planning is very effective in providing children with a range of activities which support all areas of learning and there are a wide range of resources which children may access freely. Staff and children interact well and children are confident to make choices (Standards 3,5). • The nursery has a written equal opportunities and racial harassment procedure which set clear expectations of behaviour. Staff have attended anti-bias training (Standard 9). • The nursery works very well in partnership with parents and parents receive a wide range of information about children and the provision. Parents' views are sought via questionnaires and results and responses made known (Standard 12).

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What needs to be improved?

• safety of the perimeter fence(Standard 6).

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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 6 ensure the perimeter fence is made safe.

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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?

Topsham House Day Nursery provides very good quality education in a stimulating environment where children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals.

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How effective is the nursery education?

The quality of teaching is very good and a staff member co-ordinates all planning, which all staff have input. All areas of learning are covered and the children's progress is recorded. There are two points for consideration raised in the areas of mathematical and creative development.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Staff interact well with children and have high expectations of their behaviour. The leadership and management of the nursery is very good and the proprietor provides a clear direction for the staff to work towards. Staff are an effective team and are supported by training opportunities and a system of appraisal geared towards their development.

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How effective is the nursery education?

The partnership with parents is very good. Parents receive a good range of information about the nursery and their children and have the opportunity to speak to staff daily and complete a yearly/18 month questionnaire. The nursery's policies and procedures are available for parents in the entrance hall and this contains a "Parental Involvement" policy. Information regarding the timetable is displayed in the entrance hall and outside each room. Two parents evenings are offered in a year and the nursery has its own website.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery has a strong management lead which contributes to a clear direction for staff practice. Training is given a high priority. • Partnership with parents is given a high priority and good information is disseminated about the children, nursery and the curriculum. • Staff work effectively as a team and have input into planning. • Children are happy, interested and confident and have a range of activities and resources to support play and learning. Children and staff interact well and staff have high expectations of the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for children to cut out their own work templates in order to develop their creative skills;

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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 inclusion of subtraction on a regular basis such that children are able to use this as part of their everyday experiences.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection in 1999 two key issues were raised: provide more challenging equipment for physical development, particularly for the development of climbing and balancing skills, and include details in plans about how activities will build upon what children are already able to do; and to develop effective ways of monitoring and reviewing planning and teaching. Resources such as a climbing frame and balance beam have been provided and play time is now more structured, staff have attended courses for outdoor play. Planning of the curriculum has been adapted to include evaluation and review.

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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 able to work in groups, independently and are aware of turn taking and sharing. Children develop good relationships, with their peers and adults, are well behaved and are confident to express their needs and ideas in groups. They are able to make choices and are aware to help others when working in groups. Children have been involved in community activities to increase their awareness of the needs and differences of other people. Children are very interested in learning.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are able to negotiate, express ideas and listen to the response of others. Children are able to make links between stories and their own knowledge of the world and are able to link written letters with words. Children's vocabulary is being extended by the use of topic work and games. Children are making very good progress towards linking sounds and letters and reading words. Children have very good writing skills and are making good progress towards writing sentences.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are able to use numbers with confidence and recognise numerals up to 20 however, work involving subtraction requires factoring into the children's learning. Children have good shape recognition and can link these with everyday objects. Children are making progress towards using mathematical concepts in practical situations and have very good matching and recognition skills. Children are using language to compare and contrast and have linked these with practical activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are developing a good awareness of their own world whilst learning about other cultures. Children are able to identify their own place in the community and their relationship to other people within it. Children are using opportunities to explore the natural world using objects and events they observe both inside and outside. They are able to use computers to increase their technology skills and to use a variety of materials to design and make objects.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are aware of their own space and their relationship to others, moving safely and with confidence around their environment. Children are able to access a wide variety of resources providing opportunities for both fine and gross motor work. They have a good understanding of keeping healthy and an awareness of their bodies.

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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 good progress in exploring colour, texture and shape through a variety of resources although, there are missed opportunities for children to cut out their own templates in order to develop their creative skills. Children are able to use their imagination to create links to work they have been undertaking and a dance and drama group visit on a regular basis to extend children's experiences. Children design and create work for displays which extends the use of their senses.

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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: • increasing opportunities for children to cut out their own work templates in order to develop their creative skills. • including subtraction on a regular basis such that children are able to use this as part of their everyday experiences.

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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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