Bush Babies Private Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/08/2004 Inspector Name Angela Margaret Ellis

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Bush Babies Private Day Nursery Setting Address 5 Cross Church Street Cleckheaton West Yorkshire BD19 3RP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Bush Babies Private Day Nursery is located in the town centre of Cleckheaton. The nursery has been established for many years and under the current ownership since 1999. The building consists of a portacabin set in its own grounds and the children are accommodated in three rooms dependant on their age. To the rear of the nursery is a fully enclosed play area. The nursery is registered to accommodate six children aged under two years and 18 children aged two to five years. They are currently caring for 36 children of which five 3 - year olds and seven 4 - year olds are in receipt of nursery education funding. Systems are in place to support children with special educational needs. The nursery currently operates Monday to Friday, between the hours of 07.30 and 18.00pm. There are currently five funded four year olds and four funded three year olds. There are no children attending with English as an additional language or

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Information about the setting

whom have special needs. One of the owners is the manager of the setting and there five nursery nurses altogether who are all qualified to a level III. The setting receives support from the Local Authority.

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How good is the Day Care?

Bush Babies nursery provides a satisfactory standard of care. The setting is committed to monitoring, reviewing and developing their service. They access training and receive support from the Local Authority. However, up to date training on child protection issues is not evident. There is good deployment of staff that ensures the efficient running of the Nursery. The premises are welcoming and organised into defined areas of play. This provides a stimulating environment and encourages independent decision making in all areas. Although some of the equipment is very well worn and risk assessments of adult adapted activities have not been undertaken at present. Good hygiene routines are encouraged when staff are working directly with the children.

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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 Interesting topics are planned and take in to account children's spontaneity and individual needs. Good staff interaction facilitates children's confidence, independence and learning. There is an emphasis on equal opportunities, there are good opportunities to become aware of others in the community, cultures and beliefs through, visitors, photographs, books and food activities explored. Staff are sensitive and effective in adopting strategies to managing children's behaviour to meet the needs of individual children. Most documentation is available, however, some policies and recording systems lack elements. Emphasis is placed in working in partnership with parents and they are provided with a good level of

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Good progress has been made since the last inspection. Most of the documentation required from the last inspection has been successfully devised. It is available to staff and parents which ensures that everyone is kept informed of any changes and they can work together for the effective management and organisation of the nursery which benefits the care and education of the children.

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What is being done well?

• Staff development is a significant strength, all the of staff are appropriately qualified, many have worked at the nursery many years and they are aware of the importance of providing continuity of care. They attend a range of workshops, short courses and in house training that support them in their work to develop their service further. • Relationships between staff and children are good, they play with the children at their level, interact cheerfully with them, make lots of conversation and provide cuddles and reassurance as needed. Children's behaviour is good, they respond well to the positive approach that the staff have to behaviour management. • Staff have created a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. There are displays throughout, with up to date information for parents, photographs and a wealth of children's art work on the walls. All areas of learning are covered, these are organised into defined areas of play, that are accessible

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What is being done well?

encouraging self selection and independent learning. • The good hygiene routines in place when staff work in direct contact with the children. The staff's implementation of the hot drinks policy, the high ratios maintained on outings and the annual checks made on all of the appliances. • The strong emphasis on equal opportunities throughout the nursery with the opportunities for children to learn about other cultures through a variety of resources and activities. Effective systems are in place for children with special educational needs. Staff work together with parents and other professionals to help children make progress. • Partnership with parents is very good and has a positive impact on the high

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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 level of care provided for the children. Staff and parents have very close and supportive relationships and share all information relating to the children. Feedback confirms that parents are very happy with the quality of the care their children receive.

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What needs to be improved?

• the operational plan, to ensure all elements are covered as outlined in the National Standards and Guidelines • the equipment, in particularly that which is well used and well worn. As well as that which is provided for children at meal times • the risk assessments, particularly with regard to the fire exit in the baby room and adult adapted activities • the documentation and reviewing of all the policies, the recording of accidents and incidents, the accident policy, the medication form and policy and the policy in the event that a child is lost. • staff training with regard to child protection.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 6 Conduct a risk assessment on the premises in particularly the fire exit in the baby room and adult adapted equipment. Identifying action to be taken to minimize identified risks. 09/09/2004

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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 13 Develop staff's knowledge and understanding of up to date child protection issues. 14 Ensure that documentation is reviewed, up to date and accurately recorded, in particularly with reference to accidents, medication and the lost child policy. 2 Ensure that all elements of the operational plan are covered as outlined in the National Standards and Guidelines. 5 Ensure that appropriate furniture and equipment is provided that is clean, safe and in good repair in particularly for meal times and close comfort care.

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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?

Bush Babies Nursery provides good quality nursery education overall which enables children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. They make very good progress in mathematical, knowledge and understanding of the world. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff are friendly, work well, provide good role models and an interesting curriculum. Planning ensures that children access a wide range of stimulating activities. Keyworkers have a good knowledge of the children however, assessments are not sufficiently used to identify the next step in each child's learning. Not all staff are clear regarding asking appropriate key questions, vocabulary and identifying these on the short term plans. The grouping of children for specific activities is not evident. Limited opportunities are provided for more able children to develop their independence skills at meal times and insufficient appropriate activities are provided to develop some children's writing

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How effective is the nursery education?

skills. Spontaneous activities are limited for the development of physical and creative skills. The leadership and management of the nursery is generally good. The staff team are consistent and have a number of years experience of working together. They have worked extremely hard to improve the presentation and choice of resources, providing more self selection opportunities for children to use their own ideas and initiatives to extend their learning. The owners are committed to development and improvement, although monitoring development of the effectiveness of the planning and children's assessment records is less evident. Staff are enthusiastic and well motivated, this has a positive impact on the children's learning. Partnership with parents is very good. Staff show respect of the role of parents in their child's learning and they are encouraged to share what they know about their child. Parents are

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How effective is the nursery education?

provided with very good information about the nursery and learning activities.

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What is being done well?

• Information available to parents about the foundation stage and the opportunities available to them to participate in their child's learning. • Children's experiences are extended through a wide variety of visits and outings. Planned practical activities effectively help children to link sounds and letters. • Children are developing good relationships, they share, take turns and are polite and considerate to others. Staff give a priority to nurturing children's personal, social and emotional development. • Children's knowledge of number to solve simple mathematical problems through everyday events.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• short term planning system to ensure all staff are clear about key questions and vocabulary that will be introduced and the grouping of children for whom the activity is particularly appropriate • the evaluation of observations in individual children's assessments records in order to plan for their next step of learning • clarity within the assessments records of how children are progressing through the stepping stones within each area of learning towards the early learning goals and the procedures for cross referencing • appropriate activities for children to develop their writing skills and opportunities to write for a purpose in other areas • opportunities for children to develop their independence skills particularly at meal times and regular spontaneous opportunities for children to develop their large physical and creative skills.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Generally good progress has been made since the last inspection. The staff have introduced a number of measures to improve planning, assessments, questioning techniques and reviewed the programme for physical and mathematical development to ensure children are working towards the early learning goals in these areas. A major factor in the continuing development of these areas is the training completed by staff and the advice sought by the Local Authority. With the support of the management team, staff have improved their knowledge and skills and this has developed their confidence. Plans and assessments have been revised to give clearer direction to the intended learning and progress that has been made by children. Staff are much more confident to question children during spontaneous play activities to incorporate a mathematical element as well as introducing singing bags with numbers songs and games. The programme for outdoor play has been

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What has improved since the last inspection?

reviewed in which many more resources and activities have been introduced widening the opportunities for children to develop their small and large physical skills.

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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: Generally Good Children are extremely enthusiastic and eager to take part in activities provided, working well independently or as part of a group such as in " Incey Wincey Spider". Children are settled, happy and confident and eager to learn. They are interested and involved in their play. Children respond well to each other and adults, confidently expressing their ideas, learning to share and take turns. Children have insufficient opportunities to develop their independence, particularly at meal times.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Many children are confident and fluent speakers and engage easily in conversation with each other and adults. Children listen carefully to enthusiastically delivered stories which encourages them to enjoy looking at books. Children have regular opportunities to practise linking sounds and letters, although there are few appropriate activities for some children to develop their writing skills and develop writing for a purpose in other areas.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good A range of planned practical activities encourage children to understand about number and shape. They learn that coins have different values as they buy items in the sea side shop. Examples of numbers are displayed to reinforce children's developing awareness and understanding. Every day routines and events are used to solve simple mathematical problems which encourage children to learn and use mathematical language.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are learning to observe closely through the use of all of their senses. The discovery area outdoors encourages the children to find out more about their natural world. Extensive visits out and visitors to the nursery from the community come into support specific topics. Children learn about their own traditions and those of others, fostering positive attitudes towards other cultures and lifestyles.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good A range of activities and experiences offer children physical challenges and promote discussions about keeping healthy. Older more able children have infrequent opportunities to develop their climbing, balancing, travelling under and over skills. Children move confidently with control and they have regular opportunities to exercise and move imaginatively to develop their large physical skills. They have good access to a range of one handed tools which they use to refine their fine motor skills.

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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: Generally Good Children are encouraged to explore media and materials through a good range of self selection activities provided at their level. For example creating seaside collage pictures using a variety of textures. They learn different techniques for using mediums and they can follow instructions or express ideas. Children confidently engage in role play, use instruments to explore sounds, join in with action rhymes and move to music. There are infrequent spontaneous opportunities for free painting.

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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

• improve the short term plans by clearly identifying key questions, vocabulary and appropriate grouping of children for activities • ensure the evaluation of observations are used appropriately to identify individual children's next step of learning • improve the system for identifying how children are progressing through the stepping stones within each area of learning in the planning and assessment records • provide appropriate activities and equipment for children to develop their writing skills • provide more opportunities for children to develop their independence skills at meal times and spontaneous play opportunities for children to develop their climbing and balancing skills as well as opportunities to freely express themselves through paint more frequently.

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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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