Old Rectory Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/04/2004 Inspector Name Rachael Mankiewicz

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Old Rectory Day Nursery Setting Address The Old Rectory, Church Lane Little Billing Northampton Northamptonshire NN3 9AF

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Susan Hartley and David Hartley Address The Old Rectory Church Lane, Little Billing Northampton Northamptonshire NN3 9AF

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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

The Old Rectory Day Nursery is situated in a grade 2 listed building standing in one acre of land within the village of Little Billing. It is the family home of the proprietor. The nursery, which opened in 1985, serves the local community and beyond. The nursery is open from 8.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs, five days a week and is closed only for public and bank holidays. The nursery is divided into three groups, pre school (busy bears), rainbows and tiny tots. Children have access to three enclosed outdoor play areas, and a further tarmac section in front of the house is provided for the riding of bikes and pedal cars. The nursery has around 120 children on roll at any one time, and currently this includes 38 3 year old children, who are receiving the funding for nursery education, and 34 4 year olds. The nursery is able to support children with special educational needs and also those with English as a second language. There are 17 members of

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Information about the setting

staff regularly working with the children. All but three of the staff have the equivalent of qualifications at Level 3 or above in early years and child care. Two of these staff are currently working towards a Level 2 qualification in child care. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. The nursery is in its third year of being accredited, under the Pre-school Learning Association Accreditation Scheme.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Old Rectory Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff give high priority to ensuring that children are safe both inside and outside of the nursery. They consistently carry out the procedures outlined in the comprehensive safety policies, and risk assessments are reviewed regularly. However, there is not a specific risk assessment for the swimming activity, which takes place each week with the older children. The premises are welcoming, well-maintained and dedicated for the use of 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 The nursery offers an excellent range of toys, resources and activities to meet the needs of the different ages of children and to cover all the areas of learning and stages of development. The knowledgeable and experienced staff are able to meet the individual needs of the children and children's interests are encouraged and supported. Children's behaviour is managed effectively with sensitive and appropriate methods of behaviour management, and children's confidence and self-esteem are promoted. Management and staff have a good awareness of the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers, and ensuring the needs of all children and their parents are being met. Information is shared verbally on a daily basis, and formally

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How good is the Day Care?

at parents' evenings, for all the children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the registered provider agreed to address procedures regarding an issue of supervision of children and related records. These were addressed immediately and extra help sought to ensure that children are safe at the nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Staff organise and supervise well the extensive and varied space, allowing the children to play freely and choose their own activities and resources. • The planned activities provide a good level of stimulation for the children. All the needs of the children are met, with activities adapted to match the needs and abilities of all the children, to ensure that all children can take part in all activities and to set appropriate challenges. • Children's behaviour is managed effectively with praise, encouragement and reassurance given. Children have clear and consistent boundaries and behaviour is very good overall. • The nursery's operational plan is comprehensive and works well in practice; procedures for deputising are effective and good use is made of staff, space and other resources. • Staff establish positive relationships with parents. Parents wishes are recorded, adhered to and possible changes in needs are checked. General

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What is being done well?

news and information to parents is good, and important information about children's welfare and progress is shared regularly.

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What needs to be improved?

• the written risk assessment, to cover the swimming activity, and to ensure that risks to children are minimised.

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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 Conduct a risk assessment on the swimming activity identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified risks.

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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?

The Old Rectory Day Nursery provides very good nursery education, with children showing enthusiasm for learning through play. The children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals, and some aspects such as personal, social and emotional development are particularly highlighted. The quality of teaching is very good overall. The staff have a very good understanding of the Foundation Stage, seen through the planning of a wide range of interesting activities. Assessments are used very effectively to establish children's ability on entry and enable children to continue making good progress. Key worker staff, who have overall responsibility for a small group of children, plan to cover any individual needs and interests, including adapting activities. The staff have been successful in supporting children with special educational needs or who are learning to speak English as an additional language. This is because of good planning and

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How effective is the nursery education?

assessment. Good staff:child ratios allow for individual and small group work. Staff explain the purpose of activities clearly, and make good use of questions to encourage children to think. Sessions are well organised to allow extensive free play, when children show interest in activities and move around confidently. Staff promote good behaviour effectively through their high expectations of the children's behaviour.

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How effective is the nursery education?

The partnership with parents and carers is very good. They receive useful information about the curriculum, and ideas how to extend their child's learning at home. They are kept up to date with their child's progress on an informal daily basis, and are welcome in the nursery at any time. Parents are also included in the assessment of children and planning their progress. Leadership and management is very good overall. The collaborative style has produced a strong, confident and committed team. Staff members have particular responsibilities and feed into meetings and through planning.

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What is being done well?

• There is a very good choice of activities and experiences on offer, and the children's natural enthusiasm for learning is fostered very well. • The children happily operate independently and also look to support their peers or be supported by them. They successfully make links and friendships, showing care for each other but are also able to negotiate and show assertiveness when they need to. • Staff successfully match the level of challenge provided to the children's ability and they ensure they all continue to make progress. They ensure that

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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 all children take part in all activities, and that the individual needs and interests of the children are met. • The children communicate confidently and this successfully underpins learning in all curriculum areas. • Leadership and management systems are very successful in maintaining the good quality of the provision. The staff work together very well as a team, and create a happy and purposeful atmosphere. Staff members have delegated responsiblities, including involvement in planning. They are all qualified or working towards qualifications, and continue to develop their skills. The management and staff are committed to the continuing improvement of the care and education.

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What needs to be improved?

• Children's opportunities to operate independently and take initiative when expressing themselves creatively.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery have introduced a new assessment scheme which includes notes relating to each stepping stone and activity the children have experienced. These observations and others form the individual play plans, which also include the parents contributions. This development helps further to plan for progress for each child. The children continue to experience celebrations of different countries and their religions, plus more everyday life experiences. Countries include those that the staff and children have connections with. These are planned events and experiences, and form part of the curriculum.

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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 show confidence and independence as they move around the activities. They persevere with self-chosen activities for prolonged lengths of time both in small groups and as individuals. The interaction between children and adults is very good, and children meet the high expectations for behaviour. They show care and concern for others. Children develop an awareness of other cultures through interest in the community, festivals and real-life routines.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good The children communicate confidently and take turns in conversations. They use language for a wide range of purposes, such as stories, rhymes and for conveying what they are doing and how they feel. Children are beginning to understand that written words convey messages, and their early mark-making skills and list writing are good. Most of the children recognise the initial letters and sounds in their names and are extending this skill in both writing and talking.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are willing to count objects and can recognise numbers. More able children solve simple problems, compare different numbers of objects, and learn about simple addition and subtraction. They have developed their knowledge of different shapes including 3D objects, by the comparison of objects. They are beginning to understand about patterns and sequences.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children explore different materials in crafts, construction toys, and the techniques of using them. They investigate natural objects and technology to find out how things work. They are able to digress and explore actions and reactions. Children confidently talk about events in their own lives and show an awareness of time and space. They have a good awareness of the local community, and make visits outside the nursery. Children are learning about other people, their roles and cultures.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good The children explore a variety of ways of moving. Four-year-olds swim and dance weekly. They show confidence and good control as they use wheeled toys, apparatus and play with small equipment outside. They handle an interesting range of materials, tools and small equipment, and their manipulative skills are good. Older children show a good awareness of their own physical needs, through good hygiene practice and on a topic on 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 use their imagination well during role play and in craft activities. They enjoy singing and beating rhythms. Children have sensory experiences through working with different mediums. They are able to express themselves during messy play, painting and drawing, but do not always have freedom to choose the materials they use. Children talk confidently about their feelings and experiences.

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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: • increase the opportunities for children to operate independently and take initiative by reviewing their access to art materials and resources.

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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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