Attwood Farm Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/02/2004 Inspector Name Clare Hanson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Attwood Farm Nursery Setting Address Attwood Farm Bodle Street Green Hailsham East Sussex BN27 4RA

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Nicholas Godwin and Lindsay Godwin Address Attwood Farm Bodle Street Green Hailsham East Sussex BN27 4RA

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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

Attwood Farm Nursery School opened in August 2001. It is situated on the edge of the village and operates from a converted 16th century barn with access to enclosed play areas and surrounding farmland. The nursery provides places for twenty-eight funded three and four-year-olds with fifty-five children on roll overall. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. The nursery opens five days a week and runs sessions or full day care between the hours of 8.30am until 4.00pm. The group currently closes on Monday afternoons at present. The group support children with special needs and English as an additional language. There are nine full/part time staff work with the children. The majority have early years qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

Attwood Farm Nursery provides good quality childcare. The staff are well qualified, experienced and work well together as a team. Adults are effectively deployed and routines help children to settle and feel secure. The premises are organised to be flexible and staff utilise them to provide a varied and attractive environment although the book corners could benefit from being a little more welcoming. Resources are plentiful, well maintained and used imaginatively by staff to maximise their potential. Documentation is professionally kept and well maintained. Safety is given high priority, staff are vigilant and routinely encourage children to think about how to promote their own safety and minimise risks. Health and hygiene matters are dealt with effectively and children's individual dietary needs are met. The setting has positive policies in relation to equal opportunities, which are reflected in the practice.

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How good is the Day Care?

The setting has a policy of inclusion for children with special educational needs. Staff have a good understanding of child protection issues but could benefit from

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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 extending their knowledge of the procedure should an allegation be made about staff members. Children's behaviour is managed very well, children are taught right from wrong and are set reasonable boundaries, which staff help them to work within. Children are very well cared for, warm and caring relationships have been formed between children and staff. The staff and children have fun at the setting, children take part enthusiastically in the well thought out activities provided and laugh and chatter happily throughout the session. Staff work hard to develop meaningful partnerships with parents and use the information they provide about their child to build a better picture of how they can meet each child's individual needs. Parents are provided

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How good is the Day Care?

with good quality information about the setting and their child's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The owners has introduced health checks into the recruitment process and followed the requirements of the Fire Safety Officer ensuring that children are protected during their time at nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Children of all ages are able to experience life in other cultures well. There are many opportunities given to them to extend their knowledge and understanding of the world around them and further afield. • The use of the outdoor area both immediate and within walking distance on the farm is used to offer children regular activities outside. Children can play and experience different aspects of country life during their time at the group. • Staff work well together and the organisation of the groups allows children to move freely and develop.

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What needs to be improved?

• the book corners to encourage children to access books more freely and for them to be used more effectively • the child protection policy in order that all are aware of the procedure should an allegation be made against a staff member.

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Outcome of the 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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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 3 consider enhancing the book corners to make them more inviting to children to encourage them to access the books more frequently. 9 ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote positive images of disability 13 ensure that the child protection procedure includes the policy for allegations made against staff members.

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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 provision for nursery education at Attwood Farm Nursery is acceptable and of good quality. Children are making very good progress in the areas of personal, social and emotional development, mathematical development and physical development with generally good progress being made in the other three areas of learning. The quality of teaching is generally good. Effective use is made of resources and of the setting itself, particularly the outdoor environment. The staff have realistic high expectations of children's abilities and children are suitably challenged. Their behaviour is managed well, with children learning the need for cooperation and consideration of others. The staff know the children well and are aware of their individual needs. Formal assessment is weak, not clearly showing how individual children's learning needs are met or how future planning is informed. The leadership and management of the nursery is generally good. The registered

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How effective is the nursery education?

person and all staff are fully involved in children's learning. They work well together and are committed to the children. The staff team are continually looking at ways to improve the nursery's educational programme. The balance of the stepping stones is not monitored effectively and individual children's progression in the areas of learning is not clear. Advice from support agencies is appreciated and built on. Partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Parents are given good information about the setting including information on what the children could be doing in each learning area. The setting has an 'open door' policy and parents are encouraged to speak to staff and view their children's work. Some information is provided to inform parents about what children are due to do, such as the letter of the week. They are not well informed about their child's progress due to limitations in

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What is being done well?

• The use of the outdoor environment offers stimulating and interesting opportunities for children to learn about the natural world. They learn to care for animals through such experiences as feeding the lambs. • Learning opportunities are enhanced by the use of some Montessori equipment. Children are able to develop and demonstrate their skills in a variety of ways. For example children were matching the written number to the actual number of items they had during a mathematical activity. • For the majority of the children their fine and gross motor skills are well developed. The outdoor play areas allow for a range of large movements such as balance, climbing, running and jumping. Hand to eye coordination is

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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 refined through use of a number of activities such as using tongs to move different sized items, using pegs and scissors. • The activities and resources used in teaching about other countries are stimulating and of great interest to the children. The current topic about India offers many meaningful ways in which children can learn about the way the people live, their food and the natural environment.

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What needs to be improved?

• assessment and the recording of children's progress towards the early learning goals and how this is used to inform future planning • the involvement of parents in children's learning • the balance of the stepping stones within the planning and everyday activities.

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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 confident and settle well in the nursery. They share and take turns happily. They show care and concern for others. The children's high confidence and self esteem is helped considerably by the secure, friendly and caring environment. Children show high levels of concentration and clearly enjoy the variety of activities offered. Personal independence and self care is encouraged throughout most of the day. They behave exceptionally well.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Most children's speaking and listening skills are well developed. Most speak confidently in groups, communicating their ideas and thoughts. Their recognition of the written word is helped to develop. Children begin to recognise the linking of sounds and letters through rhyme and phonetics. Children are learning to recognise their names and to write letters of the alphabet, however their good progress is hindered by limited opportunities to practice writing for a variety of purposes.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children count confidently. They are able to recognise numbers in everyday activities through the use of displays and quality interactions with staff. They begin to solve practical mathematical problems. The more able children are developing and understanding simple number additions. Children have a good knowledge of shapes. They use mathematical language during play as well as structured activities. The children's different abilities are supported well by the materials and resources used.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children receive regular opportunities to find out about their environment for example through regular visits to the farm. They are encouraged to use their senses to explore and investigate a range of objects and materials. Children show great enthusiasm in learning about the world around them. Their knowledge and understanding of other countries and cultures is well developed. Opportunities for design and construction are not fully used. Children's use of technology is not regularly encouraged.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

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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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently. They show excellent coordination skills and have a good awareness of themselves and others. Very good use is made of the outdoor areas where children can run freely and enjoy using a wide range of large play equipment competently. Fine movement and manipulative skills are developed well as the children display good hand-eye control when using their fingers and a range of equipment such as scissors or tongs. They begin to have a good awareness of their own needs.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are encouraged to use their senses to respond to what they see, hear, touch and taste. They enjoy songs, music and movement though opportunities are limited for some children. They enjoy art work and exploring different textures, shape and colour. They know their colours well. Children have a sense of achievement in their art work. Their use of imagination and free expression is at times restricted by the available activities.

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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 assessments and recording to provide a clear link with the stepping stones and early learning goals that informs (i) children's next steps in their learning and (2) future planning • look to improve parent's continual involvement in their child's learning. 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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