Fleetville Infant and Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/07/2004 Inspector Name Rebecca Elizabeth Khabbazi

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Carousel Day Nursery Setting Address Old Blues Club, Arthur Road Motspur Park Surrey KT3 6LX

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Carousel Day Nursery opened in 1997. It operates from a large hall with adjoining kitchen and cloakroom on the first floor of a Rugby Club in the Motspur Park area. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 44 children from 2 to 5 years old on roll. This includes 11 funded 3 year olds and 4 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special educational needs and who have English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week all year round, closing for a week in August and at Christmas. Opening times are from 8:00 - 18:00. There are seven members of staff in total including holiday cover staff. All staff have NNEB qualifications. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. Teaching methods incorporate a Montessori approach.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Carousel Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff have relevant qualifications and experience and work together well as a team. They make good use of local training opportunities to further develop their knowledge and skills. The records required for the effective running of the setting are all in place and are clearly worded and regularly reviewed and updated. One or two records or policies lack minor details. Staff are vigilant about safety and systems are in place to identify and review any potential hazards on the premises. They take steps to make sure children can play safely on a daily basis. Staff are aware of health and hygiene issues. They promote good hygiene practices through the daily routine. Children are provided with a varied and healthy diet that is adapted to meet individual dietary needs.

p.2

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 Staff plan a wide variety of interesting and exciting activities for children that provide enjoyable and meaningful learning opportunities in all areas of their development. Children have access to a wide range of good quality resources. Materials are set out by staff to create a stimulating and accessible environment. Staff know children well and respond sensitively to their individual needs. They manage children's behaviour calmly and consistently. Children respond well to staff's clear guidance and the familiar daily routines, and behaviour is good. The setting has very good relationships with parents. Staff are welcoming, friendly and approachable. Parents are provided with clear information about the setting and

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

have access to policies and procedures. Activity plans are clearly displayed and parents are kept up to date about topics, visits and events through newsletters.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the setting agreed to make sure any hazardous items were inaccessible in the bathroom. All potentially hazardous items are now stored securely out of children's reach. They also agreed to devise a No Smoking policy. This policy is now included in the operational plan and shared with parents.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff work hard to set up activities and create a varied and interesting learning environment for children. The organisation of resources encourages children to be independent and active learners. • Sessions are well planned to allow a balance of free play and structured activities. • Staff are experienced and know the children well. Children are settled and confident within the setting. • Staff are alert to safety issues and take steps to make sure children are safe, such as devising a clear policy regarding supervision in the outdoor area. • There is an effective partnership with parents. They are welcomed into the nursery and actively encouraged to become involved with activities and events. • Documentation relating to the nursery is well organised and easily accessible.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the detail included in the attendance register • the evidence available to confirm that electrical appliances meet safety standards • the child protection policy, so that it includes procedures to be followed in the event that an allegation is made against a member of staff

p.3

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

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Make sure daily registers include hours of attendance 6 Make sure all electrical appliances conform to safety standards 13 Make sure that the child protection policy includes procedures to be followed in the event that an allegation is made against a member of staff

p.4

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

p.4

How effective is the nursery education?

Carousel Day Nursery offers a high quality, well organised learning environment which helps children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff have a secure understanding of how children learn and the expected goals for their development. They plan a very good range of practical activities that motivate children to learn through play. Staff are clear what children are expected to learn from activities, and adapt them well according to children's individual needs. They regularly observe and keep records of children's progress, and assessments are used effectively to plan activities that build on what children know and can do. Staff organise space well and use resources imaginatively to create an interesting indoor environment where children develop in confidence and independence. The use of the outdoor area could be further developed. They manage the children well

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

and have positive and caring relationships with them. They make excellent use of opportunities to build on children's own ideas, interests and initiatives. They join in with their play and question effectively to make children think and talk about what they are doing. The leadership and management of the nursery is very good. There is a strong team spirit within the nursery, and staff work well together to complete tasks. There is very good support for staff to develop their skills and knowledge through training. Systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the quality of the provision. There is a commitment to development and improvement. There is a strong partnership with parents that contributes to children's good progress in all areas. Parents spend time talking informally to staff about their children each day and attend regular reviews to discuss their progress. Parents views and contributions are actively sought by staff, and are valued and taken into

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

account, for example, when identifying children's next steps for learning.

p.5

What is being done well?

• Children are confident, sociable and motivated to learn. They are eager to join in activities and take part enthusiastically. They develop strong friendships with each other and with adults in the setting. • Children show a very high level of independence and initiative in selecting materials and completing activities. They have very good opportunities to try things for themselves and develop their own ideas in play. • There are excellent opportunities for children to develop their understanding of print and use writing in meaningful everyday activities. Children take orders and write bills in the 'Chinese restaurant', help create books and displays

p.5

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 about topics and outings, 'sign in' when beginning small group activities, and contribute to written notices, captions and signs around the room. • Children benefit from taking part in small group activities such as circle time, a social skills group and planned group sessions for older children to offer more challenge and extend their learning. • Children with special needs are included in all activities. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to make sure children gain as much as possible from attending the nursery. • Parents receive very good information about their child's progress. They are invited to individual six-monthly reviews with their child's keyworker and receive a written report about their child's development in relation to the early

p.5

What is being done well?

learning goals. Parents identify and agree on indiviudal learning objectives for their children in conjunction with staff.

p.6

What needs to be improved?

• the use of opportunities to fully incorporate maths and number into role play activities • the use of the outdoor area to support learning in all areas of the curriculum

p.6

What has improved since the last inspection?

Very good progress has been since the last inspection. Following the last inspection, staff evaluated the organisation of small group times to ensure that children did not become distracted and lose concentration. Sessions are organised so that children spend some time each day in a smaller group. Small group times are now organised according to children's age, ability, interests or needs. Children are taken to separate areas of the premises for these activities where they can work quietly. During this inspection children were observed to enjoy these times and concentrate well.

p.6

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

p.6

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children develop confidence due to good relationships with staff who are sensitive to their needs and know them well. They co-operate to complete activities, share and take turns. Children behave well. They show independence in choosing activities, selecting their own materials, helping themselves to drinks and fruit, and using the bathroom. They are encouraged to persist with difficult tasks and they show increasing concentration when completing activities.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are eager to communicate with each other and with staff, and develop confidence in expressing their ideas and talking about their experiences. They listen to stories with enjoyment, remembering favourite stories from memory. Children use writing materials freely and independently. They make marks and write for a variety of purposes, such as when playing in the 'Chinese restaurant', making books or writing captions under their pictures.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show an interest in number. Many children count beyond 10 and recognise some numerals. They develop their understanding of shape, size and position through practical activities such as playing with the sand and water, weaving patterns or making things with recycled materials. Older children are encouraged to use their number knowledge to solve simple problems, such as adding two and two together. Opportunities to develop maths in role play activities are not always fully exploited.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children use tools and materials to carefully design and make models, joining boxes and tubes with glue and tape. They find out about the world around them through well planned topic related activities. For instance, children went on a bus journey to the shops to buy seeds, which they planted and are watching grow. People from the local community such as the Police visit to talk about their work. Children examine objects and materials closely and talk about how they are different and the same.

p.7

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

p.7

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move freely and confidently and show an awareness of space. They use a range of tools and equipment with increasing skill and co-ordination, for example when pouring water carefully, cutting with scissors, spreading glue or drawing pictures. Outdoors, children run, jump, crawl through tunnels, manoeuvre bikes around obstacles and bounce on the trampoline. They show an awareness of healthy practises, such as washing their hands before meals, and recognise when they feel thirsty or tired.

p.8

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children draw on their imagination and experience in well planned role play activities, taking on different roles as chef, customer and waiter and acting out a story in the 'Chinese restaurant.' They have good support to extend their play, for instance by incorporating sand and water when preparing 'meals'. Children choose creative materials freely to draw, paint and make collages using their imagination and developing their own ideas. They join in singing and music sessions enthusiastically.

p.8

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

p.8

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.

p.9

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: • Consider ways of further encouraging children to practise their number skills during role play and other everyday activities • Continue to develop the use of the outdoor area to further extend children's learning across all areas of the curriculum

p.9

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.

p.9

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

p.9

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.10

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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

p.11