Pine Ridge Infant and Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/07/2004 Inspector Name Lindsay Hare

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Princess Christian Nursery Setting Address Turners Crescent St Michaels Mead Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 4FZ

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Princess Christian Nurseries, Nord Anglia Plc. 861615

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Princess Christian Nurseries, Nord Anglia Plc. Address Nord Anglia Education Plc Anglia House, Carrs Road Cheadle Cheshire SK8 2LA

p.1

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

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

Princess Christian Day Nursery opened in November 1999. It operates from purpose built premises in the St Michaels Mead area of Bishops Stortford. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 79 children from 0 to 5 years on roll. This includes 14 funded three year olds and 5 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week all year round, except bank holidays and the Christmas week period. All day sessions are from 07.30 until 18.30, morning sessions from 07.30 until 12.30 and afternoon sessions from 13.30 until 18.30. Twenty four staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. One member of staff is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Princess Christian Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The setting offers a warm and welcoming environment to both children and their parents. The majority of staff have a qualification in childcare and are deployed effectively. There is a thorough induction procedure in place for new staff and a key worker system operates in each room. There is a wide range of age appropriate toys and activities available in each room to keep children interested, although there seems to be a lack of resources in the playroom for the two to three years age group. Attention is given to planning activities for children under three in each room and all ages have a separate garden for outside play. The resources available for under three's in each of the gardens meet the developmental needs of these younger children. Children's behaviour is

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 managed well. The staff have arrangements in place to keep children safe and they are aware of the company's procedure, should they have a child protection concern. Children's health and hygiene is generally promoted, especially through the provision of a healthy diet, although the hand washing procedures and hygiene issues within the pre-school area need attention. Staff have good relationships with parents, providing a daily record sheet and parents are encouraged to share information about their child, so that staff can be effective in meeting the child's individual needs. Staff are approachable and open in dealing with parent's concerns and any complaints. The children's records are completed by the key worker regularly.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Most of the policies and procedures are in place, although some need more detail and clarification.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to ensure the nappy changing mats and floor cushions are kept clean and in good condition and that the bed sheets are stored appropriately, so as to prevent the spread of infection. The provider also agreed to request parental permission to the seeking of any emergency medical treatment. The floor cushions have new washable covers and the changing mats have been replaced to ensure they are in good condition. Bed sheets are now stored in polythene bags in the children's boxes containing their belongings. A separate parental consent slip is kept in the children's records, consenting to the seeking of emergency medical treatment. This is to be incorporated onto the registration forms when these are updated. The provider also addressed several issues that were discussed and agreed at the last inspection.

p.3

What is being done well?

• There is a very detailed induction procedure in place to allow staff to become familiar with the policies and procedures and the day to day running of the nursery. • There are lots of opportunities for children under three to play and learn outside. Each room has it's own garden and age appropriate toys are available outside for the children to use. • In most areas children are provided with a broad range of appropriate resources and play materials, which are specific to their age group and developmental needs. •• There is a warm and welcoming environment for both children and their

p.3

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 parents. Staff are very open to dealing effectively with any concerns or complaints parents may have. Lots of information is requested from the parents to ensure that staff are able to meet the children's individual needs well.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the range of toys and activities available for children aged 2 to 3 years • hygiene, regarding the changing mat, the carpet, care of the gerbil and the washing of children's hands in the baby room • procedures for dealing with a child protection concern.

p.4

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 5 Increase the range of toys and activities available for children from 2 to under 3 years. 7 Ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding the carpet and care of the gerbil in the pre-school room, the washing of children’s hands in the baby room and ensure that the changing mat is kept clean. 13 Ensure that the child protection procedure for the nursery complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures and that parents are made aware of the nursery’s duty to report any concerns.

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?

The provision for nursery education at Princess Christian Nursery is good. It enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals in their communication, language and literacy development and generally good progress in all other areas of learning. Teaching is generally good. Staff plan and deliver a broad range of activities which helps children make good all round progress. They ask questions to make children think which extends their learning. Staff talk to the children kindly and sensitively and praise and encouragement are freely used. However, on occasions there are missed opportunities to effectively challenge the older and more able children. Staff have an understanding of the Foundation Stage and management are aware to extend some staff's knowledge of the stepping stones and the early learning goals. The planning system is currently being reviewed to inform future planning of the next steps in the

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

children's educational programme. Leadership and management is generally good. The nursery team work well together, are aware of their roles and responsibilities and provide a happy and relaxed environment. They have positive working relationships and are committed to improvement of care and education for all children through on-going training. Staff appraisals are carried out every two months which identifies staff's training needs. A system is in place to monitor and evaluate the setting and this is currently being reviewed. The partnership with parents is very good. They are provided with good quality information about the nursery through newsletters, notice boards, the prospectus and policies and procedures. They are invited to attend parent evenings and they are able to discuss their children's progress daily with the friendly and approachable staff. They are encouraged to be involved in their children's learning and a system is

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

in place for them to make comments about the nursery.

p.5

What is being done well?

• Staff plan a range of interesting activities. They work well together as a team and are committed to providing good quality care and education for the children. • Children are confident and sociable. Relationships within the group are being developed well. Children show confidence when speaking with adults and other children in the group. • The nursery is warm and welcoming to children and their parents. The staff share information daily about the children's progress. • Children are developing very good communication, language and literacy skills, extending their vocabulary and interacting with one another and adults

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 in the room. Children learn letter sounds and how they link to form words. Emergent writing and writing for different purposes is encouraged effectively. Children's writing skills is evident on their wall displays, which link to the current topic of summer. They write names of different countries for their travel agent display, create written postcards, practise summer words and write in their passports. Children use books for pleasure and to find information.

p.5

What needs to be improved?

• the planning system, to enable staff to plan the next steps in the children's individual educational programme • staff's training needs • opportunities for children to develop their calculation skills.

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: Generally Good Children are keen to learn, self-motivated and willing to try new activities. They are confident when speaking to staff and visitors to the nursery. Children are happy and settled, and form good, caring relationships with staff and one another.They are able to concentrate and sit quietly when appropriate. Children are encouraged to develop good manners and be polite. Their independence skills are developing well, however, some opportunities are missed during snack and lunch times.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident speakers and can talk about real and imaginary events as they play and work. Their vocabulary is developed through everyday activities and topic work. Children enjoy singing songs and rhymes. They understand that print carries meaning and they learn to link sounds and letters. Children are encouraged to write for different purposes. They use the written word well around the room. Children write words on wall displays and are learning to form letters correctly.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy singing number rhymes and songs. They practise counting as they sing 'five current buns' and weigh ingredients during cooking activities. Staff use mathematical language in a meaningful way, such as behind, in front, tall and short. Children recreate simple patterns using shapes and beads. They show a sound understanding of shape as they practise drawing and naming them with chalk outside. However, there are few opportunities for children to develop their calculation skills.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children learn about living things as they observe caterpillars grow and change and look at photos of themselves as babies. They learn about what plants need to grow as they plant sunflower seeds, tomato plants and rhubarb. Through structured activities children design and build as they make aeroplane models and use woodwork materials. However, there are few opportunities for children to design and build freely. Children learn about the wider world as they celebrate a range of festivals.

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: Generally Good Children move with increasing skill, imagination and confidence as they ride wheeled toys, participate in wheelbarrow races and use the large equipment to balance, climb and slide. They understand basic hygiene routines and learn about the importance of staying healthy. Hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor control is developed by using a range of tools to cut, cook, spread and make marks. There are limited opportunities for children to make progress in the six areas of learning outside.

p.8

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children explore colour and texture through a range of planned art and craft activities such as finger and fruit printing, tie-dying and mixing paints. Children enjoy playing musical instruments and dance to Chinese music. They are developing their imagination well as they play imaginary games with each other outside and use props during role play inside. However, there are limited opportunities for children to express their ideas, freely choosing their own materials.

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 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.

p.9

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• develop the planning system, to enable staff to plan the next steps in the children's individual educational programme • review staff's training needs, to ensure they receive appropriate training for the Foundation Stage • review the provision and experiences that challenge the older and more able children within the area of mathematical development to enable them to develop their calculation skills.

p.9

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.

p.9

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

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