Rocking Horse Nursery Stamford Limited

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 20/10/2004 Inspector Name Anne Barnsley

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Rocking Horse Nursery Stamford Limited Setting Address 85 Rutland Road Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 1UP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Rocking Horse Nursery Stamford Limited 4697838

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Rocking Horse Nursery Stamford Limited Address 85 Rutland Road Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 1UP

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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

Rocking Horse Day Nursery has been registered since 1992. The nursery is registered for 48 children and currently has 102 children on roll. Of these, 26 children are in receipt on nursery education funding. The nursery opens each week day and during the holidays. It is situated on the outskirts of Stamford close to main routes. It provides a service for mainly working families who require full day care although sessional care is also available. There are 15 members of staff of whom 12 have child care qualifications. Two staff are currently undertaking training.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Rocking Horse Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The nursery is well organised and high staffing levels provide children with good support that enables them to feel secure. A selection of policies, procedures and records are implemented by staff and available to parents. Some information is lacking in the child protection and behaviour management policy. Staff have a clear commitment to promoting high standards in all aspects of their care. Good hygiene routines are maintained in the setting to prevent the spread of infection. Nappy changing practices currently have weaknesses due to the lack of facilities. Effective safety measures and procedures are in place and all staff take personal responsibility for ensuring potential hazards are made safe. Children are provided with healthy snacks and nutritious cooked meals. There is a very good range of play equipment in each area and outside. Staff enable

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How good is the Day Care?

children to use space well and to initiate their own choices and preferences. Support from staff is excellent and children greatly benefit from the staff's ability to engage in their play at each child's level. Staff have a good understanding of child development and how to include children with additional needs. Staff know children well and use positive strategies to manage their behaviour. Children's self esteem is promoted very well through high levels of praise and recognition. Staff plan well in each room and maintain consistent routines. Parental sleep and meal patterns are continued in

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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 baby room. Limited cots reduce parental choice although the bean bags that are provided for children are densly cushioned and are exremely high quality. Staff relate well with parents and good exchanges take place on a daily basis. Information is shared regularly with parents and their wishes and ideas are valued and respected.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery is organised well with effective staff deployment and comprehensive administrative systems. Staff work well together as a team and provide children with a secure environment that has consistent routines with which both parents and children are familiar. • Staff plan very well in all rooms and enable children to learn through a wide variety of experiences. Children are well supported and extended by staff who appreciate their preferences and account very well for individual needs. Children are eager to learn and are confident to make their own choices. • The nursery is maintained to a high standard and improvements are ongoing and planned in order of priority. The outside area has been equipped with an all weather surface to enable children to have a higher level of outside play, fresh air and exercise. • Meals are varied and nutritious. Children are provided with good choice and portions are ample. Children eat in family groups which promotes positive

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What is being done well?

social learning. • Staff use positive strategies for managing behaviour and treat children with respect. Children receive high levels of praise and recognition for their efforts and are provided with clear explanations about unacceptable behaviour so that they understand right from wrong. • Positive relationships have been established with parents who are greeted warmly by staff each day. General information is exchanged daily and confidential discussions can be arranged at short notice due to high staffing levels and good organisation. News letters and informative notice boards provide parents with broader information.

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What needs to be improved?

• nappy changing facilities • choice of sleep resources • child protection and behaviour policies and procedures.

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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 4 Ensure that nappy changing facilities are suitable and promote positive care practice. 5 Ensure that sufficient cots are available in the baby room to enable greater choice. 14 Ensure that policies and procedures identify, the methods used to promote positive behaviour and the procedure that staff should follow if an allegation is made against them.

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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 Rocking Horse Nursery provides very good quality education. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. Children are making rapid progress because the staff have an excellent understanding of the foundation stage curriculum and how children learn. They plan effectively and deliver activities with clear purpose and enthusiasm. Staff are very good motivators and prepare children well so that they know what is expected of them and are eager to participate. Staff listen well to children and encourage them to contribute their own ideas. Children are provided with very good levels of support, and staff skilfully modify or extend activities to provide appropriate challenge. Staff consolidate children's learning by incorporating focused teaching to general conversation and child initiated play. Staff are very good role models and treat children with great respect. They observe and assess children regularly and use this

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How effective is the nursery education?

information well to plan what children need to learn next. Resources and time are used effectively although there are limited resources that promote positive images of diversity to consolidate children's learning in this area. The leadership and management is well established and successfully fulfils it's vision to provide high quality care and education for all children. The staff have clearly defined roles and responsibilities and team work is very good. Regular staff meetings ensure continuity of practice and an effective appraisal system identifies and supports the training needs of staff. There is a clear commitment to improvement and maintaining high standards. Staff seek guidance and support from external agencies and prioritise effectively. The partnership with parents is very good. Information is comprehensive and includes parents in their child's learning. Staff support families well and provide a

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What is being done well?

• Children are confident and eager to learn. They contribute well during activities and communicate their ideas and express themselves clearly. They are independent and can organise their own plans and ideas. • Children behave extremely well and are helpful and polite. They play co-operatively and work well as a group, displaying consideration for others and their belongings. • Children are making very good progress in all areas of learning. They are well supported by staff and challenged to extend their knowledge and skills. • The quality of teaching is of a very high standard. Planning accounts for all aspects of the foundation stage curriculum and the activities are delivered

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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 with purpose and reason. Staff encourage children to think and to solve problems. They guide and steer children to experiment and to try new things. Staff listen well to children and progress children by focusing on their natural curiosity. • The nursery is managed to a high standard. Effective planning and organisation provides staff with clear roles and responsibilities. Regular meetings and staff training ensures that staff are kept well informed and their professional developmental needs are met. Good staffing ratios ensures that children are well supported within a consistent and secure environment.

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What needs to be improved?

• resources that promote positive images of diversity

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no key issues at the last inspection. There was one point for consideration. The setting were asked to further develop the assessment system to ensure children's achievements were clearly recorded in the six areas of learning and enhance the partnership with parents by offering opportunities for them to share observations at home. The assessment system has been updated and is now an effective tool for enabling staff to progress children at their individual level in all areas of learning. Parents have access to all records and can view these at home or with a member of staff to discuss and input their ideas.

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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 happy and settled. They enjoy learning and are interested in the wide range of stimulating activities which are provided. They display high levels of concentration and display good manners and behaviour. Children are learning to form caring relationships with peers and staff and share and help each other. Children demonstrate a good understanding of the need to work together harmoniously and help tidy away at the end of their play. Children share well and take turns.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident writers and are developing their skills through planned activities and self initiated writing. They have good opportunities to mark make. They are learning to link sounds and letters and many children can recognise individual letters of the alphabet. Children are confident speakers and use language well to communicate views, ideas, needs and feelings. They make good use of books and tell stories to each other.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are learning to use mathematical language to question, describe and compare in every day situations. They can solve practical problems and discuss the best way to achieve results with peers. Most children can reliably count up to ten and beyond and can recognise numerals. Children can identify shapes, sizes and amounts and can apply their knowledge to general activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident to investigate, explore and to use equipment is innovative ways. Children have very good opportunities to design and construct and they use materials creatively. Children have good exposure to topics that introduce them to other countries, cultures and beliefs although resources that promote positive images of diversity are limited. Children's general knowledge of the world and how things grow and live is good.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently and safely They show a good understanding of spatial awareness. Children are developing their fine and gross motor skills well and can use large and small equipment with increasing skill. Children have regular outside activities and use a range of large equipment, mobile toys and resources that develop hand and eye co-ordination. Children can aim well, balance and can position objects with accuracy and precision.

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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 are learning to explore colour, texture, shape and form through a varied programme. They are confident and can describe changes that take place and express their feelings about these changes. Children make very good use of creative materials and use resources in interesting ways. Children use their imagination well during role play and act out every day experiences. Children have good exposure to music and movement and can use musical instruments well.

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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 were no key issues identified at this inspection. One point for consideration was identified. • Extend the range of resources that promote positive images of ethnicity, religious and cultural differences, disability and gender.

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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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