Kindred Lowdham

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/10/2004 Inspector Name Tina Garner

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Alphabet House Day Nursery Setting Address Gunthorpe Road Lowdham Nottinghamshire NG14 7EN

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Anthony and Marie Brentford

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Anthony and Marie Brentford Address Manor Farmhouse Newark Road, Cotham Newark Nottinghamshire NG23 5JS

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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

Lowdham Alphabet House Day Nursery opened in 1991. It operates from the ground and first floor accommodation of a large detached house, which is situated in the village of Lowdham. Children are cared for in individual group rooms depending on their age and developmental stage. Children under the age of 3 years are mainly cared for on the ground floor, children 3-5 years old are cared for on the first floor. The children also have access to an enclosed outdoor play area adjacent to the building. The setting also have access to car parking, toilets, an office, kitchen and staff facilities. There are currently 80 children on roll. The nursery is registered to receive funding for children aged 3 and 4 years. The setting is open five days a week, Monday to Friday, from 07:30 - 18:00. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. Eleven staff work with the children. Eight of these have completed relevant childcare

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Information about the setting

qualifications, with a further six staff currently attending ongoing training. In addition staff access training and advise from the Nottinghamshire Early Years Development and Childcare partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Lowdham Alphabet House Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The warm and welcoming premises offer sufficient space for a good range of indoor and outdoor activities. The Nursery is well maintained; rooms are bright and airy with attractive displays and information notice boards. A good range of equipment and play materials are provided, all are well maintained and suitable to children's needs. Staff are well deployed, all attend training to develop new and existing skills. Records are well organised, up to date and clearly written, however procedures to inform Ofsted of relevant changes are not consistently followed. Staff are vigilant in their supervision of the children, they teach children how to care for themselves through daily routines, for example washing hands before meal

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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 times. Good systems are in place to deal with accidents and medical emergencies. The staff work well as a team, which creates a settled atmosphere with clear daily routines. Suitable meals are provided for the children which encourage them to try different foods and to eat sociably. Overall staff have regard to the policies and procedures, however suitable understanding of child protection is not maintained. Staff have an appropriate knowledge of each child's individual needs and interests, they relate well to the children and value good behaviour. Children approach adults with confidence asking for help and assistance and enjoy their interaction with them. They are familiar with the daily routines of the group, they behave well and

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How good is the Day Care?

confidently access all areas. A good range of activities are planned and provided. Parents receive good information about the setting through a varied range of written documents, which include the parents prospectus. An appropriate key worker system enables staff to establish consistent relationships with parents and children; all written information that is kept on children is shared with parents on a regular basis.

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What is being done well?

• Clear procedures are in place regarding hygiene and children's health. Staff competently carry out these procedures maintaining good hygiene in the setting and complete clear records relating to any accidents and medication. • Staff maintain the environment, to provide bright, welcoming and attractive areas where children can play and learn comfortably. • Parents are kept well informed about the nursery and its care provision through attractive displays, well-presented parents packs and access to the policy folder. They receive daily verbal information on their children's activities and care routines, with opportunities to attend parents' evenings.

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What needs to be improved?

• systems to inform Ofsted of any relevant changes • staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 14 Ensure procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision are maintained with regard to informing Ofsted of any relevant changes to staff. 01/11/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 13 Ensure all staff are aware of child protection issues and able to implement the policies and procedures.

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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?

Lowdham Alphabet Day Nursery provides a happy and stimulating learning environment where children make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is generally good, however has some areas for improvement. The staff have positive relationships with the children, who are confident and increasingly independent. Staff knowledge of the foundation stage is variable, which leads to insufficient opportunities for more able children to build on what they already know and can do. The sessions are generally organised well, however play planning does not always give adequate opportunities for children to participate in child led activities, which allow them to develop their own ideas and creativity and to extend and consolidate their learning. Staff make good use of available space and the outdoor area is fully utilised to stimulate children's physical development. Staff know

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How effective is the nursery education?

children well and respond to their individual needs. Good standards of behaviour are maintained and staff use praise and encouragement to promote children's self esteem. The Leadership and management of the setting is generally good. Staff work well as a team and have clear roles and responsibilities. All staff are positively encouraged to undertake further training and development, however not all staff who work directly with the children have attended foundation stage training. The leadership team show a responsive and reflective approach to practice, and a strong commitment to meeting the needs of all children within the nursery. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. An effective key worker system allows parents to form successful relationships with their child's main carer. Parents receive a good range of clearly written information about the curriculum and current topics. Children's progress is discussed regularly and a written report is

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What is being done well?

• Children are confident and sociable. they are developing a sense of belonging in the environment and forming good relationships with the staff and each other. This encourages them to share equipment, take turns and work harmoniously together. • Children's spoken language is developing well. they are able to express thoughts and ideas confidently during role play activities and group time. • Children have active imaginations, which are promoted through varied role play areas and many well planned structured activities for children to match movement to music.

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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 • Staff develop good relationships with parents. Effective communication systems have been developed for sharing information about the nursery education.

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What needs to be improved?

• staff's knowledge of the foundation stage and how to best promote children's learning • the availability of freely accessible resources to support and extend children's independent learning

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The Nursery have made good progress since the last inspection. They were requested to review the organisation and purpose of the home diaries to make a more effective tool for communication. Diaries are used monthly with the pre-school children. They include information on children's achievements, topic work, and general activities. Good opportunities are provided for parents to respond and comment on children's development at home. These further improve communication and keep parents well informed on children's ongoing progress. The second key issue from last inspection was with regard to developing opportunities for children to develop skills using construction toys. The nursery have extended their range of construction equipment and ensure that regular planned opportunities are available for children to further develop skills.

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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: Generally Good Children show an interest in the range of activities and are motivated to learn. They are involved in their play and have sustained interest in independently chosen activities. However some children struggle to concentrate during whole group times. Children are confident within the setting, and settle well into the group. They are forming good relationships with staff and each other. They have good independence skills which they learn through daily routines. Standards of behaviour are good.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children show developing language skills and a range of vocabulary during role play activities. Their language skills are used to express ideas and feelings or to make their wishes known. There is limited opportunities for children to practice writing and mark making skills as part of independent daily activity. Children have good access to books and show enjoyment when looking at books alone or being read to by an adult.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children show an interest in numerals, they are learning to count and recognise numbers to ten. Children are learning about shape and size, they use mathematical language during general play situations. Many children can also recognise and compare space and position. However, there are few opportunities for children to develop and consolidate an understanding of simple calculation during practical daily activities and routines.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children have good opportunities to learn about the natural world. They enjoy some interesting activities enabling them to explore objects and natural materials. A range of varied outings furthers their knowledge of the local environment. Children learn to build using a variety of construction sets, but have limited independent access to build and construct using a range of tools and junk. Good planned opportunities allow children to learn about and appreciate their own and other cultures.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good The children move confidently and safely when using climbing equipment and when responding to music and movement sessions. They have varied opportunities where they can improve co-ordination and balance and develop muscles. Children are developing fine motor control skills when using pencils and drawing equipment. However the use of small tools is limited to supervised planned activities. Topic work enables children to learn about the importance of healthy eating.

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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: Generally Good Children enjoy musical activities, and understand the language of loud, soft, fast, and slow. Children play imaginatively in the role play area, often for extended periods. They actively respond to their experiences, and in conversation with each other and with adults. Planning demonstrates a range of activities for children to use a variety of media and equipment, however children have limited free access to resources to express their individual creativity and develop their own ideas.

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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

• further improve staff's knowledge and understanding of the foundation stage and how children learn best. To ensure children are supported effectively and age appropriate challenge is set. • develop opportunities for children to freely access resources. To enable them to initiate their own learning, and develop their own creative ideas through independent, purposeful activity.

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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.

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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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