St Elisabeth's Church of England Primary

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/02/2004 Inspector Name Kanwal Sonia Lobo

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Clowns Nursery Care Ltd Setting Address Cinderella Path, 153 Northend Road Golders Green London NW11 7HZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Clowns Nusery Care Limited 03237891

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Clowns Nusery Care Limited Address Baker Tilly, 1st Floor 46 Clarendon Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 1JJ

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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

Clowns Nursery was first registered in 1994. The group then moved premises to the present site in 1997 and since 2001 now operate from a new purpose built building that provides full day care for a maximum of 140 children aged from under 6 years. The nursery which is located between Golders Green and Hampstead operates from 08:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday all year around. There is a staff team of 57 of whom 50 working directly with the children hold the relevant child care qualifications. The nursery receives funding for 3 and 4 year olds. At present there are 140 children on roll and of these funding is received for 6 children aged 3 years and 20 children aged 4 years. There are 9 children for whom funding is received that have English as an additional language. The nursery is structured into sessions in a way that allows parents to choose the type of care that they want for their child. An early years teacher visits regularly to give support and advice.

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How good is the Day Care?

Clowns Nursery provides a good standard of care. The environment is warm and welcoming for children and parents. The children's creative work and photographs have been displayed to create a feeling of self worth and a sense of belonging. The use of colourful posters and display boards which provide information about staff, planned activities and recent or forthcoming events also contributes to the stimulating environment.

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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 staff work well together in meeting the immediate needs of the children through sensitive and appropriate interactions. Effective use is made of the key worker system and children are offered continuity of care and their confidence and independence is developed through encouraging children to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. Planned and free play activities that are stimulating and challenge the children's learning are organised well both inside and outside. The level of staff interaction is carefully balanced and children have time to play and learn independently, initiate their own activities and explore freely. However at present the toys and resources available that reflect positive images of disability are some what limited.

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How good is the Day Care?

A good working partnership is in place with the parents and there is a two way flow of information, knowledge and expertise. Parents are encouraged to share their cultural experiences and staff value their input and implement viable ideas into the planning of activities. Parents are kept up to date about their child's progress through regular communication and well documented policies and procedures. However there are some records that do not contain the required information and there is a lack of awareness with regard to the responsibilities under the Data Protection Act of the storage of children's records on a computer data base. The staff's understanding of child protection procedures is also limited.

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What is being done well?

• The staff team work well together and support each other in all aspects of the daily running of the nursery. Through effective use of the key worker system and close monitoring of the children's progress, staff are aware of the individual needs of the children and are able to meet the immediate needs effectively. • The level of staff interaction with the children is balanced and takes account for the need to allow children to play and learn independently, explore freely and provide support and direction when needed. • Activities are organised well to support children's learning in all aspects of development. The staff provide children with a mix of active times where they can take part in energetic play and quiet times when they can rest and relax in a quiet area. • The environment is clean, well maintained and welcoming to children and parents. The children's work and photographs have been displayed to create

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What is being done well?

a feeling of self worth and a sense of belonging. Display boards are used well to provide information about staff, planned activities and recent and forthcoming events. • A good working partnership with the parents is in place that takes account of the children's well being and development. Parents are kept up to date about

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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 their child's progress through a regular exchange of information and through well documented policies and procedures. Parents are encouraged to share their knowledge and expertise and staff welcome and value their input.

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What needs to be improved?

• the resources available for children that reflect positive images of disability • the staff's awareness and knowledge of child protection issues and procedures • the provider's understanding of her responsibilities under the Data Protection Act with regards to storage of children's records on the computer and the records to include the required information.

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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 9 Make sure children have access to toys and resources that reflect positive images of disability. 13 Make sure that staff have a secure working knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. 14 Make sure that you are aware of your responsibilities under the Data Protection Act with regard to storage of children’s records and update records so that they are in line with the requirements of the National Standards.

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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 Clowns Nursery is good. It enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals in the six areas of learning. There are good planning and assessment systems in place, which are used well to check and record children's attainment and progress. The quality of the teaching is very good. The staff have a clear knowledge of the Foundation Stage and their effective planning of an interesting and appropriate range of practical activities help children to learn. Children behave well in response to the hight expecations of staff. There are opportunities for children to initiate their play and to be taught individually or in small groups. There is a good range of equipment which staff use well to support children's progress in all areas of learning. Activities are well-managed, however staff do not provide children with sufficient opportunities to use musical instruments.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Leadership and management is very good. The nursery benefits from the strong leadership of the managers. They are effective in promoting staff development and training. Staff are committed to their development and evaluate and review the effectiveness of their practice. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are given good quality written information about the setting, activities and routine. There are good formal and informal systems in place to share information with parents about their children's progress.

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What is being done well?

• the leadership and management which promotes staff development and training • staff understanding of the early learning goals and the creation of a stimulating enviroment in which children learn through a wide range of practical activities. • children are well settled and behave well and understand right and wrong. • staff have good relationships with parents and children.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for children to use musical instruments.

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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 the systems for observation and assessments to record children's progress and to inform planning. opportunites for children to develop their climbing and balancing skills by providing regular access to a range of equipment.

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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 make very good progress in personal, social and emotional development. Children's confidence and self-esteem is promoted well by staff. Children are learning to make good relationships with their peers and staff. They co-operate with each other and learn to recognise right and wrong. They choose between activities and select resources themselves. They concentrate well, complete tasks and behave well.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in communication, language and literacy. They speak confidently in large and small groups. They are developing good writing skills an are able to recognise sounds, letters and words. They enjoy listening to stories and handle books with confidence.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in mathematical development. They are learning to count to 10 and beyond and are intersted in solving poblems. Their learning is re-inforced through practical activities such as numbers songs and rhymes. They are developing a good understanding of addition and positional language.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in knowledge and understanding of the world. They have good opportunities to talk about their experiences. They explore and investigate and are developing an understanding of the natural world. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of a wide range of cultures. They have good opportunities to construct and build through a range of resources and activities. They are developing a good understanding of how to use information and communication technology.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in physical development. Children are given good opportunities for indoor and outdoor play. They move about confidently and safely and take the needs of others into account. They used a variety of tools and equipment safely. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of the importance of staying healthy.

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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 Child make very good progress in creative development. They enjoy role-playing through a range of interesting activities. They have good opportunities to explore colour, shapes and texture. There are insufficient opportunities for children to use musical instruments.

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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: • develop opportunities for children to use musical instruments. 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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