Kidzone

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 30/03/2004 Inspector Name Ann Elaine Tomlinson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name Kidzone Setting Address 10 Chuch Street Crook DL15 9BG

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Kidzone Durham Ltd Address 10 Church Street Crook County Durham DL15 9BG

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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

Kidzone Nursery operates from four rooms on two levels in a converted building on the front street in Crook.. The nursery has been registered since October 2002 and serves the local and surrounding areas. There are currently 124 children on the roll. At the inspection there were 35 children present. The nursery opens Monday to Saturday from 07.00 to 19:00 51 weeks of the year. Eleven staff work with the children, ten staff are qualified. The centre receives support from the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership. (EYDCP)

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How good is the Day Care?

Kidzone Nursery provides good care for children. Most staff within the group are vetted and a staff file is held which clearly details recent training, however these files should be kept upto date for all staff members. Space within the rooms is well used. Staff organise areas to allow children to experience different types of activities. There is a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place. Records are in place, however staff need to be alert to confidentiality of all records throughout the nursery. The group places a strong emphasis on safety. All equipment is appropriately used, however consideration should be given to the provision of equipment and furniture for older children. Staff develop an appreciation and understanding of safety with children. They provide positive role models for children and consequently have developed good hygiene practices. Children are able to freely access drinks and

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How good is the Day Care?

snacks at a time of their choosing. Staff keep upto date with special needs and child protection issues. They provide a wide range of activities for children. Children are able to freely access activities from those available. They have developed good communication with children, who seek staff for support if needed. The activities available ensure

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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 that children are able to develop a range of skills. Behaviour within the group is very good and managed consistently by staff. They have developed sound relationships with parents based on mutual respect and understanding. They ensure parents are kept informed and encourage them to contribute and participate within the centre.

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What is being done well?

• Activities are well organised in the rooms and children are able to access and experience a wide range of activities. • The staff have developed a wide range of policies and procedures and these demonstrate the team commitment to the centre. • Behaviour within the centre is very good. Children understand the rules and respect these. Staff provide positive role models, accentuating positive behaviour. • High priority is given to safety issues throughout the centre. They develop children's awareness and understanding of these issues

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedure for ensuring that staff are vetted and appropriate records kept • equipment and furniture for older children in the out of school facility • confidentiality of records must be maintained

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE 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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Ensure that all relevant checks are carried out on all staff. 5 Ensure that there is furniture and equipment that is of suitable size and comfort for older children who use the out of school facility.

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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?

Kidzone Nursery provides a warm and welcoming environment so that children make generally good progress towards the early learning goals with some very good aspects. They make generally good progress in communication language and literacy, mathematics, physical and creative development and knowledge and understanding of the world, and make very good progress in personal, social and emotional development. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff have a sound knowledge of the curriculum and are aware of individual children's needs. Activities need to be developed for older children in some areas of learning. Staff manage behaviour very well, having high expectations of behaviour. The leadership and management is generally good. Staff are aware of the management structure and there is support in place to access training. The manager is aware of what the setting does well, however management and staff should

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How effective is the nursery education?

develop monitoring and evaluation more to allow them to identify the areas of the foundation stage curriculum that could be improved in the setting. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are kept well informed both in writing and verbally, with high quality information. They are encouraged to participate in their child's learning and the group holds regular open sessions/evenings.

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What is being done well?

• Children are confident and happy. They have established good relationships with each other and interact well with staff and other adults. • Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour, which results in very good behaviour throughout the group. • Children are able to count unsupported and are encouraged to develop their understanding of shape and size • Children are able to use the computer without support, with younger children supported, when necessary, by older children. • Children are able to move around the environment confidentially, and have developed confidence in fine motor skills. • Children explore a range of creative materials and are encouraged to experiment with colour and texture. • The group have established good relationships with parents. They ensure that they are always kept well informed and use a variety of methods

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for children to practise writing for a purpose • opportunities for older children to expand and develop skills with mathematical concepts and in investigating how and why things work and to develop large physical skills • opportunities for children to move to music • monitoring and evaluation to ensure that all areas of the foundation stage curriculum are appopriately included in planning activities for the children.

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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 have formed very good relationships with both adults and their peers and leave parents/carers confidently. Children develop independence, being able to select their own resources. Staff within the group have high expectations of children's behaviour, resulting in very good behaviour.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able to communicate effectively with children staff and other visitors to the group. They are encouraged to contribute to discussions at large group time. Children are able to express themselves in imaginative play, and represent their feelings. However, opportunities for children to develop writing for a purpose should be readily available to children.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able to count to five and beyond unsupported children develop an awareness of number within the environment. Children are beginning to understand and experiment with size and shape, recognising differences. However children should be given the opportunity, through everyday activities, to develop their problem solving skills.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children access the computer unsupported, and use programmes appropriately. Through activities children develop a sense of time and purpose. Children are able to develop an understanding of the world in which they live through outings and visitors to the group. However activities should be developed for older children to learn about how and why things work.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able to access an outdoor play area, which provides a limited environment for large physical skills and spatial awareness. A range of materials provides children with the opportunity to experience and develop fine skills, of hand and eye co-ordination However activities should be provided for older children to develop large skills further and for children to move to music.

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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 are encouraged to develop an understanding of colour and texture. Children are able to play imaginatively and respond to these situations with feeling. Children are aware of their senses and use these in activities. However there are insufficient opportunities for children to respond to music and dance

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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

• Plan regular opportunities and resources that are easily accessible to the children to enable them to practise writing for a purpose. • Provide more opportunities for older children to expand and develop skills with mathematical concepts and to investigate how and why things work and to develop large physical skills. • Ensure that there are opportunities for children to move to music. • Ensure that management and staff evaluate the curriculum and planning to ensure that sufficient challenges are provided for older and more able children.

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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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