New Life Nursery Group

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/02/2005 Inspector Name Jane Shaw

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name New Life Nursery Group Setting Address Danesford Community Centre West Road Congleton Cheshire CW12 4EY

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name New Life Church Address New Life Church Danesford, West Road Congleton Cheshire CW12 4EY

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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

New Life Nursery Group first opened in 1987. It is organised and managed by the person in charge and overseen by a committee made up of Church Elders and Trustees. The group operates from four main playrooms within the New Life Church, Danesford Community Centre in Congleton, Cheshire. The nursery has a Christian philosophy but welcomes the attendance of staff, children and families from all cultures and religions. There is access to toilet, hand washing and nappy changing facilities and a kitchen for the preparation of snacks and drinks. The children also have access to three outdoor play areas. Children are cared for within two separate age groups; under three's are cared for within two rooms known as 'The Playroom', children over three years have access to two main playrooms within the 'Nursery School'. A maximum of 40 children may attend the setting at any one time. The group is open Monday to Friday from 09.30 to 12.15 and Wednesdays from 13.00 to 15.00, term

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Information about the setting

time only. There are currently 76 children aged from 2 to under 5 years on roll, of these, 35 children receive funding for nursery education. The nursery currently supports a number of children with special educational needs and children for whom English is as an additional language. The nursery employs 10 staff. Five of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications, a further two staff are working towards appropriate qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

New Life Nursery Group are providing good quality care. The setting is well organised in terms of staffing and use of available space to provide children with a range of opportunities and experiences. Staff are well

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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 organised having specific responsibilities within the staff team and during sessions. Half of the staff are qualified and all are committed to on-going training. Staff interact well with the children, giving good supervision and support to children in their activities. Staff provide a welcoming environment by using colourful displays of children's work and by preparing the rooms prior to arrival. All relevant documentation is in place, however, some details are missing from the attendance register, child protection policy and some staff clearances are not yet fully complete. Staff are mindful of children's safety at all times and use appropriate safety precautions where necessary. Church health and safety representatives ensure that

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How good is the Day Care?

the building is safely maintained. Snacks and drinks are offered regularly, older children are encouraged to help themselves to drinks throughout the session. Children are encouraged to be independent and to have good hygiene practices. All children are encouraged to, and have the opportunity, to participate in all activities and experiences. Staff have an understanding of child protection issues. Staff plan a good range of activities and experiences across all ages. Sessions are planned around themes and involve the children in interesting and stimulating activities. The provision of activities and opportunities, good resources and staffing have a positive impact on the provision and the children's development and achievements. A good behaviour management philosophy focuses on building self confidence and self esteem and as a result behaviour is good. Relationships between staff, parents and carers are very good. Parents and carers

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How good is the Day Care?

are very positive about the care and opportunities their children receive.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The providers were asked to address eight actions following the last inspection, these related to records/documentation, safety and policies. In terms of safety, they were asked to ensure that all emergency exits are marked, that fire evacuation procedures are available and that exits unlocked. A written fire evacuation procedure is now in place and regular drills are conducted, all emergency exits are marked and accessible. Four actions related to records and documentation. The nursery were asked to ensure that parental consent was obtained for the seeking of emergency medical treatment for children. They were also asked to maintain confidentiality in terms of accident recording and to ensure that information regarding children's individual needs is updated. They were asked to record of all incidents including those relating to behaviour. Additionally documentation relating to the use of staff cars was to be

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What has improved since the last inspection?

sent to Ofsted's regional centre in Manchester. Parents and carers are now asked to give written consent for the seeking of emergency medical treatment, information re health and individual care needs of all children is checked, individual sheets are now kept for the recording of accidents for each child to retain confidentiality, an appropriate incident recording system is now in place and all documentation relating to the use of staff cars was sent to Ofsted. The final action related to making the child protection policy accessible to parents

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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 and carers. This policy is part of the whole policy document for the nursery and is available to parents and carers at all times. All actions raised at the last inspection have been completed. The completion of these actions ensures that parents and carers are kept up to date with the nursery's policies and procedures and issues affecting their children, that staff, parents and cares are clear about the needs of all children and that children are cared for within a safe environment.

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What is being done well?

• The available space within the premises is well used to provide appropriate care for the different ages of children attending the nursery. Children are cared for in two groups according to age; under and over three's. They are cared for in appropriately resourced and staffed group rooms. Staffing, the provision of good care and interesting and age appropriate activities is providing the children with an environment in which they are receiving good quality childcare. • There is a well planned programme of activities and opportunities for all ages, these are well introduced and delivered, are interesting and stimulating and have a positive impact on the children's learning and development. Activities are supported by a good range of resources and equipment. • Children are offered mid-morning and afternoon snacks. Snack times are well organised and made into social occasions for the children with staff spending

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What is being done well?

time at the tables talking and listening to children. • There is a very good partnership with parents and carers. Parents and carers have access to information about what the provision has to offer their children in terms of their care and education. Information is available on topics and themes and enables parents and carers to contribute to their child's learning at home. They receive regular verbal feedback and have access to written records of their children's development and achievements and general well-being.

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What needs to be improved?

• the full completion of staff checks • the recording of staff and children's attendance • the amending of the child protection policy.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There are no complaints to report from 1st April 2004.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

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 1 complete DC2's for identified staff and send copies of CRB clearance with these to Oftsed's regional centre in Manchester. 14 ensure that the actual times of arrival and departure for staff and arrival times for children are recorded on a daily basis. 14 amend the child protection policy to show the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer along with contact details for the local police and child protection services.

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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 of funded nursery education at New Life Nursery Group is acceptable and of high quality which enables the children to make very good progress towards the Early Learning Goals in all six areas of learning. The quality of teaching is very good, staff have an understanding of the Early Learning Goals and how children learn. Staff are good role models, encourage the development of the children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural well-being and as a result children's behaviour is good. There is a well planned programme of activities and experiences to support children's learning in all six areas. Planning is not yet fully monitored and evaluated and used with assessment of children's progress and achievements to plan future topics and activities and the 'next steps' for all children. Staff support the children well in their activities and give all, and individual children, a good level of support. Children with particular needs are encouraged to participate

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How effective is the nursery education?

fully and their development is monitored. The leadership and management of the setting is very good. Staff have clearly defined roles within the setting as a whole and on a daily basis during each session. Staff work together well as a team and are committed to the on-going improvement and development of the provision. The person in charge is supported by Church Elders and Trustees to whom she reports to regularly on the nursery's progress. The nursery's partnership with parents and carers is very good. They have access to introductory information on the group, along with information on the educational provision and the Early Learning Goals through access to plans and activities. Information enables parents and carers to participate with their child's learning at home and within the group. Regular verbal feedback is given to parents and carers and the group operate an 'open door' policy.

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What is being done well?

• Staff make very good use of the available space, resources and staffing to provide the children with an effective and fun learning environment. Good quality teaching and staff interaction has a positive impact on children's learning and ensures that children are learning and achieving well. • Children are developing good language and communication skills, they are confident communicators and are able to speak in front of others in large and small groups and with visitors to the nursery. • Staff have an appropriate behaviour management philosophy which looks at developing children's self confidence and self esteem. This philosophy coupled with staff as good role models and good staff interaction in activities results in children's very good behaviour. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is well fostered through themes, discussion and the

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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 development of children's consideration and respect for others. As a result they are independent, polite and show care and concern for others. • A well planned programme of activities and opportunities is in place which gives appropriate emphasis across all six areas of learning and involves the children in interesting and stimulating activities and themes. • Effective partnerships with parents and carers are developed. Parents and carers speak very positively about what the nursery has to offer their children. Information on planning and activities is available for parents and carers to view. Parents and carers receive informal verbal feedback and have access written information their child's progress and achievements. The setting

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What is being done well?

operate an 'open door' policy encouraging parents and carers to visit at any time.

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What needs to be improved?

• the involvement of all staff in the planning of the curriculum and the monitoring and evaluating of these plans and activities. These evaluations should be used with observations of and records of children's development and achievements to plan future topics and the next steps in learning for all children including the more and less capable children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting have made good progress in response to the two key issues raised following the last inspection in 2001. The nursery were asked to continue to review long-term planning to ensure children have sufficient time to consolidate their learning and do not repeat the same topics. Following the last inspection, one person took on the role of planning the curriculum, plans are detailed, referenced to the Early Learning Goals and Stepping Stones and show what the children are expected to learn. A two-year cycle of planning is now in place. Forthcoming staff changes will result in a change in how planning will be completed. All staff will be involved in the planning of the curriculum through regular planning meetings. The evaluation of these plans and the use of these evaluations along with observations of children's development to plan future topics and the next steps for all children will be a point for consideration following this inspection.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery were also asked to implement plans to revise the information for parents and carers so that it reflects the Early Learning Goals and the Foundation Stage, rather than the Desirable Learning Outcomes. Information on the educational provision is available for parents and carers through the policy document and refers to the six areas of learning. Information on planning is available on the nursery's notice board/entrance area and shows topics, what the children are expected to learn and activities they will be involved with. These clearly shows the Early Learning Goals.

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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 confident and able to speak in front of others in both large and small groups and with visitors to the setting. They are independent in terms of personal tasks and selecting toys and equipment. Children have good relationships with both staff and each other. Staff have high expectations of the children resulting in very good behaviour. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is well fostered through good staff role models, discussions with children and themes.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children confidently speak in front of others, they ask questions of staff and respond to questions asked. Their language and vocabulary skills are developing well as they have opportunities to use their language to think, predict and describe as they recall a story they have been told. Children sit quietly and listen attentively to stories, to instructions given by staff and to each other at circle time. Children have good pencil skills writing their name or mark making and sprinkling glitter.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good The children are developing a good understanding of shape as they cut out and match shapes on their Chinese dragon recreating patterns. Some children are able to count independently from one to ten and beyond as they count each other and their cups at snack time and are able to identify written numbers. Opportunities are made available for the children to develop their understanding of symmetry and pattern making during craft activities as they make patterns when painting with string.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good The children are presented with many good opportunities to think about and look at the world in which they live through themes which include the celebration of festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. The nursery has connections with a Chinese village. Staff and children talk about how people live in China, what they eat and are shown how to make Chinese food and eat this using chopsticks. They talk about their holidays to Sweden and about others on holiday in the Caribbean.

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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

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently and safely around the room and hall during large physical activity showing an awareness of space, toys and others. A range of equipment enables the children to practice their skills of climbing, balancing, travelling under, through and over as they complete an obstacle course. Activities involve the children in developing large and small movements. They skilfully use a range of large and small tools and equipment including scissors, computer and mouse and paintbrushes.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children use a variety of techniques and textures in their art work creating black and white and camouflage pictures, collage, string painting. They are involved in planned and spontaneous role play both with and without adult support where they confidently use their imagination and developing language as mechanics and builders. Role play areas are well resourced and planned. Children have access to music and musical instruments, music and movement and excitedly take part in Chinese dancing.

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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 are no significant weaknesses to report, but the following point for consideration should be considered in the Action Plan • involve all staff in the planning of the curriculum and the monitoring and evaluating of these plans and activities. These evaluations should be used with observations and the records of children's development and achievements to plan future topics and the next steps in learning for all children including the more and less capable children.

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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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