Richard Cloudesley School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/07/2004 Inspector Name Pamela Woodhouse

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Fingers 'n' Thumbs Day Nursery Setting Address 6 New Park Road Bournemouth Dorset BH6 5AB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Finger 'n' Thumbs Day Nursery opened in 1995 and is registered to care for 20 children aged two to under five years. It operates from self contained premises within the family home and for which it has sole use. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The nursery serves the local and surrounding areas. There are currently 42 children aged from two to under five years on roll. This includes 13 funded three year olds and 14 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and those for whom English is an additional language. The nursery opens five days per week for 48 weeks per year from 08:30 until 17:30. Three full time staff and the proprietor work with the children. All of the staff and the proprietor have early years qualifications to NVQ level three. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare partnership (EYDCP) and

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Information about the setting

is accredited to the Bournemouth Quality Standards for Early Years.

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How good is the Day Care?

Fingers 'n' Thumbs Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The nursery is particularly well organised and staff, who are all qualified, work effectively together as a team. Documentation and record keeping is accurately maintained, however, the child protection and complaints policies are incomplete. The premises, both indoors and outside are extremely well presented and provide a welcoming and stimulating environment for the children. Resources are excellent and used imaginatively to encourage children to extend acquired skills and develop new ones. Children's health and safety is a priority and staff take positive steps to ensure that they are well protected by undertaking regular risk assessments and having good procedures in place to continually monitor practice. They raise children's awareness

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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 of personal health and hygiene through the provision of well planned activities and routines, healthy snacks and free access to drinking water. There are good procedures in place for the administration of medication and first aid. The children are confident, happy, challenged and stimulated. They are developing very good relationships with their peers and with staff who know the children very well and are therefore able to plan for their individual needs. Positive behaviour management and mutual respect means that the children are particularly well behaved. Staff are very good role models and set realistic goals within the very exciting and interesting activities which stimulate and encourage the children's

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How good is the Day Care?

natural curiosity and inquisitiveness. Staff have developed an excellent rapport with parents and make sure that they are kept informed of their children's progress. They are given clear information about the nursery and its aims and are able to regularly exchange information about their children with staff.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the Provider agreed to ensure that any recommendations made by the Fire Officer are complied with and ensure that Ofsted is informed of any significant changes. Both of these issues have been addressed. The fire extinguishers are sited appropriately and Ofsted were informed of proposed changes to the garden and also advised when the work had been completed.

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What is being done well?

• Staff know the children very well and fully support them in all areas of their development. They are committed to providing high quality care and education and achieve this by continually monitoring and evaluating their practice and updating their skills. • The environment is extremely well presented, clean, safe and welcoming to parents and children. The vibrant decoration, wall displays and furnishings are stimulating and changed regularly to support current themes and activities. The outside play area is particularly stimulating, offering adventure and appropriate challenges for children to learn new skills safely. • Children's independence is encouraged by the thoughtful arrangement of storage which means that they can reach their toys. They are also encouraged to make their own choice of activities and to use their own ideas, contributing to group discussions about what they want to do. • Activities are exceptionally well planned, taking into account the different

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What is being done well?

level of skills and capabilities of the children, offering them new challenges and excellent learning opportunities. They are extremely well presented and foster children's natural curiosity to explore new experiences. • There is a very good level of interaction between staff and the children. They

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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 are respected by staff and this in turn encourages them to respect their peers. Their behaviour is very good and is managed positively and discreetly. • Partnership with parents is excellent. Staff ensure that parents are given good quality, clear information and are able to exchange information about their children with staff on a daily basis. Parents speak very highly of staff commitment, their high standards of care, education and resources.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Staff ensure that the outstanding range of indoor and outside play equipment is used imaginatively to encourage children to experiment, investigate and give them opportunities to have new and real life experiences. They very clearly link resources to planned activities, for example, this term's water theme gives children excellent opportunities and practical experiences to learn where water comes from, its importance, linking into water shortages in the third world and saving resources, our everyday use of water for different purposes. All being resourced with a wealth of appropriate supporting equipment, props and activities throughout all areas of learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• information given to parents about how they can contact Ofsted in the event that they wish to make a complaint about the setting • statement of procedures in the event of any allegations of abuse or neglect being made against a member of staff.

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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 12 Ensure that the complaints procedure includes contact details of the regulator.

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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 13 Develop a statement of the procedures to be followed in the event of allegations of abuse or neglect being made against a memebr of staff.

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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?

Fingers 'n' Thumbs Day Nursery provides high quality nursery education overall which enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is very good and staff work well as a team, each being very familiar and knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities. They have a clear understanding of the early learning goals and provide an exceptional range of well planned activities and resources which promote children's learning in a fun and exciting way. They know the children well and give them good support, encouraging them to learn at their own pace. They regularly assess children's progress through the stepping stones by observations and keeping written records of these which are shared with parents. However, the records are not used to assist staff in moving the children on to the next stage of learning. Staff use effective teaching methods which encourage children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, for example, by

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How effective is the nursery education?

encouraging them to solve problems, asking questions which make them think, and praising them for their achievements. They support children with special educational needs well and liaise with other professionals to ensure that their specific needs are met appropriately. Leadership and management is very good. Staff have regular appraisals and are well supported, they are encouraged to update their skills and knowledge through in-house and external training. The whole team is committed to continual improvement by monitoring the provision through regular staff team meetings and evaluating the activities. Partnership with parents is very good. They are provided with good information about the setting and the educational provision. They are encouraged to share information about their children and are invited to contribute to their assessments. They are kept informed of their children's progress through a daily exchange of

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How effective is the nursery education?

information and sharing of assessment records.

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What is being done well?

• Children are confident and settled. They are very well behaved and have a very good relationship with staff and their peers, showing them courtesy and respect. • Staff's clear understanding of the early learning goals and imaginative use of the outstanding range of resources leads to exceptionally well planned activities. These offer children new challenges and excellent learning opportunities in all areas of learning. • Staff know the children very well and are committed to providing high quality care and education through monitoring and evaluating their practice.

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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 are well supported by management and work very well together as a team. • There is an excellent partnership with parents which encourages a regular exchange of information. They are encouraged to be involved with their children's learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• use of the assessment record to identify the next step in children's learning

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has made very good progress since the last inspection. The planned and child initiated activities are observed by staff, helping them to know what excites and motivates the children. They use these observations to plan for children's individual learning. Activities give children opportunities to extend their skills and foster their independence. Circle time is used to encourage children to share their views and ideas. Name cards have been introduced to help children to identify and copy their own names.

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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 very confident and settled. They show great interest in their play, are extremely well challenged and stimulated and show great excitement and curiosity in their activities. They are particularly well behaved, taking turns, sharing and playing co-operatively with their peers. They have a very good rapport with staff showing them and their peers courtesy and respect. They are developing good levels of concentration and confidently contribute to group discussions.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are articulate and communicate their views and ideas very well with their peers and adults. They listen to what others have to say and contribute to discussions on a one to one level and in group situations. They enjoy using books for pleasure and know that they can be a source of information. They listen to and participate in stories and can sing songs and retell familiar stories from memory. They are developing their hand writing skills and beginning to form recognisable letters.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children have many opportunities to recognise number through the well planned and free play activities, for example, buying items from the café in the role play area, matching the number of items with the corresponding number of coins. They are developing simple problem solving skills, for example, classifying objects and calculating how many in a group adding one more and taking one away. They recognise and compare shape and size using mathematical language such as long, short, more, less.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children have very good opportunities to investigate and explore the natural world through a range of well resourced activities, for example, how butterflies and frogs grow and develop and making links to their own growth. They learn about their local environment, for example, the postman and participate in activities which introduce them to different cultural experiences and traditions. They enjoy designing and building with a range of materials and are beginning to develop computer skills

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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 around with confidence and skill, negotiate obstacles and avoid others. They competently use small and large equipment and have good co-ordination skills. They enjoy climbing, crawling, jumping, displaying good body control and skilfully and safely use small tools such as scissors, cutters, rollers. They are also able to pedal and to balance and can change direction and speed. They learn through practical activities about the effect exercise and healthy eating has on their bodies.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children enjoy using their imagination in role play and immerse themselves in their roles, for example, playing at being a pirate using props imaginatively and in context. They are encouraged to use their own ideas and have regular access to different media which allows them to explore and experiment. They respond well to music and enjoy listening to and making their own interpretation, for example, pretending to be a shark and changing movement and actions in relation to the speed and volume.

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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 consideration should be given to improving the following: • using the children's assessment record to help staff to move children to the next stage of their learning.

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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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