Cherubs Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/11/2003 Inspector Name Susan Riley

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Cherubs Day Nursery and Pre-school Setting Address Executive House, St. Albans Road Bulwell Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG6 9FT

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Gloss Calm Properties Ltd Address Executive House St. Albans Road Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG6 9FT

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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

Cherubs Day Nursery and Pre-School opened in 1993. It is one of a group of privately owned nurseries offering full and part-time care. It operates from a converted single storey building, which is situated in Bulwell, close to the city hospital, and on regular bus routes into the city, and surrounding area. The children have access to four spacious areas, toilets, and an enclosed outdoor play area, which is adjacent to the building. Children and families attend the nursery from across Nottingham. There are currently 97 children on roll. This includes 17 funded 3-year-olds and 7 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions or days. The setting has systems in place to support children with special educational needs and for those who speak English as an additional language. The nursery is open five days a week, Monday to Friday for 51 weeks a year, only closing for one week at Christmas and bank holidays. Opening hours are 7:30 until

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Information about the setting

Eighteen staff work with the children, of these 13 staff have early years qualifications. The remaining five staff are currently working towards an early years qualification. The setting is a member of the Day Nurseries Association and receives support from the Nottingham City Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Cherubs Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The management has effective procedures in place for appointing and checking all staff, and a good staff induction programme is followed. The environment is a welcoming and attractive one, where good use is made of the available space. Play materials and activities are easily accessible to all children, encouraging their free

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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 choice and independence. A comprehensive set of policies and procedures are in place to ensure the smooth running of the nursery and good care for children. Staff observe and maintain good supervision of children and address all safety issues as they arise. They actively promote good health and hygiene practices for children. They have access to a drink at all times. Staff provide an excellent range and balance of activities for children throughout the nursery. They are knowledgeable about the children and of how they develop through play. All children are valued, included and their individual needs are met at all times. Children's self-esteem is encouraged through the staff offering positive praise. Children are very well behaved.

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How good is the Day Care?

Parents are made very welcome in the setting. Children are looked after according to parents wishes at all times. There is a variety of information around the setting, which is limited in one entrance area.

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What is being done well?

• The premises are clean and maintained to a high standard. The physical environment is very welcoming; all the areas used by children have lots of natural light. All the rooms used by the children are very spacious with set areas for all activities. Children's artwork is displayed attractively around the whole setting, creating a child-friendly environment. • A good range of toys and experiences, are readily available for children to freely access, encouraging their independence. All are appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. • An excellent range and balance of activities are planned by staff, offering many first hand experiences. Children are developing well through the care and good interaction provided by staff. • Management and staff work very well as a team, staff deploy themselves around the setting to meet the needs of the children. An excellent operational plan is in place, this helps to ensure the steady and well organised running of

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What is being done well?

the nursery. • Staff follow the good set of policies and procedures in place to ensure children are safe at all times, they keep the premises secure and only release children to known carers. They deploy themselves well around the setting to maintain good supervision.

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What needs to be improved?

• methods of sharing information to ensure all parents are included, with

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What needs to be improved?

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 reference to the information displayed in the two entrance halls.

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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 information is provided for parents in both entrance areas.

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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?

Cherubs Day Nursery offers a very good educational programme in a friendly and stimulating environment. A varied programme of activities is offered which supports the children's learning and promotes all six areas of development. The quality of teaching is very good. The management and staff have a clear understanding of the Early Learning Goals, and how children learn through play. Staff use the space and the wide range of resources and equipment to extend children's learning and maintain their interest. They demonstrate a good knowledge of children's individual abilities and stages of development. Staff have high expectations of behaviour and encourage this through the praise and encouragement and reward systems provided. Relationships between staff and children are very good. Although there are currently no funded children with special educational needs, there is an effective support system in place. Detailed planning is

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How effective is the nursery education?

in place to ensure the full curriculum is delivered, however staff do not use the children's development records to aid the planning for future activities for children. Leadership and management of the setting is very good. The whole nursery has a committed approach to meeting the needs of all the children in their care. Management and staffs commitment to attend training to improve their knowledge and understanding in order to improve the care and education of the children is very good. A good stable staff team is in place, and they work very well together as a team, they also have effective strategies in place to constantly monitor and enhance the provision. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents are provided with good quality and information about the setting and curriculum, through displays around the setting, notice boards, prospectus and regular newsletters. Staff are approachable and provide a welcoming atmosphere for parents and good

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What is being done well?

• Management and staff work effectively as a team and have a shared approach to good early years principles. • Staff have a clear understanding of the early learning goals and consequently plan a variety of activities which engage and maintain children's interest, using the space and resources effectively. • Children's personal, social and emotional development is excellent and a great strength of the setting. Children are confident within the group and are motivated to learn. • Children display good concentration, they complete tasks, due to the consistent interest of the staff and the good quality interaction.

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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?

• the use of the assessment system to inform future planning of activities for children

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection in 2000 very good progress has been made. Three key issues were raised, which have all been addressed. Good planning is now in place which is in line with the Foundation Stage Curriculum, covering all the early learning goals. A new assessment system has been implemented, where staff observe and record children's daily achievements and progress towards the early leaning goals. Curriculum information is now provided for parents within the main play room. They also receive good information within the prospectus and newsletters and all planning is displayed on the notice board.

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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 happy and confident in the setting, able to speak in familiar groups, approach adults for their needs to be met. They are well behaved, good mannered and are forming good relationships with peers and adults. Children settle at chosen activities and work purposefully, showing good levels of concentration. They are able to work as part of small and large groups, take turns and share, they also show very good personal independence, with toileting, hand washing, aprons and coats, etc.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children confident with language, they freely engage in conversations with peers and adults. They are able to negotiate with one another and make good use of discussion times. Children listen and respond with enjoyment to stories. All children are confident to make marks and write freely at the writing table and the older children can write their own name. Children can recognise their own name and they are starting to understanding that print carries meaning.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's number skills are developing well, they can recognise numbers and count spontaneously using objects within their play. Older children display a good understanding of number placements. Children are learning well about shape and size in the practical activities provided and use appropriate words to describe size. Children enjoy number rhymes and songs and show awareness of simple addition and subtraction.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children's design and making skills are developing well, they are able to select resources, tools and use with purpose. Children are very confident with the use of the computers. They are gaining a good awareness of culture and beliefs of others. Children talk about the past and present events, demonstrating a good sense of time and place. Children show a natural curiosity and examine objects, they notice change in many different ways.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children use a wide range of large and small equipment confidently and with increasing control and co-ordination. They move confidently and in safety around the setting. Children show a understanding of good practices with regard to eating and personal hygiene. When participating in creative and design activities, children competently use a range of tools. Children have a good awareness of personal space of themselves and others.

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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 Children are given good opportunities to explore colour, texture, shape, form and space in two and three dimensions through the practical activities. They play very imaginatively in a variety of role-play situations. Children sing songs from memory and suggest songs to sings. They are good at responding to what they see, hear and feel through the well planned activities for sensory awareness.

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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: • use the assessment records of children's development to inform future planning

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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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