Sunshine Day Nursery 2003 LTD

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/03/2004 Inspector Name Ann Hilary Guy

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Sunshine Day Nursery Setting Address Clatterfield Gardens Westcliff-on-Sea Essex SS0 0AX

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Sunshine Day Nursery 2003 Ltd 4860158

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Sunshine Day Nursery 2003 Ltd Address Clatterfield Gardens Westcliff-on-Sea Essex SS0 0AX

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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

Sunshine Day Nursery opened in 2003. It operates from four rooms in a converted dance studio. The nursery serves the local area and wider community. There are currently 90 children from birth to eight years on roll. This includes 19 funded three-year-olds and 3funded four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions, full daycare of after school care. The nursery currently supports no children with special needs or who speak English as an additional language, however provision is in place to do so. The group opens five days a week all year round, from 07:00 until 19:00. Fourteen full time staff work with the children. Eleven of the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level two or three, or equivalent. Three members of staff are currently working towards an NVQ level two or three qualification. The nursery receives support from a teacher and development worker from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Sunshine Day Nursery provide a satisfactory standard of care for children. The staff work together as a team, moving between age groups as required, to ensure ratios are maintained. The manager, together with her senior staff, regularly look at the use of rooms to ensure they are making best use of the space and providing suitable care for the children. However, elements of the organisation are still in need of further review. Staff have differing levels of knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures, particularly equal opportunities, special educational needs and behaviour management. Stairgates are in place throughout the nursery to ensure the children are secure in their areas. The nursery are in the process of ensuring the garden area is completely safe by changing the locking system on the external gate. However, procedures are

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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 in place to ensure the children's safety whilst outside. Staff are developing this area. The registration system for the children requires amendment in order to meet the requirements of the National Standards. Procedures are in place that mostly ensure health and hygiene practices are adhered to throughout the nursery, and cots and mats are available for most children to use when sleeping. Staff have a good relationship with the children and know them well. A range of toys are available for the children to use together with a variety of messy activities, although the quality of play and learning varies between the different areas of the nursery. The older, more able children in each group, are not always sufficiently

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How good is the Day Care?

challenged leading, at times, to problems with adverse behaviour. Parents are warmly welcomed into the nursery and have regular informal discussions with the staff. The younger children have a daily diary sheet, appropriate to their age and stage of development. A termly newsletter, parents evening and notice board also keep parents well informed.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable. First inspection since registration.

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What is being done well?

• The sound partnership with parents ensures they are kept informed about their child's time at nursery. They are warmly welcomed to the nursery and supportive of the manager. • The nursery has plans in place to develop the newly created outdoor play area into an integrated learning environment for the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• The registration system needs to be amended to meet the requirements of the National Standards for Daycare and Childminding. • The written fire procedure needs amending to ensure it states the procedure that staff follow. • Staff's knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and extension of resources to assist with this. • Staff's knowledge and understanding of the Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. • Staff's understanding and implementation of the behaviour management policy to ensure consistency of practice throughout the nursery. • A confidentiality policy needs to be in place.

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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

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 11 Ensure staff understand and implement the procedures for behaviour management. Ensure consistency when dealing with adverse behaviour and good behaviour is both praised and encouraged. 01/04/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Develop the registration system to clearly show the times of arrival and departure of each child. 6 Ensure the written fire procedure is the same as the practice of the nursery. 9 Develop staff’s knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities to ensure the needs of all children are met. Develop resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. 10 Develop staff’s knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and the supporting documentation. 12 Ensure a policy on confidentiality is in place

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by the time of the next inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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How effective is the nursery education?

The provision for nursery education at Sunshine Day Nursery is acceptable but children's progress towards the early learning goals is limted by some significant weaknesses. Teaching has significant weaknesses. The staff have variable knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage. Some key staff work hard to include basic literacy and numeracy within the weekly routines and appropriate play activities are provided. However, not all staff are able to draw the learning from play. The staff management of children's behaviour lacks consistency. There is a firm commitment to improvement through training. It is clear that much work goes into the planning and assessment system, which appropriately reflect the early learning goals. However, plans do not contain sufficient guidance for staff who are uncertain about what children learn from an activity. Leadership and management has significant weaknesses. The nursery is

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How effective is the nursery education?

undergoing a process of evolution since being purchased by the new owner, who has clear vision for the future. However, she has yet to develop her role of monitoring and evaluating nursery practice effectively. She is proactive in addressing issues raised. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. A wealth of information about the nursery is readily accessible on notices within the provision. Parents are warmly welcomed into the nursery and encouraged to chat with staff. There is limited information about the Foundation Stage.

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What is being done well?

• The owner/manager demonstrates a genuine commitment to improvement through staff training. • The staff work hard to include basic numeracy and literacy within the daily routine of the Rainbow and Raindrop Rooms.

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What needs to be improved?

• staff knowledge and understanding of how children learn. • children's behaviour, social skills and disposition towards learning • playroom organisation to meet the needs of all children • the guidance given to staff via plans • the tracking of children's progress against the stepping stones in the assessment records.

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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

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first inspection of nursery education for this setting.

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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: Significant Weaknesses There are friendly relationships between staff and children but the nursery is noisy and children compete with staff to be heard at times. Children develop limited independence and choose from pre-selected tasks. They are not always interested and excited to learn. Whole group activities do not sustain the interest of all children and the organisation does not presently support the development of concentration skills. Children's behaviour deteriorates when their needs are not being met.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children learn to link sounds and letters through activities based on the letter of the week. However, poor emphasis is given to encouraging children to enjoy stories and to develop early reading skills. Children can write their names but staff often do this for them. Free mark making is encouraged, but children do not attempt writing for a sufficient variety of purposes.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children learn about numbers through the number of the week activity. Lots of numbers are displayed on the walls but staff make little reference to these during the sessions. Children count through rhymes and songs. Insufficient emphasis is given to numbers as labels and to problem solving through practical activities. Staff do not always remember to include mathematical language and calculation within the activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children have basic opportunities to explore and investigate and staff are not always well deployed to support child initiated learning. Planned activities are sometimes over directed and children do not select resources to build and design with sustained concentration. The children gain a sense of time and place through discussion with staff. Children have regular access to the computer to support learning in literacy and numeracy.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children move boisterously around the nursery with little control and co-ordination. They use the outdoor area on a daily basis. A restricted range of tools is provided at most activities, limiting the promotion of small muscle skills. Health awareness is given little emphasis.

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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: Significant Weaknesses Children experience an adequate range of media but they are not always encouraged to express their own ideas. Role play lacks quality because staff do not intervene appropriately and resources are poorly organised. Music based activities are given little emphasis. Children have too few opportunities to respond using their senses and to use their imagination in art and design, dance, role play and stories.

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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 but has some significant areas for improvement. Children progress towards the early learning goals is limited by some significant weaknesses. The next inspection will take place in one to two years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• Improve staff knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage and the early learning goals. Use this increasing knowledge to review playroom organisation and behaviour management strategies and improve the quality of teaching and learning. • Develop planning to enable all staff to understand what children are intended to learn from the set activities and to meet the needs of all children. • Continue to develop the assessment records, ensuring that they effectively track children's progress against the stepping stones and the early learning goals. Demonstrate how the information gained will be used to identify the next steps in children's learning.

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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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