Little Oaks Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/11/2003 Inspector Name Helen Clark

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name Little Oaks Nursery Setting Address 92 High Street Kimberley Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG16 2PD

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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

Little Oaks Nursery opened in 1998. It operates from a purpose built building on the site of an old farm in Kimberley. It is within walking distance of local schools and shops and is in easy reach of the A610 and junction 26 of the M1. The setting serves the local and surrounding areas.

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Information about the setting

There are currently 104 children on roll. This includes 12 funded 3-year-olds and 24 funded 4-year-olds. The setting also provides out of school care on site for children from local schools. Children attend a variety of sessions and the setting supports children with special educational needs and English as an additional language. The setting is open Monday to Friday all year round with the exception of a period between Christmas and new year. Sessions are from 08:00 until 18:00. There are 19 full and part-time staff who work directly with the children. Of these, 18 staff are qualified to NVQ level 2 or 3 Early years, and 1 member of staff is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from an Early Years Specialist from the Nottinghamshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. The setting is a member of the National Day Nurseries Association and Kids Club Network.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Oaks Nursery provides good quality care for children. The physical environment is very good. Good use is made of the space available particularly the outdoors which is made accessible to all. The nursery has a consistent staff team who work well together. There are effective procedures in place and experienced support staff to ensure sufficient adults work directly with the children at all times. Most of the documentation needed for the effective management of the provision is maintained well. The procedures in place to ensure children's safety are good. Clear written policies

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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 and knowledgeable staff ensure child protection procedures are followed appropriately. Meals and snacks are healthy and nutritious and mealtimes are sociable occasions. All children are treated with equal concern and the nursery staff demonstrate a good understanding of children's individual needs. Staff plan a wide range of learning experiences and activities for the children, although planning for babies is not always clear. Adult interaction with the children is good and there is a good range of suitable equipment to encourage children's all-round development. Excellent support is provided to children with special needs and throughout the nursery children's behaviour is managed well. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are welcomed into the nursery

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How good is the Day Care?

and are well supported. Information about their child's progress is regularly shared.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery agreed to provide a system for staff to record their attendance at the setting and to ensure parents give prior written permission to administer medication. The setting also agreed to produce a policy that clearly outlined the settings responsibility to reporting any child protection concerns. Staff now complete a time sheet which clearly shows when staff are present. Parents now give written permission before any medication is administered so no medication is given without their consent and a policy is now in place to ensure all staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in any case of child protection.

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What is being done well?

• The support offered to children with special needs and their families is very good. Staff have a secure knowledge of children's individual needs. They plan activities and organise the environment to provide an inclusive service. • The physical environment is good. Space is well organised providing an environment that is warm and welcoming to children and their families. It has been designed with children in mind and is maintained to a high standard. • The staff team have been with the nursery since it opened in 1998 providing consistency of care for the children in the setting. They are highly trained and regularly attend additional courses to update their knowledge and skills. • The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are well informed about the nursery's aims and objectives and their child's progress. Parents comment their children are very happy and have made good progress at the nursery.

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What needs to be improved?

• the induction training records for new members of staff. • the planning and recording of activities for the babies regarding all areas of

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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 development.

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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 2 Develop the induction training for new members of staff. 3 Provide clear planning of babies’ activities.

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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?

Little Oaks Nursery provides good quality nursery education where children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is very good. Children are progressing well in all areas of learning and this is due to the staff's secure knowledge of the early learning goals and how children learn. Planning is effective and informed by regular observations of children's progress. Staff respond well to children's interest and adapt activities to ensure all children are included. Very good support is provided to children with special needs, they are fully included in all aspects of the nursery education and have made excellent progress. Although resources are presented well and stored at the children's level, they do not access them independently. Staff use their time effectively to provide sufficient adult support in all activities. Leadership and Management is very good. The setting benefits from clear

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How effective is the nursery education?

leadership from the person in charge and excellent team work from the consistant staff team. There are good evaluations of activities provided and this information is used to inform future planning, however, there is no clear evaluation of the settings strengths and weaknesses. The setting is committed to ongoing staff training and development to improve the care and education it provides. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are provided with good quality information about the setting and the early learning goals. Regular parents evenings are arranged, and are well attended, to ensure parents are fully informed about their child's progress. Daily discussions between staff and parents ensures information is shared. Parents comment that their children are very happy and have made good progress.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have a clear understanding of the early learning goals and how children learn. This leads to well planned activities that sustains their interest and motivates them to learn. Children are making good progress in all six areas of learning. • Support provided to children with special educational needs and their families is excellent. Staff liaise regularly with other professionals to ensure children with special needs are fully included in all aspects of the nursery education. • Children's personal, social and emotional development is very good. Children are confident to try new activities and motivated to learn. They are able to work on their own and in groups and behaviour is good. • Partnership with parents is good. The written information parents receive about the nursery education is clear and informative. Their child's progress is regularly discussed and information is shared

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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 opportunities for children to select resources independently to extend their play and learning • the system of self evaluation that identifies current strengths and weaknesses.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery have made very good progress since the last inspection. Planning is now clear and effective. Staff have developed a manageable system that provides examples of adaptions needed for the more or less able children. Staff have purchased additional books and imaginative play resources to encourage children's understanding of cultures and beliefs. Children now have access to this equipment daily to extend their play and learning.

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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 show high levels of involvement in the activities provided and persevere for long periods at chosen tasks. They have formed good relationships with adults and most children play co-operatively with others. They link with others to solve problems and complete tasks. Children's independence is developing well. They are able to dress themselves, help tidy away and hand out snacks and drinks. Children's behaviour is good and they are beginning to understand right from wrong.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's early writing skills are developing well, children make marks for a purpose, writing recognisable letters and some can write their own name. Children use books well. They handle them carefully and some children are able to follow the print with their fingers showing an understanding that English is written from left to right. Children speak clearly. They are able to describe what they are trying to do as they work through a task and explain their ideas and thinking.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are familiar with numbers and counting. They have regular opportunities to count throughout the routine of the day. Most children recognise numerals up to nine and the more able children go beyond. Children explore and compare shape and size. They use mathematical language confidently as they describe the length of the play dough snakes and different sizes of fruits.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children confidently work through a computer programme and have a selection of programmable equipment to support their learning. They use all their senses to explore various activities such as food tasting and creating bubbles in the water. Children talk about past events, experiences and places in the world and staff encourage them to recall what they have learnt during the day. Festivals and varying celebrations support their understanding of different cultures.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children participate in many activities that encourage their physical development. They move with confidence inside and out and demonstrate good co-ordination as they jump, climb and balance. Fine motor skills are developing well. Most children hold a pencil correctly and participate in activities that develop their hand and finger muscles. Children develop an understanding of what keeps us healthy through topics and themes, this is continued at home as children complete a teeth cleaning chart.

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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 use their imagination well in dancing, role play and art and craft. Children express and communicate their ideas as they create imagined worlds with empty boxes and large pieces of cloth. Children listen carefully to sounds and move to music in a variety of ways. Instruments are used regularly to encourage listening skills and to recognise sounds and patterns. Children have opportunities to explore 2 and 3 dimentions when shape making with playdough.

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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: • provide ways children can independently select resources themselves to extend their play and learning • device and implement a system of self evaluation that identifies areas of current strengths and weaknesses in all areas of the educational provision.

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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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