Willow Tree Nursery and Pre-school

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/02/2004 Inspector Name Peter Kilburn

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Willow Tree Day Nursery Limited Setting Address Chingford Avenue Great Clacton Essex CO15 4US

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Willow Tree Day Nursery Ltd 4498331

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Willow Tree Day Nursery Ltd Address Chingford Avenue Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO15 4US

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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

Willow Tree Day Nursery opened in 1988. The day nursery operates from a purpose built building which is located adjacent to the new by pass in Great Clacton. The day nursery serves Clacton and surrounding areas. The day nursery consists of five rooms, a kitchen, laundry, office and staff facilities and has three separate outside play areas including a pet's corner. There is further access to another secure play area with fixed equipment which is part of the nursery grounds. The day nursery is registered to provide places for ninety five children aged between birth and five years. There are currently two hundred and thirty children on roll. This includes fifty seven funded three year olds and thirty one funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs. The day nursery is open five days a week for forty eight weeks a year from 7.45 am

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Information about the setting

to 6.15 pm. Twenty eight staff work with the children (there are also 2 cleaners, a cook and an assistant cook, a gardener and a secretary in the office). Eighteen of the staff have Early Years qualifications. Two members of staff are working towards NVQ Level 2 Child Care and Education qualifications. The setting receives support from the Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Willowtree Day Nursery provides good care for children. The nursery has been open for a number of years and has developed in size. The registered provider uses her many years of experience to offer families in the local and surrounding areas a welcoming, professional child care service. The premises are purpose built and the playrooms are bright, attractive and well presented. There is a good range of toys and play equipment suitable to meet the developing needs of all of the children. Good, clear record keeping procedures are in place.

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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 Staff are very aware of health and safety issues and follow the nursery procedures, to ensure that children are cared for in a warm, caring environment. Daily risk assessments are carried out ensuring that the children's safety is a priority at all times. The nursery provides home cooked meals and nutritious snacks. Children are encouraged to develop independence at snack time through a milk-bar system. Staff are aware of their responsibilities with regard to child protection and would welcome further training on child protection issues and procedures. Children benefit from a well planned range of activities which help them to make progress in all aspects of learning. Staff caring for the younger children, follow the

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How good is the Day Care?

Birth to Three Matters framework, for which a number of staff have recently received training. Staff interact well with the children, sitting with them, listening to them and developing their language through discussion. A clear, positive behaviour management policy is in place, based on praise and encouragement. The nursery has developed a good partnership with parents and provides clear, accurate information for parents. Daily notice boards inform parents about the day's activities and meals. Staff are available and approachable at all times.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, Mrs. Dearsley agreed to send copies of vehicle documentation and driving licence to the Ofsted regional office, review and update all policies in line with the National Standards, provide an action plan to Ofsted outlining how the keyworker system will be extended to cover the complete nursery age range, provide an action plan to Ofsted outlining how children will be placed in groups that never exceed 26 and identify a named deputy. All policies have now been updated and reviewed and are in line with the standards. Key workers are used throughout the nursery, a named deputy is in position, relevant documents and action plans were forwarded to the regional office. All of these improvements have contributed to the nursery offering a more efficient and effective provision for young chidlren.

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What is being done well?

• Good levels of adult:child interaction are maintained throughout the nursery; staff sit with the children and help them to make progress in all areas of learning. Staff extend the children's language development through discussion, open ended questions and carefully listening to the children's responses. • The children benefit from a good range of toys and equipment, most of which is presented at the children's height, providing them with greater freedom of choice. • Children are provided with nutritious, healthy meals; the children are encouraged to develop independence at snack time, through a milk bar system.

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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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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 13 Update staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures by attending training.

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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 Willow Tree Day Nursery is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards all of the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff plan a wide range of practical activities which they directly link to the appropriate sections of the early learning goals. Staff have established extremely good relationships with the children and have a good understanding of both their abilities and their individual characters which enables them to tailor their approach to ensure each child makes progress. Staff hold one to one sessions with each child where they can assess the child's progress and provide directed help in areas of weakness. The leadership and management of the nursery is very good. The management team have a strong presence in the nursery and provide very good support to a well established and committed team. An assessment scheme is in place which the staff

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How effective is the nursery education?

strongly support and this has been used to identify skills, strengths and training needs. There are clear systems in place to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of teaching. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents are able to spend time talking informally with staff about their children but are also given access to their child's portfolio as well as having access to more general daily information via a system of news boards. A wide range of child related information is available throughout the nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Children's physical skills are developed through a wide range of activities both indoors and outside. A member of staff who is a qualified dance instructor leads music and movement sessions which expand the children's understanding of their body's range of movement. • The children have very good relationships with the staff and with each other. They are confident in talking with staff and this helps them in all the areas of learning. • Children are given a great deal of independence in choosing activities from a wide range that are made available to them. They are encouraged to try activities other than their first choice but are not forced to try other things. • Staff use constant encouragement and praise, they are careful in the language that they use , they listen carefully to what children say and always respond appropriately. They make a consious effort to ensure that each child feels valued and that their efforts are always appreciated.

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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 accessibility and use of ICT equipment for both the younger and older children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

A comprehensive assessment system has been put into place, childrens accomplishments in moving towards the early learning goals are regularly recorded and entries are dated so that progress can be continuously monitored. Each child has a portfolio of work that they and their parents and carers can access at any time. The portfolios follow the child through the nursery and support the assessments carried out by the staff.

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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 The children are eager to learn and actively seek learning opportunities. All display confidence, are able to work independently and can concentrate on the activities they chose themselves. The children have good, well developed relationships with each other as well as with the adults in the nursery. They co-operate with each other and work well together, this is particularly apparent when they tidy after activities and share the responsibility for completing the task.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are able to communicate clearly with each other and staff using speech supported by signs and gestures. The children can recognise their first names even in unfamiliar settings and the more able can write their names with correctly formed letters. The children listen attentively to stories and join in with familiar tales at appropriate times. They are aware of, and curious about, the various uses of writing and when looking at their portfolios discuss what is written about them.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children benefit from the individual support they receive from key workers to develop their ability to count and recognise numbers, shapes and colours and to compare the size and location of objects. Their knowledge of numbers is enhanced by their use in a wide range of routine tasks such as completing the register and ordering lunch for those who want it. They develop an understanding of weight through the use of scales and also use sand and water to measure and compare.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children follow themes which help them learn about their environment. Planned activities follow the theme over a period of time so that the understanding is expanded. The children develop a strong awareness of place through a variety of activities and their understanding of the world is enhanced by the nursery's close links with Finland and Mexico as well as regular Japanese visitors. The children recently visited a nearby French market and learned a few words of French. Some use is made of ICT.

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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 in a safe and confident manner and display a good ability to control their movements and to effectively share space with others. Their understanding of their capabilities is helped by sessions with a trained dance teacher. They are able to manipulate small items; can use writing implements, scissors and other small tools. They display a good understanding of their own bodies, are conscious of good hygiene and are able to care for their own needs with a minimum of adult support.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are able to sing a wide range of songs from memory and match the appropriate actions to them. They access a wide range of role play equipment both indoors and outside and act out situations with a minimum of adult support. Children can use a wide variety of percussion instruments and are able to produce varying rythms and sound volumes. They are able to create effective collages using a wide variety of materials and their creative work is displayed throughout the nursery.

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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: • the accessibility and use of the ICT equipment. 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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