Children 1st @ Newark

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/10/2003 Inspector Name Christine Hands

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Children First at Breedon House - Newark Setting Address Torridon House Muskham Road Newark Nottinghamshire NG24 1NP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Children First at Breedon House 03207571

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Children First at Breedon House Address 168 Derby Road Long Eaton Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG10 4BJ

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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

Children 1st at Breedon House Newark opened in 1998. It is one of a chain of Breedon House Children's Centres. It operates from Torridon House on the outskirts of Newark and children attend from both the local and surrounding areas. The nursery operates from various rooms and has the advantage of a large, well planned outdoor play area. Although the nursery is not within walking distance of any schools a car service is provided to both take and collect children from three schools. The Nursery is open daily from 07.30 to 18.00 throughout the year, closing only for bank holidays and for one week at Christmas. At present there are 11 funded three year old children and three funded four year old children. There are currently 73 children on roll. There are 15 full time and one part time members of staff working with the children, of these 14 hold child care qualifications. Two members of staff are currently

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Information about the setting

attending training courses in order to gain a qualification. The nursery has achieved the Investors in People award and the National Day Nurseries Association Accreditation scheme "Quality Counts" and is also an approved CACHE training centre.

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How good is the Day Care?

Children 1st at Breedon House Newark offers good quality care for children. Each child has a key worker and there is a high percentage of trained and experienced staff in each age group. The nursery offers a warm, welcoming environment where both children and parents are valued as individuals. Staff plan to ensure that all areas of learning are covered and children remain happy and interested. Children are able to socialise both with their peers and adults. There are good opportunities for interaction during group times which include singing,

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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 story, music, physical play and discussions. Children have opportunities to develop their independence through many of the activities provided. Good behaviour is encouraged and praise and encouragement used effectively.

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How good is the Day Care?

Nutritious freshly cooked meals are provided by the nursery and special diets are catered for. Food used by the nursery is of good quality. Children are able to serve themselves, and mealtimes are seen as social occasions. Staff work closely with parents to ensure they are kept informed of the progress their child is making within the setting. Information regarding their child is shared on a daily basis as well as through more formal parent's evenings. Parents are provided with excellent information and feel involved in the care their child receives within the setting. Staff are prepared to offer both support and guidance to parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Actions made at the last inspection were: Ensure all records are kept on the premises; basic staff records are held on the premises, however the main records are held at Head Office. These can, however be faxed through to the nursery at any time. Ensure drinking water is available at all times; children have accesss to drinking water throughout the seesion. This is provided either in labelled cups for the younger children or cups and a jug of water in the pre-school room.

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What is being done well?

• There are clear procedures for recruiting and appointing staff. Good induction procedures, opportunities for staff training and appraisal systems are in place. • Staff are deployed effectively to ensure the needs of all children are met. They are interested in what children have to say and extend learning through questioning and interaction. Good use is made of space both inside and out. Resources are easily accessible to children enabling them to make their own choices. There is an excellent range of good quality resources and equipment to promote learning in all areas. • There are clear policies and procedures in place to ensure both the safety of the children and the consistency of the staff. • The children are provided with good role models by staff who are consistent in their approach and have high expectations of children's behaviour. • The staff work hard to maintain good relationships with parents and ensure

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What is being done well?

they are involved as far as possible in their child's activities. Communication is both written and verbal. A thorough induction procedure is used to ensure

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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 parents are fully aware of the aims and objectivies as well as giving them the opportunities to ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The nursery provides food and drink throughout the day. This is of excellent quality, nutritous and varied. There is a willingness to offer foods for varying diets and the menus are planned to ensure that if a child eats all the meals during the day they should have eaten all the necessary foods for a healthy diet. Arrangements for eating meals are well thought out and take into account the age and stage of development of the children. Some staff eat their meals with the children, encouraging conversation and making mealtimes both a social and enjoyable occasion.

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What needs to be improved?

• No actions or recommendations have been made.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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?

Children 1st at Breedon House Day Nursery provides a happy, stimulating environment where children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff work well alongside children providing good role models and have high expectations of children's behaviour. Staff plan effectively and have a secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum providing a stimulating range of practical activities to help children learn. Planning and assessment systems provide an effective framework to help children make progress. The leadership and management of the group is very good. All staff are positively encouraged and supported to undertake training. Management provides clear direction to the staff team. Both management and staff are enthusiastic and keen to improve standards within the nursery. Staff work well as a team and provide an environment which is welcoming to both children and parents. There is an effective

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How effective is the nursery education?

system in place for providing cover for staff absences and ensuring high ratios in all rooms. Parents receive good quality written an verbal information about the setting and curriculum. The induction procedure for both parents and children ensures that parents can feel confident in their choice of childcare and are aware of the aims and objectives of the nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have a good understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum and early learning goals and plan activities covering all areas of learning. • Staff use assessments effectively to build on children's previous knowledge and understanding. • Staff work well as a team and present as good role models for children. • Staff have a clear understanding of the importance of effective partnership with parents and endeavour to provide appropriate care for children attending who have special needs. • Staff have clear expectations of children and a good standard of behaviour is maintained. There is a high level of interaction and support for children. • Staff meetings are held regularly to enable staff to self assess strengths and weaknesses within group.

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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 provision of more opportunities to enable children to write for a purpose

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were three key issues made at the previous inspection. These have all been addressed. Ensure parents receive helpful information about: the educational programme, ways to access regular information about children's progress, ways to contribute to children's records. The nursery provides written information for parents regarding the Foundation Stage, giving full details of what it is, why it is important and what it covers. Time is taken at both the start and end of the session to talk to parents. For the younger children a daily diary records the day's events. Parent's are encouraged to take this home and add any comments or information of their own. The nursery holds parent evenings on two occasions during the year as well as ensuring parents are made aware that they can talk to staff at any time with regard to their child's progress. Parent's are also given the opportunity at these times to contribute to their

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What has improved since the last inspection?

child's records. Share clearer information relating to equal opportunities. A new equal opportunities policy is in place and parents are made aware of this both during induction and at parent's evenings. Continue to work towards providing children with more opportunities to choose freely and select from a range of resources during general activities and in creative work. Children have access to all equipment, as it is stored at child height in open shelving and open baskets.

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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 work well both independently and in groups speaking fluently when talking to adults and their peers. Children enthusiastically organise their play and work co-operatively. Staff provide activities that maintain children's interest and desire to learn. Children are encouraged to make independent choices.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident and fluent when talking to adults and peers. Their listening skills are developing through stories and group times. Children's interest and desire to learn are supported by the many and varied activities that staff provide. Children are encouraged to ask questions and conversation is encouraged by staff. Children in the pre-prep classes have many and diverse opportunities for writing and mark making.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident in the use of mathematical language in a variety of situations experiencing mathematical concepts throughout the session. Children are able to count in sequence to ten and beyond and use number in everyday activities. Children are encouraged to see number as an important part of every day life.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are developing their skills and knowledge in their understanding of information and communication technology through a variety of resources. They are developing a good understanding of their own and differing cultures through discussion as well as activities and resources. Children are encouraged to investigate and describe materials using a range of senses.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children have good opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills. Children have opportunities on a daily basis to develop co-ordination and awareness of space through ring games, music and movement. Children have regular outdoor activities and the use of a wide range of apparatus.

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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 provided with excellent opportunities for self initiated games and role play that enable them to use their own imagination. There is a good range of sensory activities that expose children to different mediums and children are encouraged to make independent choices when selecting materials for designing and creating both during planned and spontaneous activities.

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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: • points for consideration: • further extend opportunities for children to write for a purpose. 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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