Stoke Hill Community Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/08/2003 Inspector Name Lisa-Marie Jones

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name King Fishers Setting Address 89 Brigstock Road Thornton Heath Surrey CR7 7JL

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

King Fishers Day Nursery has been operating since 1998. The premises is a converted house on a busy main road in Thornton Heath close to bus and train links. There are currently 50 children on roll. This includes nine funded three-year olds and six funded four year olds. The nursery supports children who speak English as an additional language and they do not have any children attending with special educational needs. The nursery opens five days per week 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 07:30 until 18:00 and children can attend full or part time days. Ten full time and three part time staff work with the children. Two staff do not have any qualifications. The rest have early years qualifications. One staff member is currently on a training programme. The nursery receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). In addition to their curriculum, the nursery offers

p.2

Information about the setting

French and dance classes as an optional extra. The nursery premises has been extended to include a baby unit. It was agreed at the inspection that the number of children could be increased.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

King Fishers day nursery provides satisfactory care for children aged 2- 5 years. Staff ensure that children are safe both inside and outside the nursery, although a specific risk assessment needs to be carried out when children use the garden, to ensure they cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

p.2

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 carry out procedures outlined in the safety policies and general risk assessments take place on a regular basis. It was brought to the manager's attention that the safety gates were not always shut, and a medicine bottle was seen within the childrens reach in the toddler room. The provider will be making contact with the local Fire Safety Officer with regard to the use of a hallway on the top floor being used as play space. Staff appear to work well as a team and are able to carry out duties efficiently, to enable the smooth running of the nursery. Children benefit from consistent routines for sleeping, playing and eating. Observations are not used to plan the next steps in children's learning therefore the

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

activites planned, do not always consider each childs individual needs. All displays are bright and cheerful and promote a very welcoming environment. The nursery is a very multicultural and staff are able to converse with families and children in their own language. Children in the preschool rooms have access to a good range of high quality activities and toys. The organisation of the toddler room does not allow the children to fully access the toys and activities. Policies and procedures are clear and comprehensive. The manager is to ensure that an operational plan is included. Staff have a basic understanding of child protection procedures despite not having a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

The provider agreed at the previous inspection to ensure that the premises is maintained in a suitable state of repair and to ensure electrical appliances are safe. The building has undergone extensive refurbishment and all areas of the nursery are maintained to a suitable level of repair and decoration, however electrical sockets are still accessible by children. The manager reported that the sockets are safety ones and do not pose a hazard to children. Policies and procedures for child protection and records of physical intervention were not kept and are now in place. A suitable deputy is now in place and there are adequate members of staff with first aid training. Toys and equipment have been purchased and the pre-school children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment. The toddler room is not as organised; children do not have full access to all areas of play.

p.3

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

p.3

What is being done well?

• The staff are enthusiastic and energetic and encourage the children to take part in activities • (standard 3). • Preschool children have access to a wide range of activities and were seen to be absorbed and interested in activities that were provided (standard 3). • Children have access to an excellent range of multicultural resources and activities (standard 9). • Staff are able to converse with children and families in their own languages (standard 3 and 12).

p.4

What needs to be improved?

• the operational plan; • the observations and plans for children's individual development; • the organisation of activities and resources in the toddler room; • the safety procedures for children entering and leaving the garden; • the fire safety recommendations.

p.4

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 devise and implement an operational plan 3 use observations of children, to plan the next steps in their play and learning 4 organise space in the toddler room, to allow children to participate fully in

p.4

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 a variety of activities 6 conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying action(s) to be taken to minimize risks when children are entering and leaving the garden 6 ensure all Fire Safety Officer recommendations are met

p.4

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

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

Kingfisher Day Nursery offers a good quality nursery education. Effective teaching helps children make good progress towards in the six areas of learning. The nursery offers a broad and well planned curriculum that promotes the early learning goals. Most of the staff have clear understanding of how children learn. The high quality in communication, language and literacy and personal, social and emotional development is due to the ability of the staff to skilfully question children and build on their existing knowledge. Staff's knowledge of the early learning goals allow them to plan and delivery a good range of practical activities. An outside teacher is employed to teach French on a weekly basis. Children who speak English as an additional language are well supported. The use of observations to plan for children individual learning and assessments has been an ongoing process the group are currently in the process of implementing a new system.

p.6

How effective is the nursery education?

Staff have high expectations of children, on the whole the children are well behaved. The atmosphere is busy but calm. Children are able to self select form a good range of quality natural and more conventional materials to support their learning.

p.6

How effective is the nursery education?

The Leadership and Management are involved in all aspect of the provision. Staff receive one to one supervision meeting to ensure that any inconsistencies are identified and addressed. There is good communication and staff feel valued. The open door policy implemented by the management encourage staff and parents free access to the nursery and the opportunity to play an active role. Parents receive good quality written information about the curriculum. Daily contact with staff allows parents to pass on relevant information. There are planned opportunities for parents to discuss their children progress. Staff provide many opportunities for parent to contribute to their children's learning on a daily basis.

p.6

What is being done well?

• Children are keen and motivated to learn due to the good relationships built with staff and each other. • Children's personal, social and emotional development is very good. They are confident in expressing their opinion, listen attentively and have consideration for other. • Many practical situations and organised activities are provided to extend children mathematical knowledge. • Staff provide a broad curriculum that covers a range of topics and themes and children are appropriately challenged in the six areas of learning.

p.6

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 • Staff have a good knowledge of children's development. • Manager and staff are committed to providing good early years education.

p.6

What needs to be improved?

• The effective use of observation to plan for children next stage of learning.

p.7

What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting has made very good progress since the last inspection. Points for consideration at last inspection were to; use print in the learning environment, to ensure consistent and appropriate use of upper and lower-case letters, the information made available to parents, to update it to reflect the requirements of the ELG.

p.7

What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery now use print in a variety of ways, lots of opportunities for children to practice writing. Equipment use by the children are clearly labelled. The information given to parents clearly defines the six areas of learning using the headings set out in the ELG.

p.7

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

p.7

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident they demonstrate this by expressing their needs to staff and each other clearly and politely. They are eager to learn and make good use of activities. Staff build good relationship with children and manage their behaviour well.

p.8

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children demonstrate confidence when speaking and happily listen to others engaging in conversations. They have good negotiation and listening skills and are able to share and take turns. When listening to stories they respond with great enthusiasm. Many opportunities are provided to enable children to identify and explore the sounds of letters in the spoken work. Most of the children are able to recognise and write their names.

p.8

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are able to count way beyond ten and can recognise numbers up to twenty. The recognition of shape and the ability to compare numbers is fully established. There are many opportunity for practical, hands on experiences where children use mathematical language to work through problems.

p.8

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good There are many opportunities for children to investigate and explore how things work. They use computer and other programmable equipment independently. When playing in the garden children name the different herbs and fruit trees and talk about using them for ingredients when cooking. The celebrations of a range of festivals from around the world helps the children's understanding of different cultures and traditions.

p.8

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident, climbers runners, they are able to ride bicycles fast around sharp corners and control themselves when walking on a balancing beam. When throwing and catching ball, children show good awareness of space. Through the daily routine children show good understanding of personal hygiene and self-care.

p.8

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

p.8

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make good use of the many opportunities provided to explore colours. Most know the primary colours and some are able to recognise some of the secondary colours. They know great imagination when using play dough and other malleable materials to make recognisable objects. The ability to handle a range of cutting and drawing implements is well established.

p.9

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

p.9

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.

p.10

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • The effective use of observations to plan for children next stage of learning. 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.

p.10

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

p.10

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.11

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.12

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.

p.12

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.

p.12

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.

p.12

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

p.12