Little GemsOfsted inspection, 8 Jun 2004

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/06/2004 Inspector Name Jacqui Lloyd

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Little Gems Nursery Setting Address Methodist Church Coulsdon Road Caterham Surrey CR3 5NU

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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 Gems Nursery is a privately owned nursery. Five members of staff are on duty during the session, which operates between 9.15 and 12.00 every weekday. The group work towards the Early Learning Goals and are in receipt of funding to provide nursery education. There are 47 children on roll, 11 of which are funded three year olds and 19 are funded four year olds. Children have the use of a large hall, which is partitioned into a large and small area. Toilets, including disabled provision, are located off the main entrance hall. The group also have use of the kitchen facilities.

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How good is the Day Care?

The care provided by Little Gems Nursery is satisfactory. Staff work hard and approach their job with enthusiasm, although currently the group do not meet the requirements regarding qualifications. Space is well organised and creatively used, the group do not have access to an outdoor play area. However staff have overcome this by dividing the space in the hall to provide a separate area for physical play and exercise. Sufficient written records and documents are in place. The group have adopted and implemented many of the Pre-School Learning Alliance's policies. The group's practice does not, however, reflect the written equal opportunities policy. The registration form lacks important details about the children. There is no procedure for gathering information regarding family background, language spoken at home, or cultural and religious beliefs. There is an adequate selection of toys and resources available and the children play

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How good is the Day Care?

happily with these. Children are confident within the setting and enjoy an interesting

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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 range of activities. Staff have developed close and caring relationships with the children and the interaction is very positive. Children are offered a healthy and nutritious snack during the morning and the use of a menu from which children choose their drinks is particularly innovative. Staff have considered safety throughout and take precautions to remove hazards and keep children safe, although there is no provision for the safe storage of medication. The sharing of hand towels does not promote good health and hygiene and the accident record lacks detail. All staff members have received training in child protection and are clear of their responsibilities in this area. Children are clear about the expectation regarding behaviour and respond well to

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How good is the Day Care?

staff member's positive approach. Praise is constantly used by all staff to recognise and encourage good behaviour. There is an adequate partnership with parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection there were several issues raised. The group agreed to ensure that they complied with the terms of their registration regarding the numbers of children attending. This has been addressed and the register confirms that the number of children attending has not exceeded the registration. The second requirement was for the group to provide an action plan, detailing how they would achieve the required number of qualified staff. Positive steps have been taken in this area and some staff have attended training workshops, however the group have still not achieved the requirement with regards to 50% of the staff team being qualified to an NVQ level II standard.

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What is being done well?

• The staff team continue to work hard and demonstrate their commitment to the group, they have a positive and conscientious approach to their jobs. • Children are very happy within the group. The staff have a kind approach and have developed close and caring relationships with the children. • Children are clear about the expectations regarding behaviour and respond well to the constant praise and encouragement they receive from the staff. Good behaviour is recognised and valued by all staff. • All staff members are knowledgeable about child protection, they have attended training and are clear about the signs and symptoms of abuse and the correct procedures to follow.

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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?

• staff qualifications • hand washing procedures • storage of medication • accident records • procedures for gathering children's details and implementing the equal opportunities policy.

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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 Continue to work towards achieving the requirements regarding staff training and qualifications. 7 Ensure there are procedures in place for the safe and secure storage of medication. 7 Ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing. 12 Review the procedures for gathering children’s personal details, to ensure staff are fully aware of family background, language spoken at home and cultural and religious beliefs.

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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 educational provision at Little Gems Nursery is acceptable and of good quality. Overall the children are making generally good progress towards the Early Learning Goals. Their progress in mathematical development and physical development is generally good and in all other areas of learning their progress is very good. Teaching standards are generally good. Staff are generally secure in their knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals although less confident in relation to some aspects of mathematics and physical development. Senior staff prepare plans that cover the six areas of learning. Staff follow the plans well but do not always recognise opportunities for extending and consolidating children's understanding of number and early calculation in real life situations. Staff arrange the hall well to provide space for directed and free choice activities. They set aside useful space for physical play as there is no outdoor play area. Most, but not all,

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How effective is the nursery education?

activities for physical development meet the needs of children of different ages and abilities. Behaviour management is good. Staff observe children, make notes and keep examples of work but records of attainment and progress are not kept up to date. Leadership and management is generally good. New staff are given appropriate support in gaining an understanding of how the setting is organised and run and they are encouraged to attend workshops. The owner is committed to ongoing development of the setting and has instigated some worthwhile improvements in organisation. However, shortcomings in record keeping practices and limitations in some aspects of teaching mathematics and physical development have not been identified. Staff have established a generally good partnership with parents. Useful information is provided about activities. Parents speak informally with staff and can arrange formal discussions but children's records do not always give a clear picture of their

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What is being done well?

• Staff manage children's behaviour well. Staff do not raise their voices but at the same time they are firm. Children know what is expected of them and they respond well to guidance and praise. • The development of children listening skills is good. They listen quietly to well told stories. • Children become fully involved in mark making activities. They hold their pencils correctly and some can already write their own names. • Children make good use of technology to support their learning. They are competent and confident when using the tape recorder to listen to story

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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 tapes. • Staff nurture children's creativity well in role play. They extend children's games and help them to explore imaginary situations.

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What needs to be improved?

• The teaching of mathematics in relation to real life situations. • The organisation of some activities for physical development. • Record keeping practices. • Arrangements for keeping parents fully informed about children's attainment in relation to their progress along the stepping stones towards the early learning goals.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Generally good progress has been made in addressing points for consideration identified at the last inspection. Staff agreed to have the computer repaired if possible but it was found subsequently that the computer was beyond economical repair. However, children have access to other worthwhile technological items to support their learning. For example, they have the use of a camera for some activities and they also use a tape recorder with headphones and a remote controlled car. Staff were asked to encourage parents to contribute their observations of their children to the records of progress. Some parents have accepted invitations to share information about children's progress and they have added their comments to children's profiles. Some of the children's profiles do not currently provide a clear picture of children's progress upon which parents could comment.

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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 are content to leave their parents and they join the setting with confidence. They join in activities with enthusaiasm and they are responsive to their experiences. They enjoy good relationships with staff and each other. Children's behaviour is good. They take turns with favourite toys and know they must share fairly. Children choose resources, toys and activities confidently.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children interact and talk eagerly to staff in small and large groups. They listen attentively to well told stories. Staff extend children's vocabulary and they explain new words clearly. Many children can write their own names using quite well formed upper and lower case letters. They enjoy choosing and using books and they handle them correctly.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Positional language and terms to describe shape, size and quantity are promoted well in everyday discussions and activities. Children respond to staff directions about position with understanding. Planning documents show that tasks are selected to cover the stepping stones for number and early calculation over the year. However, staff do not always recognise opportunities for consolidation and further learning about these aspects of mathematics in real life situations.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children explore a good range of materials and objects. They use everyday technology competently to support their learning. They find out about the work of adults and the world beyond the nursery through topic work and through interesting visitors such as a dentist, a photographer and fire officers. Seasonal walks help them to find observe the changes in nature in the local environment.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children use climbing equipment competently. They are aware of space and obstacles when using wheeled toys and rarely collide. They learn about good hygiene and the changes that happen to their bodies when they are active. They handle scissors, puzzles, dough and pencils well. They are gaining good skills in throwing and catching. Some activities that presented to the whole group together do not benefit all children equally.

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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 Staff nurture children's imagination well. They extend and enrich role play and the children become fully involved. Children explore the sounds that they can make with percussion instruments. They respond with enthusiasm to their creative tasks and play. Materials made available to children appeal to all of their senses over time.

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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 good quality overall. Children are making generally 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: THE KEY ISSUES

• Develop staff knowledge and understanding of ways to promote, consolidate and extend children's learning about numbers, counting and early calculation in real life situations throughout the session. • Compile children's records of attainment systematically to maintain a clear, up to date picture of children's progress in relation to the stepping stones towards the early learning goals. • Ensure that parents are fully aware that they can access children's records of attainment and progress by request at any time. • Ensure that all activities for physical development are organised to meet the needs of children of different ages and abilities.

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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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