Heirs and Graces PDN

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/04/2004 Inspector Name Patricia Ann Sang

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Heirs and Grace PDN Setting Address Greenfield Road Dentons Green St Helens Merseyside WA10 6QT

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Mr Alan Dawe and Mrs Susan Dawe

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Mr Alan Dawe and Mrs Susan Dawe Address Heirs & Graces Private Day Nursery Greenfield Road Dentons Green St Helens

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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

Heirs and Graces Private Day Nursery opened in September 2000. It operates from two buildings, one of which was a former school, the second is purpose built. Children have the use of eight rooms within the two buildings. Both units have access to an outdoor play area. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 18:00 all year round except for public holidays. The nursery serves mainly the local community with some families coming from further afield. There are currently 168 children on roll, this includes 49 funded three-year-olds and 35 funded four-year-olds. There are no children attending with English as an additional language or any identified with special needs. There is a complement of 31 staff who work full time to look after the children. Most are qualified, some to NVQ Level 2 but in the main have an NVQ Level 3 qualification. There are two who are working toward a recognised childcare

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Information about the setting

qualification. There is teacher support from the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Heirs and Graces Private Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. Most of the staff hold a recognised childcare qualification and have access to ongoing training related to their work. Policies and procedures are comprehensive, well written and understood by parents and staff. Areas where children are looked after are safe, child focused, and allow to reach and choose play materials for themselves. Playrooms are spacious and give children freedom to explore their surroundings. Minor detail is lacking in medication and attendance records however the risk

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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 assessment and health and safety procedures are thorough for indoor and outdoor areas. They are regularly reviewed and updated and staff are kept abreast of changes. Children are supervised closely by staff during their play, meal times and sleep periods and children have an awareness of possible dangers. Foods offered to children take account of their dietary requirements and preferences of parents. Water is readily available throughout the day to most children although younger children do not have easy access and have to wait to be offered a drink. There is a good range of play materials and equipment for children of all ages. Staff plan activities to make sure that they are fun, age appropriate and support their

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How good is the Day Care?

development. Nonetheless resources that embrace disability and gender are lacking and opportunities to learn about diversity are somewhat limited. Children are happy, they play well alongside and with each other and learn to share. They chat to each other as well as to staff. Much is done to foster good working relationships with parents. Parents have a full induction so that they know how the nursery operates. They are kept up to date with events through newsletters, a notice board and daily discussion. They are able to access their child's file at any time to keep abreast of their child's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection it was agreed that records of medicines administered are maintained with a parents signature, domestic furniture is provided in rooms for under two's, fresh drinking water is provided at all times, a register is maintained for out of school provision showing times of arrival and departure and a person is named for lead responsibility for behaviour management issues. Records of medication given are maintained however not all entries are signed by parents, a recommendation is raised to ensure that parents are satisfied with the time and dosage of medicine administered. Domestic furniture is now in place, staff are able to sit comfortably when feeding or cuddling a young child. Fresh drinking water is available to older children but younger children do not have ready access to drinks. A recommendation has been raised. Records kept show the times of arrival and departure for out of school children but not for any other age

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What has improved since the last inspection?

group. A recommendation has been raised for the arrangements to show hours of attendance for all children so staff know the times children arrive and leave. A person has been identified to take lead responsibility for behaviour management issues. Staff and parents are now clear who to liaise with should there be a concern about behaviour. Response from parent questionnaires showed a high level of satisfaction, parents stated they and children were happy with activities provided, parents found staff attentive and supportive.

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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 • Provision for all children is good, new children are taken in gradually so that staff can get to know them and children receive the attention they need while settling in. • Staff plan activities for babies and younger children as well as for those of pre-school age and so they contribute to the activity themes within the nursery. Books and toys are placed at a level where children can reach and make their own choices. • Staff look after children in small groups and ensure that they receive due care and attention. Progress records of children are shared with parents so they are kept up to date with their child's development. Staff talk to children in a calm way using language appropriate to their age and understanding and

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What is being done well?

children are happy and confident in their play. • The nursery places much emphasis on health and safety with well thought through policies and procedures for informing staff and parents. Ongoing review ensures that risk to all who use the nursery is kept to a minimum. There are opportunities for children to play outdoors most days with safe equipment and a soft play surface that reduces the risk of accidents. • Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet. Parents preferences are fully respected and catered for. Foods of other cultures are introduced to children and they get to taste new flavours and textures.

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What needs to be improved?

• the arrangements for completing the medication records and the attendance records for children under five • the availability of fresh drinking water for the toddler groups • the resources to show positive images of disability and gender.

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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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The Registered Person should have regard to the following recommendations

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Show hours of attendance for children aged under five. 7 Ensure that all entries of medication given are signed by the parent. 8 Provide the toddler groups with ready access to fresh drinking water throughout the day. 9 Acquire resources that help children learn about disability and gender in positive ways.

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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?

Provision at Heirs and Graces Private Day Nursery is of good quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas. They learn through a wide range of stimulating well planned activities. Teaching is very good. Useful systems are used effectively to assess, record the children's progress and inform the planning. Staff work very well together as a team and are good role models. They have realistic expectations of children's behaviour and mange it well. The setting has recently opened a second room for pre school children; this is not yet fully established. Staff provide a broad range of activities, encourage the children to self select their own resources and work independently. Staff have due regard for the Code of Practice for the identification and assessment of Special Educational Needs. There is an effective system in place to provide support for children. Staff offer good support to children whose first language is not

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How effective is the nursery education?

English. Leadership and management are very good. Much of the success of the nursery is due to the strong leadership and structured management systems. Management and staff are very committed to the continued improvement of the provision. Staff training records are clear, with all staff undertaking Foundation Stage training, this effectively contributes to the very good progress children are making. Partnership with parents is very good and contributes well to the children's progress. Parents receive very detailed written and verbal information about the educational programme and the progress their child is making. Parents are actively encouraged to become involved in their child's learning. The partnership with parents is highly valued by the provision.

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What is being done well?

• The management and staff are committed to the continuous improvement of the nursery and actively encourage staff and parents to become involved in the development of the high quality provision. Management have created a second pre school room. They are gradually filling the places in order to give staff and children support during this transitional period. • Staff have a very good understanding of the Foundation Stage and how children learn. They plan and provide a wide range of stimulating activities which help children make links in their learning. • Staff and parents have a very good relationship which effectively contributes to the children's learning. • Children have very good opportunities to make sense of the world. They learn about their own cultures and beliefs and those of others in the wider world through well planned activities.

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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 • Children have good opportunities to develop their independence skills. They self select their own resources well. They are confident and interested and able to work well on their own and in groups. • Children's language is developing well. They are confident speakers and listen well to others. They are learning to recognise the names and sounds of letters and are actively encouraged to write simple words such as their own name.

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What needs to be improved?

• the development of the new pre school room to enhance the children's learning opportunities and environment.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The provision has effectively met the two key issues from the previous inspection. The provision was asked to review how information gathered in the assessment records is shared with the parents and how they encourage additional comments. Management have instigated new assessment records from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. These are completed by the child's key worker and shared with the parents on regular basis including half yearly parents evenings. Daily exchanges with parents keep them informed about their child's progress. Parents are asked to participate in activities within the nursery and to become involved with their child's learning, e.g. the activity for the Autumn half term which involved a nature walk, collecting items and creating a collage from these at home. The parents fully supported this activity. The provision was also asked to continue with plans in hand to review how children's

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What has improved since the last inspection?

progress is assessed and recorded. Staff make detailed observations of the children. These observations are included within the child's assessment records and are used to chart their progress through the early learning goals. Effective systems are in place for the recording of children's progress that are used to inform the planning.

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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 interested, motivated and confident to try new activities. They show good personal independence by selecting their own equipment, dressing up in the role play area and choosing where to play. They are developing an awareness of good personal hygiene, washing their hands at appropriate times. Children talk freely about their home and are developing a respect for their own culture and beliefs and those of others.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's spoken language is developing well. They speak clearly, show awareness of the listener and use language to explore ideas during activities e.g. the gear set. Children listen attentively at story time, predict what will happen next and participate with correct sounds during "We're going on a bear hunt". Children's writing skills are developing well and some children write clearly recognisable letters. Children's enjoyment of books is being fostered well.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are developing good counting skills. They show a good interest in exploring shapes and fitting them together. Children use mathematical language well to compare size, shape through practical activities and every day routines. Children confidently sing number rhymes and songs. Children can recognise and write down numbers up to ten and some beyond. They are using their mathematical knowledge to solve simple problems e.g. how many plates are needed?

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are learning about their local community and wider world through well planned and resourced activities e.g. Chinese New Year. Children enjoy talking about past and present events in their own lives and have a good sense of time and place. Children use every day technology well and are confident when using the computer. They show good levels of curiosity, observe and investigate objects well using their senses e.g. changes in ice and snow.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently, safely and with increasing control inside and outside. They are developing a good sense of space. Children handle tools and objects safely and with control. Children are showing an awareness of good personal hygiene. Children's learning is promoted through a range of well planned activities that effectively encompasses all aspects of the out door environment.

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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 enjoy well planned activities which allow them to develop their creative skills and communicate their ideas. Children's art work is highly valued by staff and is displayed well. Children use the role play areas imaginatively these are changed on regular basis to promote children's learning e.g. the doctors, home area, transport café. Children express themselves well using good quality resources in an attractive and stimulating environment.

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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 development of the new pre-school room. 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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