Thorncliffe Barn

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/07/2004 Inspector Name Susan Magaret Lyon

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care Setting Name Thorncliffe Barn Setting Address Thorncliffe Hollingworth Hyde Cheshire SK14 8JJ

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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

Maureen Savage is registered to provide Full Day Care and sessional care at Thorncliffe Barn Nursery. The nursery is situated in a rural setting adjacent to a farm in the Mottram area of Tameside. It is a converted barn. The nursery was opened in 1992 and is registered to care for 29 children. There are currently 53 children on the register, some attending part time. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00. There are a staff team of eight, half of whom are qualified. The nursery currently supports children with special educational needs and children who have English as an additional language.

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How good is the Day Care?

Thorncliffe Barn Nursery provides good quality care for children. The nursery is well organised. The children are grouped appropriately with a key worker to help them settle and to promote their progress and development. Close supervision of the children is maintained through good deployment of staff to cover all areas of the play and activities throughout the sessions. As a result, children appear settled and secure. The premises are bright, child centred and welcoming to children, parents and visitors. All policies and procedures are in place and mainly contain all necessary detail. The majority of staff are qualified or working towards an appropriate qualification. A good range of play activities are provided, covering all areas of learning. A system for monitoring children's progress is in place and is being further developed. Staff spend time with children talking to them. They discuss topics with them and help

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How good is the Day Care?

them to learn about colours, numbers, shapes and letters. This is through planned themes and topics. The premises are safe and secure. Staff have a good awareness of safety issues

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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 when taking children out. Risk assessments are carried out and plans are in place to effectively reduce hazards both inside and outside the premises. Good hygiene practices are mainly promoted throughout the nursery. Children are treated as individuals and parent's wishes respected. Written and verbal information is exchanged with parents daily about how the children have been and what they have done. Settling in visits are arranged for new children and parents to help them become familiar with the surroundings, at their own pace.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Some safety measures and hygiene practices in the children's areas have been addressed, thus improving the overall environment for the children. Staff are undertaking appropriate training to help them further develop the standard of care offered to the children.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery is well organised. Children are grouped appropriately according to age/stage of development. A key worker system is in place which ensures children's individual needs are met. • Close supervision of children is provided and as a result they are settled and secure. • A good range of play activities are provided. Staff spend time with children helping them to learn about colours, numbers, shapes. • Staff have good awareness of safety issues. Plans are in place to reduce hazards, inside and outside the premises. • Written and verbal information is shared with parents daily. New children are settled in gradually to help them become familiar with the surroundings.

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What needs to be improved?

• the system for observing and recording what younger children do • the provision of domestic style furniture in the baby room • hygiene procedures for sleeping children • information in the child protection statement and its availability for parents.

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Outcome of the 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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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 3 Develop a system for observing and recording what younger children do and use to plan next stages. 4 Provide some domestic style furniture in baby room. 13 Ensure that the child protection statement includes procedures if allegations are made against staff and shared with parents before admission.

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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?

Thorncliffe Barn offers very good provision. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. The leadership and management of the provision is very good. The manager and her team are conscientious and committed to the education of children. The manager keeps her staff informed of changing practices and assessing the nurseries strengths and weaknesses. Recruitment, selection and induction procedures are in place. Staff attend training courses to expand their knowledge and skills. The quality of teaching is very good. Planning is thorough and covers the six areas of learning. Staff clearly know the children in their care. Children are appropriately challenged and offered a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities. Children's work, observations and assessments inform future planning. Children are praised and encouraged and their contributions to the group are valued. Children are very confident. Their self esteem and confidence are fostered well. Staff

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How effective is the nursery education?

use appropriate behaviour management strategies. Children are polite and well behaved. The nursery has a good range of play resources. Activities and topics help children to learn through a range of independent and adult led experiences. Children enjoy the challenge of number activities and can problem solve well. Children write with a purpose, recognise and write their names and use books well. They model make and explore music, dance and role play. Further exploration of written words, letters and independent creative opportunities are points for consideration. The nursery has a very good relationship with parents. Parents feel welcomed at nursery and know they can approach the staff at any time. They receive copies of the nurseries booklet. Procedures ensure that children are settled at their own pace. Planning is displayed on the wall for parents to read and they are involved in their children's learning. Foundation stage booklets are made available.

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What is being done well?

• The manager is conscientious and committed to providing a quality service to children. She motivates and encourages her staff team. • Parents are welcomed into the nursery and are kept fully informed of their children's progress, through open communication. They have access to their child's foundation stage booklet and related work. • Planning is thorough and covers the six areas of learning. Observation are used well to inform future planning. • Skilful, open ended, questioning encourages children and challenges their

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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 learning. Children are creative and eager to learn and participate in new experiences. • Children use mathematical language well. They enjoy problem solving and using simple addition and subtraction. • Children are confident, articulate and well mannered. Their self esteem is fostered well.

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What needs to be improved?

• There are no significant weaknesses arising from this inspection but there are two points for consideration. • greater opportunity for children to extend their knowledge of written words and letters within the environment; • greater opportunity for children to independently access a range of creative resources.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Thorncliffe Barn have successfully addressed the points for consideration made at the previous inspection. They now ensure that planning has been extended to cover the six areas of learning, to ensure that children are offered a balanced range of activities. The nursery now uses the foundation stage profiles to record children's progress. Observations of the children's learning are used to inform future 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 able to express their own needs. They are confident, interested and excited to learn. They display good levels of concentration. They have formed good relationship. They are sensitive to the needs of others and are good listeners. Children understand right from wrong and are well mannered. Children carry out tasks well and know the daily routines. Children show independence and serve drinks and snacks. They socialise at meal times and share information about their experiences.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are fluent communicators. They listen well to stories with enjoyment. They recall events and respond to instruction. They freely access books, using them correctly. Children recognise and write their own names. Children confidently describe events and use their imagination. Children mark make with a purpose. Children could further extend their knowledge of written words and letters, through play and general conversation.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident counters and use mathematical language well to consolidate their learning. They develop mathematical patterns. They explore simple addition and subtraction, through songs and practical activities. Some children can count up to ten and beyond and know the value of five. Children recognise shape, sort, sequence and enjoy numbers. They measure rainfall. They weigh and measure ingredients when baking. Children use resources well to consolidate their mathematical learning.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are curious and enjoy learning about the natural world, time and the changing seasons. They question and ask how and why things work and understand explanations from staff. Children skilfully assemble and join construction and malleable materials. They learn about the world around them through the celebration of festivals, books, resources and discussion. Children talk about significant events in their life. They show curiosity in computer technology and programmable toys.

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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 are agile and enjoy physical exercise. They confidently negotiate pathways when walking, running, climbing and balancing, showing increasing control and dexterity. Children use skipping ropes and enjoy the challenge of obstacle courses. They are developing throwing and catching skills. Children skilfully use one handled tools demonstrating good hand and eye co-ordination, drawing and cutting skills. They explore small world play and enjoy music, movement and dance.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children can easily differentiate between colours. They thoroughly enjoy games where they need to recognise colours. Children create art work and models and eagerly participate in craft activities. They access fabric and modelling materials. Children need greater opportunity to explore their own creative ideas. Children explore music and musical instruments. They have access to heuristic resources, paint, sand, water and corn flour. Children explore music, dance, role play and stories

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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 were no significant weaknesses to report from this inspection, but the following points for development should be considered. • Further extend children's knowledge of written words and letters through play and general conversation. • Provide greater opportunity for children to develop creative spontaneity, by independently accessing a range of creative resources.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

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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