Playmates II

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/03/2005 Inspector Name Tina Juko

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Playmates II Setting Address 55-57 Murray Street Hartlepool Cleveland TS26 8PQ

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Playmates Private Day Nursery Ltd 4351383

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Playmates Private Day Nursery Ltd Address 51 Murray Street Hartlepool TS26 8PQ

p.1

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

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

Playmates II originally Playmates opened in 1993 with the new neighbourhood nursery opening in 2004 operated by Playmates Private Day Nursery Limited. It operates from a converted premises with five rooms spread over two floors. It is situated in the centre of Hartlepool a short walk from shops and the Civic Centre. A maximum of 80 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07.30 to 18.00 for 50 weeks of the year. Under three's share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area with the pre-school using the roof top garden. There are currently 113 children aged from 6 weeks to under 5 years on roll. Of these 11 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from a wide catchment area, as some of their parents travel into work in Hartlepool. The nursery employs 23 staff with 22 holding appropriate early years qualifications. Three staff are currently on training courses. The nursery holds the Investors in

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Playmates II provides good quality care for children. The adult child ratios are good with more than the required numbers of qualified staff. Planning provides activities which promote all areas of development. However room organisation in the pre-school means resources are not always used effectively. Toys and equipment are of good quality with effective procedures in place to ensure they are always well maintained. The rooms used are attractive with interesting displays. The setting has an excellent commitment to quality achieving the Investors in People award and working towards level three of Aiming High. High priority is given to children safety and welfare. Staff receive a comprehensive induction and clear risks assessments displayed in all areas ensure all staff having a good awareness of any safety issues. Staff promote good health and hygiene with clear routines for children and staff, supported by comprehensive recording systems.

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 Meal time arrangements, making use of the schools dining rooms give children a nutritious menu and an enjoyable social experience. Children have access to a good range of resources which reflect positive images of culture and ethnicity, disability and different family backgrounds. Staffing arrangements, resources and environment are able to be adapted to help all children take part in activities. Staffing levels are very good giving staff time to build good relationships with the children fully supporting their play and helping them feel confident and secure. The nursery has very good relationships with parents. Good information is provided about the setting, and there are effective systems in place for sharing information

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

about children's progress and development particularly in the foundation stage.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The setting meets the children's individual needs well. Staff plan activities and experiences that they know they will enjoy and that will promote their development. • The staff have very good relationships with children. Staff spend time talking, playing and extending their activities to encourage their development. • The setting promotes children's health through good hygiene practices and a varied and nutritious diet. • The setting gives high priority to children's safety. All areas have been risk assessed and action taken to minimise hazards. • Relationships with parents are good they are made to feel welcome and the sharing of information promotes partnership in the care of the children.

p.3

An aspect of outstanding practice:

The nursery has a very proactive approach to ensuring the children's health and safety. The manager is very aware of current health issues and has put in place hygiene procedures to minimise risks whilst maintaining a welcoming open approach. Parents information about health issues for young children is comprehensive with displays and hand outs on illnesses and nutrition. The full colour CCTV system in every room is further evidence of the priority which is given to children's safety in the setting.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• organisation of space and resources to more effectively meet the needs of all children in the pre-school.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

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

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 2 Examine the organisation of pre-school resources to ensure that they are used more effectively to meet the needs of all children.

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.4

How effective is the nursery education?

Playmates II Day Nursery offers high quality childcare which helps children make very good progress in all areas of the curriculum. Children make very good progress in personal, social and emotional development, in communication language and literacy, mathematical, creative and physical development and in their knowledge and understanding of the world. The standard of teaching is high quality which contributes to the very good progress the children make. Resources are extensive and easily accessible to children, allowing them to make choices and direct their own learning, however the balance of activities when the room is divided is uneven. Staff responsible for planning use their experience and knowledge of the foundation stage well, to provide interesting and purposeful activities which promote children's learning. A comprehensive assessment system is used well to record children's progress and inform planning.

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

All staff are effective practioners providing challenge and support to children's learning. The leadership and management of the setting is very good. High priority is given to monitoring and improving standards. The leadership team actively encourage staff development and training is regularly attended. Staff have individual responsibility for curriculum areas and are involved in developing the provision. The partnership with parents and carers is very good and contributes to the children's progress. Parents receive good quality information about the setting the foundation stage and it's provision. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's learning and the information given by parents is used well to inform planning.

p.5

What is being done well?

• Children's personal social and emotional development is very good. Children are confident, sociable and have caring relationships with each other and staff. • Children's spoken language is developing well, they learn to negotiate and express their imagined and real experiences in a good range of activities. • Children are making very good progress in their mathematical development. Staff provide appropriate challenges extending learning in everyday routines and planned activities. • Strong leadership and a commitment to staff development ensures continual improvement in the early years provision. • Children's creative development is very good, children are encouraged to make very good use of their imaginations in a range of role play and

p.5

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 playgroup activities.

p.5

What needs to be improved?

• the organisation of resources to ensure a good balance of activities is available when the room is divided.

p.6

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.6

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are very confident, they interact well with each other have formed attachments to members of their group, their concentration is good and they are very positive and eager to try new activities. Children have very good personal care skills, are very independent and able to select their own resources and work independently. Children have good awareness of behavioural boundaries and treat each other with consideration, listening well and giving help.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's spoken language is developing well, they use language imaginatively and to describe every day situations. Children understand that print carries meaning, they enjoy using books for a variety of proposes and can clearly re-tell familiar stories. They confidently attempt writing for a variety of purposes and are beginning to form recognisable letters. Children's ability to link letters and sounds is developing well, they recognise sounds in words and in their names.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children can count reliably and are developing an understanding of addition and subtraction. Their understanding of shape, space and measure is developing well, they use mathematical language confidently to compare size and make good use of positional language. Children are developing a good understanding of numerals through focused activities and the good use of number labels in the nursery.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children show a keen interest in the world around them, they explore using their senses, observe and comment upon key features and ask questions about why and how. Children are confident in using information technology, they can independently manipulate simple programmable toys and use telephones and other equipment with a purpose.

p.7

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently and imaginatively making use of a wide range of large and small equipment. Children's health and bodily awareness is developing well, they are beginning to understand what foods are good for them and recognise the effect exercise has on their bodies. They are confident tool users and manipulate materials with increasing confidence and control.

p.7

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.7

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good use of their imaginations in a range of role play and playgroup activities. They are confident in exploring a range of media in planned and freely chosen activities and spontaneously create with a range of craft media and tools. Children make very good use of their imaginations in a range of role play and nursery activities.

p.8

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.8

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.9

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 organisation of resources to ensure a balance of activities when the room is divided.

p.9

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.

p.9

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.9

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.10

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.10

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.10

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.11

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.11

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.11

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.11

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.11