Pixley Dell Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/09/2004 Inspector Name Eileen Rochford

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Pixley Dell Nursery Setting Address 8 Coulson Street Spennymoor County Durham DL16 7RS

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Northumbrian Trust Day Nurseries Ltd 3162423

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Northumbrian Trust Day Nurseries Ltd Address 254 Chillingham Road Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear NE6 5LQ

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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

Pixley Dell Nursery has been registered under the current provider for approximately three years. It operates from three areas on two levels. It serves the local community of Spennymoor and surrounding area. There are currently 42 children on the roll. This includes seven funded 3 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports no children with special needs and none who speak English as an additional language. The group is open five days a week all year round. Pixley Dell Nursery is part of the Northumbrian Trust Day Nurseries Limited Eleven full time and one part time staff work with the children. Eleven staff hold a recognised child care qualification. The setting receives support from the Local Authority.

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How good is the Day Care?

Pixley Dell Nursery provides good care for children. All staff within the setting are vetted, with information kept on staff files. The premises provide a warm welcoming environment for both adults and children. Space within the rooms is very well organised, with consideration given to the ages of the children attending. Most records are in place. There is a comprehensive range of policies and procedures which cover all aspects of the care provided. Safety within the setting is given high priority. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding and awareness of safety issues. Hygiene is good, staff understand the importance of developing children's awareness and understanding of these issues. Healthy meals and snacks are provided, with menus displayed daily for parents. Staff encourage older children to develop independence throughout the day, but especially at meal times.

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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 The group provides a rich and stimulating learning environment for children, however planning for younger children should reflect their needs. Children are able to explore and experiment with a range of activities, at their own pace, and are supported by a committed staff team. Children have developed sound relationships with adults and peers, they are confident and happy, talking freely to everyone in the group They have a range of resources which reflect the cultural diversity of society and consider equal opportunities in most aspects of group life. The group have a positive approach to special needs operating a fully inclusive programme. Staff work very well with parents. They ensure that parents are kept informed on a

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How good is the Day Care?

daily basis, using various methods. They have developed professional relationships based on mutual respect, encouraging parents to become involved, however information on staff responsibilities should be made available. Children's behaviour within the group is very good. Staff provide positive role models, valuing positive behaviour.

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What is being done well?

• Children develop a range of skills through the stimulating activities provided in the group. They become engrossed and involved in their chosen activities. • Children develop a sound understanding of safety, health and hygiene issues, through a wide range of exciting everyday activities. Very good arrangements are in place for sleeping babies, with each child allocated a blanket coded by colour. • There is a wide and comprehensive range of policies and procedures in the group. These allow everyone to be kept informed of practice. Parents are encouraged to access these. • High expectations of staff, promote very good behaviour within the group. Children understand the boundaries and respect these with older children involved in setting "group rules". • In all areas of the group staff have developed excellent relationships with the children. Children freely seek their support, and staff are alert to all individual

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What is being done well?

needs of the children and ensure activities are provided to meet their needs. • The group have developed good relationships with parents. They are kept well informed using a range of methods, and staff are always available to discuss any issues.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedure for completing medication records • ensure that all children are promoted in a positive image

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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 • further develop planning for younger children • ensure that staff and parents are aware of roles and responsibilities.

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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 Further develop planning for youngest children in the nursery. 7 Improve the procedure for completing the medication records. 9 Ensure that positive images are pictured of all children. 11 Ensure that staff and parents are made aware of roles of responsibilities.

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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?

Pixley Dell Nursery provides good-quality nursery education overall which enables children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Children make generally good progress in physical development and very good progress in all other areas of learning. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff are enthusiastic and work well together to provide an interesting curriculum. Planning overall is good. Staff provide good role models for the children to follow and manage behaviour very well. They organise activities carefully, with consideration given to supporting children and the impact on the children's learning. However consideration should be given to providing children with more opportunities to develop large skills. The leadership and management is generally good. Staff are well aware of their roles and responsibilities resulting in the smooth running of the sessions. Staff are

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How effective is the nursery education?

encouraged to attend appropriate training which has helped them to become familiar with the early learning goals. They are committed to the continued care and education of the children. Adequate systems in place for evaluating and reviewing the provision for nursery education. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are provided with very good quality information before their child attends the nursery, detailing how it is organised and the learning activities provided. Parents are actively encouraged to share what they know about their child. Regular open sessions are held when parents are able to view their child's attainment and progress records.

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What is being done well?

• Children's personal social and emotional development is given high priority. Staff have very good relationships with the children and respond readily with enthusiasm to their needs and requests. Children are confident and secure in their environment and are making very good progress. • Children explore a range of creative materials and are encouraged to experiment with colours and textures. • Parents are made to feel welcome, valued and necessary through a range of planned and spontaneous opportunities • The accommodation and use of time and resources is very good. The bright and stimulating environment combined with the presentation and organisation of freely accessible planned and continuous activities ensures that children's independence is encouraged and their natural curiosity to investigate and experiment is fostered to a high standard.

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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?

• the opportunities that are provided for older and more able children to develop large physical skills • monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum in physical development.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the need for a consistent approach to lettering throughout the nursery and the need to ensure that planning and assessment is in place to assists staff in helping all children to progress towards the early learning goals were raised. Very good progress has been made in achieving consistency in lettering and good progress has been made in planning and assessment of most of the areas of learning.

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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 have very good personal and social skills. Their behaviour is of a high standard and they respond positively to staff and peers. Children show consideration for others and the environment. Children access resources confidently. They express a range of feelings and opinions and are eager to take part in activities. Older children take responsibility for their own tasks and work well together.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's language is developing very well, they express imaginative thinking confidently and speak and listen well in group situations. All children enjoy books and handle them appropriately. Children have good access to written text through a well resourced book corner. They have access to a wide range of tools to develop early writing skills and there are good opportunities for older children to write for a purpose.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children confidently count in sequence to 5 and beyond. They are developing number concepts and enjoy songs and rhymes that encourage them to practise these skills. Children recognise basic shapes and use positional, size and weight language appropriately in their play. Children are gaining a basic understanding of addition and subtraction and can compare groups of objects successfully.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children enjoy accessing a wide, varied range of first hand experiences to explore and investigate, with increasing skill. They are developing a positive respect for their own and other cultures, nature and the environment. Children talk confidently about themselves, their families and a range of visitors from the community. Children use the computer with confidence and increasing skill. All children use opportunities to build, construct and join materials together.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children move confidently and safely in their environment. They show an awareness of space and others and negotiate obstacles successfully. Children have good control over small equipment such as pencils, scissors and small tools and are developing writing and cutting skills successfully. Children are beginning to gain a good knowledge of keeping healthy. However, challenges to encourage the development of large physical skills for older and more able children are limited.

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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 are enjoy exploring shape, colour, form and texture in two and three dimensions, making models, painting and designing collage for their own purpose and in planned activities. All children are very confident in expressing real and imagined experiences in role and home play. Children enjoy music and song and respond purposefully and appropriately when joining in with singing and story. Children use their senses well and respond positively to planned sensory activities.

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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

• Provide more challenges for older and more able children to develop large physical skills • Ensure that the curriculum in physical development is monitored and evaluated in order to meet the needs of all of the children.

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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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