Little Owls Nursery Osmondthorpe

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/11/2004 Inspector Name Alison Margaret Walker

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Doreen Hamilton Early Years Centre Setting Address 129 Rookwood Road Leeds West Yorkshire LS9 0LX

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Leeds City Council Address Doreen Hamilton Early Years Centre 129 Rookwood Road Leeds West Yorkshire LS9 0LX

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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

Doreen Hamilton Early Years Centre opened in 1989. It is situated in Osmondthorpe, an inner city suburb of Leeds. It operates from four nursery rooms, a central area and a community room. A maximum of 60 children may attend the centre at any one time. The centre is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 all the year round. There are two enclosed play areas. There are currently 43 children on roll. Of these 12 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend from the local area. The centre supports children with special educational needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The centre employs 13 child care staff, a manager and an assistant manager. Eleven members of staff hold an appropriate early years qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Doreen Hamilton Early Years Centre provides good quality care for children. Effective policies and procedures are in place and fully implemented. The staff team work well together to ensure the care, safety and welfare of the children is paramount. They receive ongoing support and encouragement from management. Children throughout the centre are happy and well stimulated. They receive constant support and reassurance from the staff. An effective key worker system is in place. There is an excellent range of play materials which are age appropriate and that meet all the children's needs effectively. Children benefit from regular outdoor play in an area which is well resourced with play equipment. Effective health and safety procedures are in place. The centre employs a cook who provides healthy and nutritious meals. All specific diets are catered for. Mealtimes are a sociable occasion but older children's

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How good is the Day Care?

independence could be developed further. Behaviour throughout the centre is good. Children have clear boundaries and positive behaviour is encouraged by praise from

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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 staff. Good relationships have been developed with parents and effective procedures are in place to keep them informed of all aspects of their child's care. All the required documentation is maintained in a professional manner.

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What is being done well?

• Staff work well together as a team. They have a clear knowledge of the daily routines, policies and procedures. They are confident in their roles and this has a positive impact on the children. Staff and management have a friendly approach, making everyone feel welcome. There is a key worker system in place. Staff know the children well and meet their individual needs effectively. Children enjoy the stimulating and happy environment. They are confident, settled and are developing their independence. They have warm relationships with the staff and each other. • The centre provides a wide range of interesting activities inside and outdoors which promote all areas of learning and development. Children are challenged to use what they know and encouraged to learn more in a comfortable and relaxed environment. All children have the opportunity for daily outdoor play. • The centre is well organised and there is a high emphasis on health and

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What is being done well?

safety. There is an excellent range of good quality equipment available both inside and out. Good use of displays and children's work creates a bright and interesting environment throughout showing appreciation of children's creativity. Staff are good role models. They have a positive and consistent approach in encouraging good behaviour with the children. The children relate well to each other and begin to understand the consequences of unacceptable behaviour. The children are encouraged to be considerate towards one another, take turns and share play equipment. • There are strong and trusting relationships with parents. They are kept well informed about the centre and their children's progress, through good communication links which include verbal feedback, daily record sheets, access to children's profiles, newsletters, social events and parent's notice board.

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What needs to be improved?

• procedures to develop older children's independence at meal times.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

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 There are no complaints to report.

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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 older children's independence at meal times.

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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?

Doreen Hamilton Early Years Centre provides very good education for children and children make very good progress toward the early learning goals in all six area's of learning. The quality of teaching is very good, staff have an excellent understanding of the early learning goals and this enables them to plan an effective programme of learning experiences for all children. They monitor children's development well and clearly record how children are progressing toward the early learning goals. Interaction between the staff and children is very good, staff use a sensitive approach when encouraging children and are particularly skilful at engaging children during story time. Resources are organised and presented well and enable children to make their own choices. Leadership and management is very good with clearly defined structures to support staff at all levels. There are effective systems in place to monitor the nurseries

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How effective is the nursery education?

strengths and weaknesses and information is used to inform future development plans. The professional development of staff is given a high priority and comprehensive training opportunities are available. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are able to contribute toward their children's learning and are effectively encouraged and supported to do so. Methods used to ensure that parents receive information regarding their children's learning and all aspects of the nursery are thoughtfully and sensitively implemented.

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What is being done well?

• Children enjoy stories, they know their favourite stories well and handle books carefully. They access books independently choosing their favourite books to revisit and retell. • Music features heavily within the nursery, children are enthusiastic singers and frequently hum and sing their favourite tunes throughout the day. • Children have a developing interest in information technology, they are able to successfully complete simple programmes. • Children are very involved in all activities they are highly independent and able to carry out tasks during practical activities. • Staff have an excellent understanding of the early learning goals, they plan an effective programme of learning opportunities for all children and monitoring of children's progress is clear and well recorded. • Children are developing an interest in the living world and are particularly excited and delighted by creatures that they find outside. They

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What is being done well?

enthusiastically share experiences with other children.

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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?

• There are no significant weaknesses to report,but consideration should be given to improving the following: • further develop the children's independence during meal times.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery were asked to develop the methods used to record children's progress and achievements, and show their progress toward the early learning goals and to develop the way children learn to form letters in hand writing. They were also asked to raise children's awareness of simple addition and subtraction in practical activities. Assessments and recording of children's progress is very good and gives a very good account of how children are progressing toward the early learning goals. Children are encouraged to mark make during all activities and know to place their names onto their art work. During practical activities children are involved in using addition and subtraction and spontaneously use number throughout their play.

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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 very involved in all activities both those led by adults and in spontaneous play. They show that they have high levels of independence when carrying out practical activities, however a point for consideration is identified. Children are very confident, their interaction with adults and peers is very good and they are able to express their needs and feelings well. They behave well and they are developing an understanding of what is expected of them.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children enjoy reading and listening to stories. they know their favourite stories well. They are able to handle books carefully. Children have good communication skills, they are able to speak confidently and clearly with adults and their peers. They listen and respond well particularly during story time. Children make good attempts at writing and use mark making during practical activities.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are beginning to use number during everyday activities, some children are able to count to ten. They are showing an interest in shape and the position of familiar objects, they talk about big and small full and empty.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children show a developing interest in information technology, they are able to operate equipment and complete simple programmes. Children are developing an awareness of the cultures and beliefs of others and are able to describe some aspects of traditions and celebrations. They are interested in the living world and are particularly excited and delighted by creatures that they have found whilst digging in the garden.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children negotiate space well, they have good control and coordination and show an awareness of others. Children are beginning to understand about keeping healthy and they are able to contribute toward their own well being. Most children are able to handle tools and objects well, they understand how to handle them safely.

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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 making music, they are enthusiastic singers and will sing their favourite songs during activities. They use their imaginations well during spontaneous play and in particular during role play. Children are beginning to explore colour and texture through creative activities and enjoy working with a variety of mediums.

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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 key weaknesses identifies however a point for consideration is to further develop the children's independence skills at lunch time.

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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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