Fledglings Nursery & Preschool

Fledglings Nursery & Preschool Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 496336 Inspection date 19/10/2010 Inspector Tina Kelly

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Setting address Fledglings, Chesham Road, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 2ST Telephone number 01442 864 777 Email Admin 01582 793738. Fax 01582 792099 Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Fledglings Nursery and Pre-School opened in 2001 and is a privately owned provision. It operates from seven rooms within a self-contained single storey building surrounded by the grounds of Ashlyns Hall, Berkhamstead. The setting operates Ducklings, a self-contained baby unit alongside the main building which caters for Goslings and Cygnets in pre-school. The secure outside play areas are free flow. The nursery also has full access to the surrounding grounds of Ashlyns Hall.

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Description of the setting

The nursery is registered on the Early Years Register to provide care for a maximum of 72 children in the early years age group. There are currently 120 children on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. The setting is fully accessible.

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Description of the setting

The setting opens five days a week, 51 weeks a year. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. There is a collection service for children in the early years age range to four local schools to provide wrap around care.

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Description of the setting

The manager and assistant manager work with a team of 20 members of staff who hold qualifications to National Vocational Qualification Level 3, six staff are working towards qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Staff successfully promote children's welfare and learning to a good level. They know their key children well and respond to their individual needs. Children are cared for in a safe and well-managed setting. Partnerships are well established with parents and other early years provider to ensure children make progress and have a good level of support. A system of self-evaluation has been established, the management and staff team work well together to promote and maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure systematic observations and assessments of each child achievements, interests and learning styles to plan for future learning  match observations to the expectations of the early learning goals  develop planning to promote a challenging outdoor environment to promote children's experiences. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

There is a comprehensive awareness of safeguarding children amongst the staff as they all receive regular training. Thorough safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and reviewed regularly. Information from the Local Safeguarding Children Board is on display around the nursery. All staff and students on placement have had appropriate background checks. Effective risk assessments for all areas of the setting are in place to identify and minimise any potential risk to children. A well-organised office and easy access to policies and procedures show all the required documents are in place for the well-being of the children and the smooth running of the setting.

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the early years provision

The ethos of the nursery is to provide a home from home experience for all children. Key workers take responsibility for their small groups to monitor and promote their learning. Children have easy access to a wide range of experiences and resources that promote all aspects of their early learning skills. The different ages and stages of development are well managed with two areas in the Ducklings baby unit to accommodate the more mobile children. A transition group for the toddlers has been established to enable children to take part in age-appropriate activities with their key staff but to visit and take part in some of the routines of the children they are going to join.

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the early years provision

Excellent resources and good use of the various rooms around the setting provide children with an interesting and varied learning environment. The nursery and resources are in good condition, this is promoted by the children changing into soft indoor shoes. Wellingtons are supplied for outside play if they do not bring their own. Children are confident and capable as they find their coats, shoes and boots as they access the free flow outside play.

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the early years provision

The overall manager and staff team are focused on helping all children to reach their full potential. There is a common sense of purpose between the staff team who work well together to ensure all groups of children have the best possible support and opportunities. The partnership with parents is strong. Key workers and senior staff are available at all times to talk to parents and parents' evenings are routine. Regular sharing of information through daily updates, a regular newsletter and use of the website ensures they are fully informed about their children's care and day-to-day issues within the nursery.

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the early years provision

Strong links are well established with other early years settings. Local authority nursery and school staff are welcomed to find out about the experiences the children have enjoyed at Fledglings. The wrap around afternoon care service to these settings provides full care to working families. The nursery seeks training and support for additional services through the local Children's Centre and the local authority early years development service.

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the early years provision

A comprehensive self-evaluation process is in place. It is effective in identifying strengths and areas to be developed. Parents' views are sought through a questionnaire. Recommendations made at the previous inspection have been met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in full. Staff are involved in reviewing the policies and procedures on a regular basis at team meetings. This ensures they are familiar with the process and can take responsibility for their effectiveness throughout the nursery. As a result, those in charge are able to demonstrate how they have raised children's achievements and made improvements to the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and interesting environment by a caring and motivated staff team. The well-qualified and experienced staff team have a good understanding of how children learn. The setting provides an inclusive environment where children thrive and make good progress towards the early learning goals. The nursery welcomes visitors who bring new experiences to the children. A music/activity session and French lessons as well as a vet, the fire and police services introduce children to many aspects of their community and the wider world. Families are encouraged to share their cultural festivals and events with the nursery.

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and outcomes for children

Children's individual interests are taken as inspiration for focussed activities. When a child attended a wedding the setting used this event as a focus for their imaginative play. A pretty canopy with flowers provided an interesting backdrop to the children's play ideas. Dressing up was enjoyed by both the brides and grooms. Everyone was fully involved with preparation of cards, presents, flowers and veils. The boys enjoyed marching, following the brides and driving the make believe cars. The overall activity met all areas of the early learning goals and learning outcomes to a good standard. Developing children's language and promoting an interest in books and stories is extended by staff who have attended the 'Every Child is a Talker' training programme. Resources and ideas to promote the children's skills are shared with the staff team to enhance the children's learning throughout the nursery.

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and outcomes for children

Extensive records are kept on the children's achievements with frequent observations and photographs that show they take part in an interesting and stimulating range of experiences and activities. However, there is not a clear link between the records to show how all aspects of the early learning goals are covered. The next steps in the children's learning are being planned for. But at this time they are not linked to their current achievements and do not show how skills such as scissor use and dressing themselves are monitored, planned for and identified as met in the future planning notes.

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and outcomes for children

The layout of the setting ensures children of all ages have ready access to an extensive and age-appropriate selection of toys and resources both in the home rooms and the outside play areas. In addition to the home rooms the setting has use of a room for messy play and art work. Two large rooms in the integral stable block are used for dining and small group work and large indoor soft play blocks and library time. The excellent outside provision provides children of all ages with free flow access to two large gardens. These areas have an impact absorbent surface and grassed areas for the children to play and explore. Babies and early This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 walkers have direct access to the garden that has age-appropriate resources set out. They are taken out at various times throughout the day depending on their individual routines. They young children are also taken out in pushchairs for walks

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and outcomes for children

around the extensive grounds. Children enjoy growing and planting activities around the nursery grounds extending their understanding of the natural world.

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and outcomes for children

The older children's routines are adapted around free flow access to their garden area. They clearly enjoy the freedom that is managed by the staff who are well deployed and flexible in their approach to extending the children's play ideas both inside and outside. Planning for the nursery rooms shows how resources and activities are prepared and planned for. However, there is a lack of detail with regards the garden and grounds in the planning. The theme of autumn was well resourced in the pre-school room but the outside area with a rich selection of resources was not effectively planned for. Children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle is promoted through everyday activities. The nutritious and tasty, organic cooked meals and snack are prepared on site by the nursery cooks. The menus take into account religious and dietary requirements, children's individual needs are well met. The children also take part in cooking activities that extend their

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and outcomes for children

understanding of healthy eating. Children are well supported and competent in their cloakroom routines. Staff are conscientious with regards to maintaining good hygiene routines both in the cloak rooms and when serving food. Physical play and exercise is an integral part of the children's weekly routines.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is exemplary. Good manners and kindness are praised, staff are good role models. The nursery is very aware of the individual needs of all the children. They recognise that children learn in different ways, activities and routines are adapted to ensure children feel valued and can take responsibility for their own play and actions. Children are encouraged to use their initiative and develop negotiation skills, to co-operate when playing and to interact with their peers. All children receive an enjoyable and challenging experience across all areas of learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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