Wakeford School

Little Gems Day Nursery Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 129035 Inspection date 02/02/2011 Inspector Angela Ramsey

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Setting address Clare Hall, Malpas Road, London, SE14 6PX

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Telephone number 020 8692 0071 Email 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. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as

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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

Little Gems Day Nursery opened in 1996 and is privately owned. It is located in the New Cross/ Brockley boarders, within a residential area in the London Borough of Lewisham. It operates from two buildings. The first is a single storey community hall for children aged between three months to eighteen months. Children have use of a playroom, sleep area and changing area and toilets, there is also a small milk kitchen. The second part of the nursery is on the ground floor of Aldham House, which is opposite the hall. In this part of the nursery children are cared for in two groups; one for children aged between eighteen months and three years and the other for children aged between three and five years. Each age group has access to two playrooms, book room and toilets. There is also a music and sensory room available for small group activities. Children in both buildings have access to an enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the setting

The nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 6.00pm, all year round, although it is closed for the Christmas and Easter period.

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Description of the setting

There are currently 18 qualified staff plus two cooks on roll, with a majority of staff with NVQ level 3 or equivalent. All are suitably experienced and qualified or working towards a higher qualification in child care. Currently, there are 75 children on roll who attend various sessions. At present, 27 children receive funding for nursery education. The setting supports children with English as an additional language and children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the setting

The nursery receives support from Lewisham Early Years Development and Child Care Partnership (EYDCP) and Lewisham Early Years Advice Support Network (LEARN).The nursery is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

The staff team at Little Gems Nursery provide an inclusive, welcoming, friendly and caring environment for children and their parents. Activities and learning opportunities for children are planned and children's development and achievements are recorded. Key areas for improvement have been identified through the completion of Ofsted's self-evaluation form. All the recommendations set at the last inspection have been complied with which ensures good outcomes for children.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  request written parental permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment 11/02/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the recording of observations by ensuring these are always dated.

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the early years provision

The settings vetting procedures ensures children are safeguarded. Background checks are completed which ensure staff are suitably qualified, experienced and have completed Criminal Record Bureau checks. Induction for new members of staff ensures they become familiar with the settings routines and policies and procedures. Through discussion staff demonstrate a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. Staff are aware of what action to take in the event of a safeguarding issue. Potential hazards are managed due to the conducting of risk assessments. Evacuation procedures are practiced with the children which ensures children are aware of what to do in the event of an emergency. Most written parental consents have been obtained. However, written parental permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought. Staff demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and have a good knowledge of each

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the early years provision

child's background and needs. Activities and events which enable children to learn about different cultures are organised. For example children are currently celebrating Chinese New Year. Staff identify a child's need for additional support as early as possible and share information with the child's parents and Lewisham's Early Intervention team to ensure each child gets the support he or she needs. The staff team also have experience of working with other childcare professionals such as speech therapists. Children are also able to use their senses to experience the sights and sounds in the settings sensory room.

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the early years provision

Staff have established good relationships with parents and carers. Staff speak to parents daily about their child's day. Staff also complete written sheets which keeps parents informed of what their child has eaten, sleep times and what activities they have taken part in. Regular newsletters are also produced and parent meetings serve to keep parents informed of their child's developmental progress.

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the early years provision

Regular appraisals, staff meetings and training help to keep the staff team up-to - date with current practices and regulatory changes. Both the management and the staff team demonstrate a strong commitment to making continuous improvements. Areas for improvement have been identified through discussion and the completion of Ofsted's self-evaluation form. Good links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage have been established. Staff at the setting share information, observations and profiles which details children's progress and supports continuity of care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and enjoy being at Little Gems Nursery. Children are cared for by staff who are caring, kind, enthusiastic and work hard to provide a range of stimulating and fun activities which enable children to achieve and enjoy learning.

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and outcomes for children

Babies and toddlers have formed warm trusting relationships with staff. They readily approach staff for reassurance, support and cuddles. Staff talk to the children as they play therefore encouraging their language skills. Younger children become competent learners as they explore resources through their senses. For example, babies and toddlers love to investigate cause and affect toys; pushing buttons, opening and closing flaps and working out that one action has an effect on others. Young children are encouraged to crawl as brightly coloured toys are placed just out of children's reach. When children reach a milestone such as starting to walk there is a real buzz of excitement felt throughout the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children also enjoy exploring different textures. Staff fill a container with coloured water, raisins and uncooked spaghetti. The children use spoons to scoop the coloured water, raisins and uncooked spaghetti into bowls. Children use their imagination as they pretend to cook dinner. Children also talk about the different sizes of the pieces of spaghetti. Opportunities are also provided for pre-school children to attempt writing for different purposes. For example children like to fill in 'forms' and be creative using paint and chop sticks to create pictures. Group time for the children is a firm favourite. Children listen intently to the story and show an understanding of the elements of the story and are able to use story language when retelling narratives. Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is enhanced as children plant spring bulbs.

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and outcomes for children

Activities are planned across all six areas of learning. Each child is assigned a key person whose responsibility it is to ensure observations are completed and that these observations are used to plan for each individual child's next steps in learning. As children play staff complete meaningful observations and photographs of the children participating in various activities are taken. A system to track children's progress has been implemented. Observations of children's achievements are recorded under each area of learning and their next steps planned for. However some observations have not been dated.

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and outcomes for children

Children's physical wellbeing is met well. Children are well nourished and are provided with opportunities to be active when playing in the outdoor play area which enable children to acquire physical skills. Children are able to ride tricycles, balance and climb on the climbing frame. After lunch the younger children who attend are able to rest which again aids their physical well-being. Healthy meals and snacks are prepared by the setting's cook who is aware of children's individual dietary requirements.

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and outcomes for children

Little Gems Nursery offers an inclusive environment where differences are valued and activities adapted to ensure all children can participate. Children attending This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with additional needs are well supported. Their parents are included in all discussions and the assistance of other professionals such as speech therapists is organised. 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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