Five Children's and Families Trust

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292874 Inspection date 22/07/2005 Inspector Barbara Redmond

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Setting address Sure Start Family Centre, Conleach Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L24 0TW

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Telephone number 0151 425 4028 or 0151 486 9412 E-mail info@surestartspeke.org Registered person Sure Start Speke Limited Type of inspection Care Type of care Full day care

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Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be freely reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided the source and date of publication are stated.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The provider must give a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must give a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Day Care and Childminding (inspection) (England) Regulations 2005 No 2300 Regulations 5 and 6).

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Sure Start Neighbourhood Nursery opened in 2004 and is situated in the Speke district of South Liverpool. It operates from a new purpose built premises and provides a baby room, a quiet room, a large activity area with a kitchen, two play bases, a play pod and an outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery provides care for 30 children from birth to four years. The group is open five days each week (with occasional Saturdays) and opening hours are 08.00 until 18.00 all year round.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are nine members of staff working with the children who are all qualified to Level II or above. Staff work as part of the Speke Sure Start Team and work in partnership with a wide range of other agencies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from nutritious meals which make a good contribution to their health and well-being. At snack time they are offered toast and a choice of water or juice. Meals provided offer a good balance of foods, meeting children's nutritional needs. Fruit and fresh salad is regularly included in children's diets. Children are allowed to choose their own lunch fostering their independence skills well. There is a water cooler available to children at all times to ensure that they do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are helped to develop an understanding of healthy eating when the chef comes into the nursery and helps them to cook their own healthy lunches. This is further developed because staff remind them that salad is good for them, making them big and strong.

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Helping children to be healthy

Details of special diets for children are on the wall in the kitchen area to ensure individual needs are met. The details have photographs of the children as an additional and effective safeguard for them.

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Helping children to be healthy

A clean environment is provided for children to enjoy their play. Detailed cleaning rotas are in place so a good level of hygiene is maintained. Risks of cross-infection for children are minimised as they use individual linen and nappy changing routines follow appropriate guidelines. Children are involved in hygiene routines, such as wiping tables after eating, which encourages their awareness of good hygiene practice and fosters their independence skills well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff accurately record the necessary medication details such as dosage, times and parental signatures to ensure children are safeguarded. They are given appropriate care when they have an accident because staff record details of the event and this is shared with parents. The necessary documents and staff first aid qualifications are in place to deal effectively with emergency situations for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is bright and welcoming for children and their families because well presented displays of their work and good use of posters enhance learning and play experiences. The space is organised into bays and a messy play area that provide a very interesting space for children to move around in and have all their needs met. Twinkle lights in the ceiling enhance children's sensory play experiences. The premises are well maintained to ensure that children's play experiences are positive.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a wide range of toys and resources that are of good quality and condition, ensuring safety and enjoyable play experiences. Children are safeguarded as staff check all toys every night to make sure they are clean and safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are stored at child height in appropriate containers, allowing children free access and encouraging their independence skills well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The nursery is mostly safe for children, with precautions such as safety gates, doors fitted with finger protecting devices and annual safety checks on electrical appliances. However, a sharp tap outside and some exposed electrical sockets in the baby room pose a hazard for children. Children's interests regarding safety is ongoing because recorded daily risk assessments are carried out in all areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected in case of fire as an appropriate evacuation procedure is displayed throughout the setting. Regular fire drills ensure that all children and staff are familiar with the drill and can evacuate safely minimising the danger for them effectively. Annual checks on all fire equipment, including extinguishers and alarms provides further protection for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff receive regular training in child protection and demonstrate a good knowledge of the issues and procedures so children's interests are met. Good documentation is in place so that staff can take appropriate action if they are worried about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is very well enhanced because staff make regular observations of progress towards the early learning goals. Staff clearly demonstrate how this information affects the planning of future activities for children so that they are at an appropriate level and help them to make progress in all areas of their development. Exciting and stimulating activities such as hunting for interesting objects in a treasure chest of sand provide excellent learning opportunities for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Planning is detailed and carefully designed to meet the learning needs of all children, ensuring a balanced and stimulating curriculum is provided. Babies also have their learning enhanced very well as staff plan using the Birth to three matters framework. Babies are given a range of activities such as creative work, water play and messy play with jelly to develop their skills in all areas. Activities are appropriate for babies because many of them involve sensory experiences using items such as paint and tissue paper. Communication skills for babies are encouraged very well as music plays in the background and staff constantly talk to babies. Children's creative skills are encouraged with skill. For example, one to two year olds join in with action songs that are familiar to them with enthusiasm, expressing themselves freely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

At story time children have their language skills developed effectively because the practitioner asks questions and encourages them to recall events in a familiar story. The practitioner changes her voice and makes links to children's own experience to engage children's interest. Children are focused and interested in the story, joining in with familiar phrases. Consistent praise and rewards for behaving well further enhance their experience of language development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Early literacy skills are also fostered skilfully for children as they write letters to pirates, and use written materials such as holiday brochures during play. Free access to cutting and gluing tools helps children to develop their fine motor skills to a high level.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The enthusiasm shown by staff for children's early learning, where every opportunity is taken to help children develop knowledge and skills, results in children who are interested, motivated and very keen to learn.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met very well. For example, a timer and stamp system is used to improve children's concentration and a system using picture cues to support an understanding of routines and activities at the setting have been devised for children with additional needs. There are close links with other professionals within the Sure Start organisation so advice and support is readily available if staff have any concerns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good range of resources is available to children to increase their understanding of a diverse society including books, jigsaws, posters and small world play items. Children are involved in a range of activities to help them develop a good knowledge and respect for all people.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well at the setting as staff have a clear understanding of the use of positive methods to manage behaviour. This is in line with the detailed behaviour management policy at the setting. Staff provide good role models for children as they speak politely, saying please and thank you at appropriate times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy consistency of care as there are good links with parents. Parents receive newsletters, information about the curriculum, including planning, and are invited to open days. Parents also complete questionnaires covering children's progress and how involved they feel they are in the nursery. Positive responses indicate that children and parents feel welcome at the setting and parents have enough information to feel that their children are cared for according to their wishes. Children's feelings of security are fostered well because they see their parents in positive relationships with staff when staff greet parents warmly and take time to discuss the child's day. Care plans for each child are completed with parents which further enhances children's development.

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Organisation

Children are cared for by suitable adults because the necessary checks are implemented efficiently and staff are suitably qualified and experienced. Staff know their roles and responsibilities due to a stringent induction process so good care is provided for individual children. They are aware of the detailed policies and procedures at the setting because they receive staff handbooks containing the necessary information to provide a good service for children.

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Organisation

All records are stored securely to maintain a high level of confidentiality for children and their families. Parents can see own child's records at any time, to ensure appropriate care is provided. Children's interests continue to be safeguarded after they have left the setting because documents are stored for more than two years after a child has left the nursery.

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Organisation

Children have access to a safe and efficient environment because the necessary relevant documents are in place to provide for them. These documents include detailed staff and children's records, appropriate medical documentation, admission forms and parental consents.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

 ensure all areas are safe by making electrical sockets and the tap in the outdoor area inaccessible to children.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

procedures set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted’s role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2473) which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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