Feedback: OfSTED Inspection Reports All of the children are encouraged towards an understanding of a healthy lifestyle because they are provided with freshly prepared nutritious meals, have good access to physical play and daily opportunities for fresh air
The whole premises is very welcoming to the children and their families, with bright visual displays throughout
Children develop confidence and self-esteem as they are encouraged towards increasing independence in accordance with their stage of development
Children’s progress and development is well supported because staff observe and record their achievements regularly using a common system throughout the nursery, linked to aspects of the framework which make it possible for staff to see what each child's next steps need to be
Children benefit because staff working with them have a variety of qualifications and experience, with all having sound knowledge of the curriculum and a understanding of how children learn
The children are obviously happy to be at nursery and are keen to play and learn; they welcome each other on arrival, are responsible for taking their coats off and confident as they move about the premises
All children develop their individuality and self-esteem as they are given choices over activities, have opportunities for self-selection and get respect for their ideas and opinions from the staff and other children
Children's positive behaviour is promoted as a result of staff’s implementation of effective strategies such as encouraging them to have good manners, be polite, share and interact well with their peers
make sure children are unable to access the drains in the outdoor play area
ensure that the evaluation of activities links into the declared learning intentions, considering if the children have achieved them
"In light of recent studies about taking too much risk out of young children's lives, and on the basis that we as a nursery risk asses all of the outside play regularly, we will continue to defend our right to allow the children to see and deal with daily risks that are manageable. The drain mentioned in the report is a rainwater drain from the roof in the Pre School playground, is regularly cleaned and maintained, is risk assessed and is safe.
What are we going to do next? - Stop the children from playing on the grass just in case they come into contact with the mud? Not let them on the playground in case a bird has messed on it?
Some years ago the nursery had a couple of chickens. The children helped to look after them and were always supervised and had a strict hygiene rule for hand washing, which taught the children so much about animals. Ofsted deemed them to be a risk to the children and the Nursery was forced to remove them. This is a loss to the children that is detrimental to their learning and experience in our opinion.
We believe the Ofsted Inspector was totally wrong in this recommendation and would welcome a re-inspection at any time from any other inspector as we will not pander to a nanny state that tries to dictate to us to remove every possible risk to the children - next they will have us cut down the two apple trees and the Greengage tree in the garden just in case a child gets tummy ache from eating an unripe piece of fruit - something we probably have all done in our childhoods.
Fortunately we were able to remove the imaginary rose bushes the Inspector thought she saw in our garden! "
Ian Higginbotham - Managing Director
In February 2008 OfSTED inspected Smiz Kids 511 and said the following:
Our good points
A substantial range of equipment and play resources are readily accessible to children. Innovative planning provides them with exciting opportunities to make active choices about their play and promote their natural curiosity. Free-flow play, where children decide to play indoors or outdoors further promotes their opportunity to direct their own play. Excellently presented and supported activities provide appropriate levels of challenge to build their confidence and self-esteem
Children are highly motivated and make use of the appealing activities to learn and extend their knowledge but also to have fun in the relaxed yet productive environment. Children engage cooperatively as they enjoy creative activities
A clear and concise written policy works effectively in practice to promote equal opportunities for all children. They are clearly valued for their individual contribution as they develop excellent relationships with peers and staff
Children's behaviour is exemplary. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting positive behaviour and successful methods are adapted effectively to meet the ages and developmental stages of all children. Children listen intently to staff and respond positively to a consistent use of praise and encouragement. Children receive warm cuddles and affection and build trusting relationships which contributes to their sense of belonging. Children make active decisions about their play, making choices as they develop their confidence and self-esteem. They develop an acute awareness of the needs of others as they help each other and learn to share and take turns. They play confidently alone and socially and ask for appropriate help if required
The setting is held in high esteem by parents who express their total satisfaction in the care their children receive