First Steps with Surestart

First Steps with Surestart

Inspection report for early years provision

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First Steps with Surestart

Unique Reference Number EY289847 Inspection date 03 June 2005 Inspector Sandra Jean Russell

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First Steps with Surestart

Setting Address 203 Victor Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN32 7QB

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First Steps with Surestart

Telephone number 01472 352524 E-mail kellie.james7@ntlworld.com Registered person First Steps Grimsby Ltd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

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First Steps with Surestart

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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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. 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. 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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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 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?

First Steps with Sure Start is a limited company, working in partnership with Sure Start and is part of First Steps Grimsby Ltd. It opened in 2004 and offers care to children from birth to two years. Children from the surrounding Grimsby area are accepted at the nursery, with priority being given to children from the East Marsh area. The nursery is housed in new purpose built premises, close to the centre of Grimsby. There is a main playroom, a sleep room, toilet and nappy change facilities, a disabled toilet and milk kitchen all at ground level. Meals are prepared in the kitchen belonging

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to First Steps Grimsby Ltd. and transported to the nursery. Outdoor play is provided in the secure play area, which has safety surfacing. The six staff members have, or are working towards, relevant childcare qualifications. The senior members of staff have extensive experience in the care of babies. The nursery is open from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday with the exception of bank holidays. It is registered to provide care for 21 children. Currently there are 42 children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is clean and where high standards of hygiene are observed. Children are beginning to learn good hygiene routines when they are encouraged in hand washing and understand about the hygienic storage of dummies. The use of individual paper towels and wipes ensures that cross contamination is avoided and the children's health protected. They are provided with extensive opportunities to participate in activities, that help them develop their physical skills, both indoors and outdoors. Items such as climbing equipment, slides, wheeled toys and rockers help the children enjoy their physical activities, in the well resourced outdoor area. The children move freely and confidently about the setting as a whole, developing their sense of space. Children who are beginning to learn to walk are encouraged by the staff and the use of walking toys and equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual sleep patterns and preferences are respected well, with comforters and cuddles provided where needed, ensuring that the children feel secure. Freshly cooked, well balanced meals ensure that the children receive healthy, nourishing foods. They begin to learn about healthy eating when provided with dishes such as casseroles, fish, moussaka, chicken, fruit and vegetables. The attractive presentation ensures that the meals are enjoyed and alternatives are provided for those who do not appreciate the individual dishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children's safety is ensured by the staff's consistent attention to most details. Comprehensive risk assessments are carried out regularly and policies and procedures are used effectively. Emergency evacuation procedures are carried out at regular intervals and re-assessments made where problems have been noted. Details such as the use of hats, ensures that children are protected from the sun and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 lotions are applied where parents have consented. The children receive appropriate guidance from the staff, for example when using the outdoor equipment, to help them understand about safety. The children benefit from the staff's up to date understanding of first aid practice and their welfare is safeguarded through the staff's thorough awareness of child protection procedures. The children are able to independently access the toys and equipment from low shelves, tables and at floor level. All are in good, clean condition. Equipment used by the children, such as cots, pushchairs, harnesses, emergency evacuation trolley and baby walkers are in good repair, protecting their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children settle well, in a provision where they are confident and happy. They are greeted warmly, on arrival, by the staff, who ensure that their individual needs are addressed. They benefit from the staff's use of the Birth to Three Matters framework, that is used to inform and develop their understanding of children's development and progress. The children enjoy participating in a selection of worthwhile activities such as construction, small world, role play and puzzles, that stimulate and interest. Their creativity and curiosity is fostered when they have opportunities to experiment with water 'painting' on the paving stones. They join enthusiastically in spontaneous singing games and listen well to stories. Children excitedly relate experiences, to which the staff respond with enthusiasm. An aeroplane seen in the sky prompts further excitement and comment. The younger babies needs are addressed with toys

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and games such as treasure baskets, sound, light and tactile toys, suitable to their stage of development. They enjoy joining the older children in the outdoor area, where all the children are encouraged to play together and interact. The children begin to develop positive relationships with the staff and each other, demonstrating confidence and friendship. A group of children in the water tray play well together and enjoy the interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as their individual routines are followed, after consultation with parents. Cuddles and responsive interaction from staff give children a sense of belonging. The children receive appropriate guidance and support when accessing large equipment ensuring that their confidence is developed. Children begin to show care and concern for others, as they learn to say 'sorry' and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 begin to know right from wrong. In most instances their independence is fostered. They are starting to help to tidy toys away, find their own coats, manipulate spoons and forks and recognise their own needs such as drinks and sleep. They make choices, such as where and how they will sleep. Their positive behaviour is praised and encouraged by the staff who recognise the children's contributions. The children begin to learn about the wider world through the inclusion of resources such as multi national dolls, images in books, play foods and creative activities. They engage in non-stereotypical play, learning to acknowledge their own identity.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are at ease in the well organised environment. They are familiar with the daily routine as the daily time table is followed. The well documented policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Parents receive a daily diary which enables them to keep up to date with their child's progress. They are able to contribute by adding comments and information. Friendly relationships with the staff ensure that relevant information is exchanged verbally before or after a session. The children benefit from the consistent use of the key worker system, that enables them to relate to a specific staff member. Comprehensive planning systems are monitored and adapted to ensure that the children make good progress in all areas of development. The needs of the children are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

In June 2005 a complaint was received with regard to National Standard 7 - Health. The complaint was investigated and as a result the provision has reviewed, amended and implemented changes to relevant policies. The provision remains qualified for registration.

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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

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE 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 National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • comply with food safety recommendations, with regard to the recording of hot food and refrigerator temperatures • improve children's access to appropriate seating, to develop their independence.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the 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

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