Bossy Boots Creche

Bossy Boots Creche

Inspection report for early years provision

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Bossy Boots Creche

Unique Reference Number EY276600 Inspection date 20 June 2006 Inspector Maria Keane

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Bossy Boots Creche

Setting Address 4 Parks Yard, Off Silver Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EX

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Bossy Boots Creche

Telephone number 0161 764 1264 and 07734 965 060

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E-mail

Registered person Donna Louise Hayton Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Crèche

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E-mail

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Bossy Boots crèche opened in March 2004. It operates from a two storey building in Parks Yard in the centre of Bury. The crèche accommodation consists of two rooms, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor. There are toilet and kitchen facilities. The crèche provides care for children whilst parents attend courses, visit the nearby gymnasium and shops. There are many children in total on roll, some attend regularly and others only occasionally. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The crèche is open from 08.30

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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 18.00 from Monday to Saturday and supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Eight permanent staff work with the children, of whom five have relevant child care qualifications. The manager and proprietor also has a Level 4 NVQ qualification in Management.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy healthy snacks and drinks are available at all times. Their individual needs are well met as staff ensure that they adhere to children's dietary and cultural requirements. Children learn about healthy foods through discussions at mealtimes, for example, children talk about the contents of their packed lunch, carrots being the topic of their conversation. Daily routines ensure that children have opportunities to play outside and engage in physical activity. In addition, they regularly go out for short walks if consented by the parents. Older children understand the importance of washing their hands to prevent the spread of germs and younger children follow their example. The environment is clean and staff follow clear health and hygiene guidelines, such as the consistent cleaning of the nappy changing mat and the tables prior to food being served. Children are

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Helping children to be healthy

further protected as procedures for the safe administration of medication, the clear recording of accidents and exclusion policies are well organised and kept up to date. In addition, there is a trained first aid person on the premises at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe through very clear policies and procedures set out for staff and parents, such as risk assessments and displayed fire evacuation signs. Children learn about safe boundaries, such as not going beyond security gates and using hand rails when going up and down the stairs. However, the hot water in the ground floor bathroom is not regulated to an appropriate temperature, which does pose a risk to children's safety. The children access a sufficient range of developmentally appropriate toys and equipment, which are stored in child height cupboards to allow for children to have some element of choice. The environment is bright and child friendly with fun character posters and art work displayed on the walls. In the main, space is sufficiently organised for children. However, the younger children have limited floor space to move around and play freely, as large equipment, such as

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

pushchairs and highchairs are placed in this area when not in use. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the manager and staff are fully aware of their responsibility to protect children, follow procedures and keep clear records.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive lots of support and physical comfort from a kind and consistent staff team, this particularly benefits children who are new to the setting. For example, one member of staff closely supported an unsettled child, with reassuring words, cuddles and one to one attention. Children who attend regularly are happy and form good relationships with other children and the staff team. Due to the nature of the provision some children only attend occasionally, therefore the staff work extra hard to ensure children are happy and their emotional needs are met. For example, children keep their special comforts nearby and coat pegs with their names on are created for them to store their belongings. Children are organised into play rooms according to their age and ability. Older children play on the first floor. They enjoy many activities that allow them to learn through play, such as imaginative, construction and sand play opportunities. In

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

addition, children develop an appreciation of number, colour and shape, through organised lotto games, stories and craft activities linked to the current theme 'the very hungry caterpillar'. They enthusiastically join in group story sessions and confidently share their experiences with the supporting member of staff and other children. Younger children who are situated on the ground floor also enjoy a range of fun activities, which include drawing, dressing up and looking at books. They particularly enjoy role play activities, for example, a group of children wrapped dolls up in blankets and cuddled them like babies. Children benefit from accessing a sufficient amount of manufactured resources and activities that encourage them to explore sound and colour. However, there are limited opportunities for children to explore the texture of natural materials and enjoy more accessible sensory experiences. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

manager is currently providing opportunities for the staff to attend the Birth to three matters training, to develop their knowledge of this area. The youngest children enjoy spontaneous play with staff. For example, a member of staff and young toddler enjoy a special moment, where they copy each others facial expressions and body movements causing them both to laugh loudly and enjoy each others company.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children's individual requirements are met well. Written information is obtained from parents to ensure continuity of care. The manager provides a flexible service to ensure all family needs are catered for, for example, children are offered short or long term placements depending on their parents requirements. Children have some opportunity to learn about diversity through discussions and some resources that reflect positive images, although, these experiences are limited. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are warmly welcomed into the setting and staff take pride in their commitment to supporting families. Children learn responsible behaviour through positive role models and following simple rules. The staff value children and encourage independence, for example, older children find their name cards before going to wash their hands prior to eating their lunch.

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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 The staff work hard to ensure children receive consistent care, even for one hour sessions, for example, they request that parents give as much information as possible regarding their child's needs, likes and dislikes. Parents are warmly welcomed and policies and procedures are displayed for their information. Verbal information is given to parents at the end of each session and records of children's work are kept for the children who attend regularly.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The day is organised well to ensure children have opportunities to play and rest appropriately. The manager and staff are suitably qualified and work very well as a team. They are committed to the development of a quality service for the children and their families. The manager ensures staff are kept updated and informed about relevant policies and good practice issues, through regular staff meetings and individual appraisals. Required documentation that ensures children's health, welfare and safety are in place, kept updated and stored appropriately. Overall the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that medication is stored safely and furniture is sited away from the stair well, that the child protection statement includes procedures for dealing with allegations made against a member of staff, to extend the range of play experiences for younger children, to provide adequate hot water and heating to the ground floor areas, request permission from parents to seek medical advice in the event of an emergency and for parents to sign entries when medication has been give to their child. There have been some significant developments since the previous inspection. All medication is now stored in a locked cupboard on the second floor which is not accessible to children. The stairs are clear and children and staff use these areas safely by holding the hand rail provided. The child protection statement has been reviewed and now includes clear procedures for dealing with allegations made

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Improvements since the last inspection

against staff. In addition, staff are requested to read and sign the statement to acknowledge their understanding. Children benefit from the sufficient range of activities provided and progress has been made with the implementation of activities, such as sand, painting and other art activities. However, a further recommendation has been made following this inspection to ensure children receive opportunities to explore the texture of natural materials and experience more sensory play. There is now sufficient heating and hot water facilities on the ground floor, although, the hot water needs to be regulated to keep children safe. The procedures for the safe administration of medication and parental consent for emergency treatment are in place as required.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the 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): • ensure the hot tap in the ground floor bathroom is regulated an appropriate temperature • provide more opportunities for children to explore the texture of natural materials and experience more sensory and creative activities • extend resources to ensure children develop an apprciation of diversity and their community • organise space more efficiently to ensure children have more floor space to move around and play freely.

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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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