Redlands Day Nursery

Redlands Day Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Redlands Day Nursery

508415 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2007 Inspection date Elaine Marie McDonnell Inspector

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Redlands Day Nursery

4 Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 1RE Setting Address

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E-mail

Mrs Janet Kidd (Proprietor) Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care Type of care

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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

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Redlands Day Nursery has been registered since 1985. It is located in the centre of Redcar close to the train station. The nursery is registered to offer full day care for up to 44 children under eight years. There are currently 27 children on roll aged from nine months to five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently no children with learning difficulties or disabilities attending the setting, however, appropriate procedures are in place to support children with additional needs. The nursery operates each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00, all year round, closing only over the Christmas period. Children attend for a variety of sessions and can also be taken to and collected from various local nursery classes and primary schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Overall, there are seven members of staff employed to work directly with the children plus the nursery owner. Of these, two members of staff plus the owner, are employed to work on a full-time basis. Six members of staff have an appropriate childcare qualification and the other

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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 member of staff is currently working towards this. A cook is also employed to prepare children's meals on a daily basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children stay healthy because staff implement appropriate practices to ensure a hygienic environment, such as regular cleaning routines and good procedures for nappy changing. However, the nappy changing mat is not in good condition so does not help to prevent the spread of infection. Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine and wash their hands at appropriate times. Older children are beginning to understand the importance of simple, good health and hygiene practices and know that they wash their hands to 'get the germs off'. Appropriate accident and illness procedures are in place to protect children's overall health. Suitable first aid boxes are available, including one that is taken on any outings. Accident and medication records are in place, however, there are many instances where parents have not been asked to give written permission for staff to administer medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

This is a requirement under the National Standards.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. They receive varied and nutritious two course meals and snacks throughout the day and drinking water is readily available in each room. Children have their health and dietary needs met because staff work well with parents to obtain written information about individual dietary requirements and family preferences. Staff and the cook are well aware of children's individual dietary needs and meals are planned taking all children into account. Meal times are observed to be relaxed and sociable occasions, however, babies and tweenies wait too long for their food to arrive and begin to get bored and restless. Older children are beginning to learn about healthy living with the use of a star chart for healthy eating and they also have 'funky fruit' tasting sessions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to enjoy physical activity both indoors and outdoors. Older children are observed running around outdoors and splashing in puddles; they also enjoy dancing activities indoors. Climbing equipment and push along toys are available indoors for younger children and all children go for regular walks within the local vicinity. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and individual routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, the premises is kept secure, a record of visitors is maintained and risk assessments for some outings have been conducted. However, there is currently no risk assessment available for the premises. Children learn to keep themselves safe when involved in fire drills, however, not all fire exits are clearly identifiable. Written procedures are in place to promote children's safety when they are collected from other nursery or primary schools.

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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 The environment is warm and welcoming for the children with a varied range of toys and play materials readily available for them. Children and parents are warmly welcomed into the setting by staff and examples of children's artwork are attractively displayed around the nursery. Children have easy access to a varied range of toys, equipment and furniture. Staff ensure that resources are safe and suitable for children's use with regular checking and cleaning routines and most items are in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is not appropriately safeguarded as the procedure for child protection is not adequate and does not include all relevant information. Some staff members have had access to child protection training since the last inspection and demonstrate a basic understanding of the main areas of abuse and of possible signs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a good range of activities that cover all areas of development. For example, older children enjoy outdoor play and splashing in the puddles with their wellies and watching the snow fall. They enjoy building with construction items, dressing up, dancing and they participate well in role play activities. Children have access to sand, paint and drawing materials. The home corner area is periodically changed and at the moment is designed as a pet shop with lots of toy animals and boxes of pet food and play money available. Younger children enjoy making bird feeders and thoroughly enjoy a bubble blowing activity. Children have regular opportunities for walks around the local environment and younger children attend the library for a planned singing and activity session each week.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Some members of staff have completed a training course on 'Birth to three matters'. The framework is effectively implemented with children being involved in a varied range of activities to promote their development. Good 'profiles' are used for younger children and they are regularly observed and their development is assessed and recorded. However, staff do not currently assess older children's development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show an interest in what they do and are very excited to go outside to play. Some staff members promote children's confidence and self-esteem with appropriate praise and encouragement and older children have opportunities to be independent and use their initiative when changing their shoes and clothes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children acquire some new skills and knowledge with appropriate questions from some staff and they respond to challenge and concentrate well when drawing, building and painting. Children have limited opportunities to learn about wider society. However, some resources which reflect diversity, such as dressing up clothes, puzzles and books are available. Children begin to appreciate their own cultural traditions when involved in activities relating to Christmas and Easter.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equal opportunities are appropriately promoted as all children are included and involved. Appropriate procedures are in place for the identification and assessment of children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy the nursery and the activities available. They are settled and happy and make positive relationships with adults and peers. They say hello to their friends when they arrive at nursery and help each other to put on wellies and shoes. Children are generally well behaved and are cared for in a relaxed and friendly environment. Behaviour is appropriately managed and positive behaviour is encouraged by most staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The setting works well in partnership with parents and carers. Parents are kept informed of their child's development and progress through regular discussions with staff and parents of younger children have easy access to their children's individual profile records. Written consent for staff to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children and for children to go on outings is obtained from parents. A record of complaints plus a complaints procedure are available, however, this does not contain the regulator's current contact address. Parents receive some good written information about the provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Recruitment and vetting procedures are sufficiently rigorous and robust to ensure that children are well protected and are cared for by staff with relevant experience, knowledge and skills. Staff receive a detailed 'employee handbook' and an appropriate induction procedure is in place. Staff's training needs are assessed on an informal, ongoing basis and they have appropriate access to training and development courses. Some staff have completed child protection, first aid, food hygiene and 'Birth to three matters' training since the last inspection.

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Organisation

Staff have high regard for the wellbeing of all children and children receive good adult support and attention. Observation on the day of inspection indicates that adult to child ratios are maintained, however, the record of staff's attendance does not include 'hours' of attendance and does not include all staff on duty. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm that adult to child ratios are maintained at other times and throughout the day. Group size and deployment of staff contribute positively to children’s care and safety as there is always a member of staff on duty, or on outings, with an appropriate first aid qualification.

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Organisation

Not all policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health and safety within the setting, for example, the child protection policy is not adequate and the administration of medication policy is not effectively implemented. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to devise and make available to parents, a written statement on special needs which is consistent with current legislation and guidance. This is now in place and promotes the assessment of children's individual needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was asked to ensure that children's dignity and privacy is respected when they use the bathroom and that suitable hand washing resources are available. This action has been fully addressed and children's dignity and privacy are promoted. The possible spread of infection is now reduced among older children due to the availability of suitable hand washing resources.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to ensure that the registration system includes hours of attendance. Hours of attendance are recorded for children but not for staff. This does not promote the good organisation of the provision as it is unclear from records if adult to child ratios are maintained and not all staff on duty are included in the registration system. This issue has been raised as an action at this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that prior written permission from parents is always obtained to administer medication • ensure that the child protection policy includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer and also includes contact telephone numbers for the local police and social services • ensure that the system for registering staff's attendance on a daily basis shows hours of attendance and includes all staff.

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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 These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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The quality and standards of the care

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 2599) 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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