Daisies Day Care

Daisies Day Care Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338950 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2007 Inspection date Diane Ashplant Inspector

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62 Norman Road, Northfield, Birmingham, West Midlands, B31 2EP Setting Address

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E-mail

Daisies Day Care Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care, Sessional care, Out of School 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 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?

Daisies Day Care was registered in 2006 and currently operates from the ground floor of a converted house and also an adjoining self-contained baby unit. It is situated in a residential area close to local amenities in the Northfield area of Birmingham. All children share access to a secure enclosed play area. A maximum of 54 children may attend the nursery at any one time and there are currently 27 children on roll. The nursery has just been approved to take children in receipt of grant funding for nursery education. The nursery is open all year round except for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. Sessions are from 08.00 to 18:00. Children attending come from the local and wider area. The nursery supports children who have English as an additional language. There are six staff working with the children and all hold appropriate early years qualifications. The nursery also supports a number of students.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to promote their health through regular sessions of outdoor play in the spacious garden where they enjoy a wide range of sit and ride toys or practise their

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 co-ordination skills climbing up the slide or playing games such as football and skittles. Children and babies move around inside with confidence and participate in sessions where they have instruments and dance to music. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment as staff carry out regular cleaning routines. Children have individual bedding and flannels which are washed daily and nappy changing is carried out effectively to prevent any cross infection. Children are learning to promote their health through daily routines as they regularly wash hands before meal times and after toileting, some without being reminded by staff. Children are protected in the event of an accident or illness as several staff hold current first aid certificates and all are aware of the procedures to follow if a child is unwell. All recording of

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Helping children to be healthy

accidents and medication is well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted as staff are aware of the importance of encouraging healthy eating as part of a balanced diet. Children enjoy a daily selection of fresh fruit at snack time and all sit down to a nutritious meal which is enjoyed around one table in a family environment with lots of chat and interaction. Children are encouraged by staff to eat their food and to try different tastes. Babies' individual routines are clearly recorded so that staff follow parents' wishes in their eating and sleeping patterns. Staff are aware that some children have individual dietary needs and know how to meet these appropriately. Children have regular drinks to keep themselves hydrated and the older children freely access their own drink bottles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment which means they can move around with confidence. Staff are alert to most potential hazards and have taken appropriate action to minimise any risks such as using stair gates to restrict access and ensuring that opening the baby room door during fire evacuation does not block the exit for others. However, there is currently no written risk assessment in place or regular systems to confirm checks have been done which means that children's safety could be compromised. The premises are secure and all arrivals are carefully monitored. The outdoor area is child-orientated and fully enclosed and staff are able to balance their supervision effectively with the desire of young children to explore and try new experiences. All procedures are in place to protect children's safety at all times such as the outings policy and the safe collection policy and staff are fully aware of these. All

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

resources and equipment are chosen with regard to safety and suitability and are age-appropriate and accessible so that so that children can play safely with them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the clear understanding of the staff as regards their role in child protection and how to pass on concerns appropriately. This is shared effectively with parents at registration. There is a full policy in place in line with the current safeguarding children boards and appropriate contact numbers are displayed throughout the nursery.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a bright and attractive environment which is set out with a stimulating range of different play opportunities and resources to encourage their interest and participation. Staff engage well with the children, offering lots of encouraging conversation and create a good balance of free play and more adult-led involvement. Staff sit on the floor with children and respond with warmth and attention as they share activities. Babies are able to choose from a reasonable selection of resources set out for them and explore different senses

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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 as they make noises with the musical instruments or engage in creative activities with jelly, gloop and paint. The daily routine is planned to provide a range of opportunities which cover all areas of learning and development and regularly includes outside play sessions where children enjoy for example chalking and creative activities like planting pumpkin seeds and painting plant pots.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources are generally well set out so that children can independently select their own play choices. Staff support children well and engage in activities with them which encourages their interest and curiosity. Staff use opportunities throughout the daily routine for extending children's knowledge as they discuss what they have been doing at home, identify shapes and colours on the nature table or count the number of skittles when they fall over. Staff also encourage children to develop their social skills and have started recording observations and talking photographs of their activities to identify what they are doing. However, their systems for monitoring children's progress are still being developed which may impact on the effective planning for each child. Children are engaged and interested and have good relationships with staff who clearly enjoy sharing time with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and made to feel comfortable by the staff's warm approach and understanding of their individual needs. Therefore children who are upset when settling in are supported, comforted and encouraged appropriately to engage only when they are ready. All children's individual details are discussed with parents carefully at the start and these are fully recorded on their care plans. Staff frequently liaise with parents so they understand how best to support each child, for example if they have English as an additional language. Children are encouraged to share events from their family life and are taken on walks and trips to the soft play area at 'Treasure Island' where they can experience different social and play opportunities. Children are learning about the wider world and its different celebrations through discussion, activities and resources which reflect diversity. Staff are aware that some children have specific

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs and demonstrated how they would work closely with parents to ensure any child was appropriately supported and included. Staff show an interest in developing their knowledge and understanding in this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is well managed and staff are confidently able to use strategies such as explanation, distraction and involvement to help children engage and play well together. Staff show a sensitivity to children's individual needs as they gently encourage a reluctant child to join in or recognise when another child needs his own space. However, they are clear in their responsibility to encouraging appropriate behaviour from all children as they promote positive play and develop social skills such as sharing toys, tidying away and playing with friends. Staff gently remind children of the guidelines and use lots of praise and encouragement which helps develop children's self-esteem. Children's work is valued and displayed around the room.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and staff are always open and approachable which means parents can discuss anything about their child. All information is shared through daily discussion and a comprehensive handbook. Staff support an open door policy which enables parents to feel they can visit or stay as long as they wish. Parents are kept informed of relevant information through the noticeboard displays and comprehensive newsletters and are invited to events such as the Halloween party. They share in their children's day through discussion, daily reports from the baby room and through regular work sent home.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Daisies is establishing itself as a day care centre for parents and children where staff offer a welcoming and friendly service and seek to provide a range of services to support families in the area. The environment is bright and attractive which helps children feel settled and want to engage. The staff team are beginning to work well together and form a committed and enthusiastic group who relate and respond well to the children. The daily programme is planned to offer a range of play and learning opportunities both inside and outside and includes visits into the community. All appropriate recruitment and selection procedures are in place to ensure the suitably of those who working with the children and there is an awareness of the need to supervise any unchecked staff. Staff are generally suitably deployed to support the children and roles and responsibilities are to be delegated within the staff group when it has properly

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Organisation

settled down. The management is intending to establish a supervision and training programme to encourage staff's professional development. Although all the required policies and procedures for the efficient management of the group are in place they are not fully complete which may compromise the effective sharing of operational information with parents and staff. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 good. 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): • conduct a risk assessment of the premises which is regularly reviewed and identifies action to be taken to minimise identified risks • further develop policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children.

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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 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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