Topoli Joe

Topoli Joe Inspection report for early years provision

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EY280315 Unique Reference Number 13 November 2007 Inspection date Elaine Marie McDonnell Inspector

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172 Northgate, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1QU Setting Address

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01325466234 Telephone number sandzf@topoli.fsnet.co.uk E-mail Topoli Leisure Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care, Out of School care Type of care

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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?

Topoli Joe Day Nursery has been registered since September 2004. It is situated in a large, converted three storey building in the Northgate area of Darlington, very close to the town centre. Full day care takes place mainly on the ground floor of the building but children also have use of the soft play area on the first floor. Out of school care takes place on the second floor of the building but children can also access the soft play area on the first floor. Toilet and washing facilities are available on the ground and second floors of the building for children. Staff access toilets in the adjoining restaurant on the first floor. Kitchen facilities are also available on the first floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is no outdoor play area attached to the provision but children have regular access to the large soft play area within the building. They also go for regular walks and visits within the local community. The day care provision operates each weekday from 07.30 until 18.00 and on Saturday from 08.00 until 18.00 all year round, excluding public holidays. Children attend a variety of sessions and some are collected from and taken to local primary and nursery schools. Soft play sessions are also provided at the facility on a weekend from 11.00 until 17.00.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The nursery is registered to provide full day care for up to 104 children under eight years at any one time. Children over eight years are also cared for outside of school hours. There are

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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 currently 33 children on roll attending the nursery and 66 children on roll attending the out of school club, aged from one year to 10 years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are 12 members of staff employed to work directly with the children, including the nursery manager. Of these, 10 members of staff have an appropriate early years qualification. There are currently two members of staff on training programmes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because staff follow appropriate hygiene procedures to ensure that the premises and equipment are kept clean. Children are beginning to understand about personal hygiene practices, such as hand washing and brushing of teeth as this is promoted throughout the daily routine. Detailed illness procedures are in place to protect children's overall health and include exclusion periods for certain illnesses and conditions. Suitable first aid boxes are available. Medication and accident records are completed, well kept and up to date and include parents signatures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and receive a range of healthy snacks and meals. Older children have opportunities to help themselves to snacks within their room and eating times are observed to be relaxed and sociable occasions. Staff work well with parents to obtain written information about children's individual dietary requirements and ensure that these are adhered to.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to enjoy physical activity on a regular basis. They have access to a large soft play area and are taken for regular walks and visits within the local community. They also rest and sleep according to their needs and individual routines, which staff are well aware of.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good steps are taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, the premises are kept secure, suitable risk assessments have been conducted, key pads and video recording are in place in all areas and daily safety checks are undertaken. Good procedures are in place following accidents and Ofsted are informed when necessary. Good steps are taken to ensure that children are kept safe when outdoors and when on outings. For example, written safety procedures are in place for escorting children between school and the setting, risk assessments for outings are undertaken and children wear high visibility jackets when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe when involved in regular fire drills, which are recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment within both the nursery and the after school club is welcoming for children with different activities and play areas well set out for them. Examples of children's art work are also attractively presented. Some refurbishments have recently been undertaken and the building is in a satisfactory condition. However, part of the floor in the baby room is slightly uneven and as a result, the floor covering poses a tripping hazard. Some rooms feel cold in the morning and warm up later in the day. Children have easy access to a suitable range of toys, equipment and furniture, which are age and size appropriate. Staff ensure that resources are

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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 safe and suitable for children's use with regular routines, such as 'opening and closing checks' and cleaning rotas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. Staff understand their role in relation to child protection issues and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. They demonstrate a good understanding of the different areas of abuse and of the comprehensive procedures which are in place within the nursery.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a good range of activities that cover all areas of development. For example, they all participate in exercise and physical play activities in the soft play area of the building. When in their separate play rooms the older children participate in painting, cutting, drawing activities as well as listening to stories and using table-top toys. They also go for a walk to a nearby park. Younger children participate in role play with staff. They enjoy playing with natural materials, such as water and sand. Activities are appropriately planned for children and are evaluated. Older children have opportunities to learn about healthy living, such as when involved in craft activities to show healthy meals and when helping to prepare healthy snacks. Staff working with the younger children have had access to training on 'Birth to three matters' and make appropriate use of the framework when planning activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self esteem well when being praised and encouraged by staff for their efforts. They show interest in what they do and enjoy the activities and resources available. Children have good opportunities to be independent and use their initiative, for example, when deciding what they would like to play with, what they would like for snack and when being encouraged to put on their own shoes. They are acquiring new skills and knowledge with support from staff, for example, social skills and physical skills. Children respond to challenge and concentrate well when involved in varied activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have appropriate opportunities to learn about wider society and begin to appreciate their own culture and the cultural traditions of others, for example, various activities relating to different calendar events are planned, such as Halloween and Diwali. They also have access to a range of resources which reflect wider society, such as books and dressing up clothes. The role play area is currently designed as a 'Hindu temple'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equal opportunities is well 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. The provision supports children with additional needs and staff work closely with other professionals to ensure that children's needs are being met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy being in the nursery and enjoy the activities available, they are settled and happy and make positive relationships with adults and peers. Children are well behaved and staff demonstrate a good understanding of how to manage behaviour appropriately and promote a positive environment. For example, children are given stickers to acknowledge good behaviour and effort. Children are beginning to understand about the feelings of others with support from staff, for example, during discussions about sharing and being kind to others.

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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 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. Parents of babies and younger children also receive written information about their child's day. All parents receive written 'progress information' reports annually, which informs them of their child's progress in different areas of learning and development. Lots of useful information is displayed for parents in the entrance area and they receive comprehensive information about the provision in the form of an attractive 'information pack'. A complaints procedure is in place, is shared with parents and includes the regulators details.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Recruitment and vetting procedures are rigorous and robust enough to ensure that children are well protected and cared for by staff with relevant experience, knowledge and skills. Appropriate induction and staff supervision procedures are in place and have been updated since the last inspection.

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Organisation

Staff have appropriate access to ongoing training and development courses, including in-house training. They have annual appraisal meetings which include any training and development needs. Several members of staff have a current first aid qualification and ratios are organised so that there is always at least one member of staff on duty with an appropriate first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Attendance records and observations show that adult to child ratios are effectively maintained throughout the day. Group size and deployment of staff contribute positively to children’s care, learning and play. Additional staff are employed over the lunch period to cover staff breaks and school pick-ups.

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Organisation

All records and documents required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are available, well kept and up to date. Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of the policies and procedures of the setting. Staff have high regard for the well-being of all children and they receive good adult support and attention. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the provider was asked to ensure all medication records are kept confidential and accident records are signed by parents. The organisation of the provision has improved as this recommendation has been addressed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was asked to ensure that hazardous substances are made inaccessible to children. Children's safety has been promoted as this recommendation has been addressed and all substances are now appropriately stored.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to carry out regular emergency evacuation procedures and ensure that all staff and children take part. Staff and children's safety has been promoted as fire evacuation procedures are now practiced twice a month.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the provider was also asked to ensure there is a named person responsible for special educational needs and disability and for behaviour management. The

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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 organisation of the provision has improved as a member of staff has been identified to undertake this responsibility and other staff are aware of this and of the procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to ensure that newly appointed staff do not work unsupervised with children until all suitability checks are fully completed. Children's safety and the organisation of the provision have improved as appropriate procedures have been introduced to meet this recommendation.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns regarding National Standard 7 - Health. An Ofsted Early Years childcare inspector visited the provision on 7 July 2006. Ofsted are satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 6 - Safety, National Standard 7 - Health and National Standard 12 - Working in partnership with parents and carers. An Ofsted Early Years childcare inspector visited the provision on 29 November 2006. Actions were raised and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns in relation to National Standard 7 - Health. The Compliance, Investigation and Enforcement Team contacted the provision in January 2007. The provision provided an investigation response regarding the concerns raised. Ofsted are satisfied the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • ensure that all rooms are maintained at an adequate temperature throughout the day • ensure that the floor covering in the baby room does not pose a tripping hazard.

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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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