Warblington School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/01/2005 Inspector Name Silvia Richardson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Cherubs Setting Address 2a Bell Green Lane London SE26 5TB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

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 THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

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Information about the setting

Little Cherubs nursery opened in 2000. It operates from group rooms set out over two floors of a purpose built premises and has use of an enclosed outside play area. A maximum of 44 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00. for 50 weeks of the year. There are currently 54 children aged seven months to under five years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions and most come from the local area. The setting supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs 14 staff and of these,13 including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. One staff member is working towards a qualification. The nursery has regular support from an area special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). Staff have access to training courses and support services run by the Lewisham Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership

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Information about the setting

(EYDCP) and the Lewisham Early Years Advice and Resource Network (LEARN).

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Cherubs provides satisfactory care for children. There is a good ratio of staff so that children receive appropriate help throughout the day. Staff provide a safe environment for children and generally supervise them well. Staff interact and play with children in the garden and sit and talk to children in the group rooms when playing inside. Most staff and room leaders have some childcare training and provide reasonably well for children's physical and social needs. Children are encouraged to share and take turns and generally co-operate well. Children's emotional needs are less effectively met and their efforts not always valued. Staff praise the children at times and are generally positive in their relationships with children. The routine and schedule of activities is task orientated with set times for specific activities, such as play, snacks and meals, clearing up and sleep times. Spontaneous and creative play opportunities are limited by the routine and some

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How good is the Day Care?

toys and play materials are not easily accessible or available to children, reducing their choices and limiting their play and learning experiences, particularly in role-play.

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How good is the Day 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 The nursery provides a reasonably comfortable environment for children. Some areas are cleaner and more organised than others and some rooms have more suitable resources and equipment. Hygiene routines and practices are also variable with arrangements made for the ease of managing the group rather than effectively addressing and meeting the needs of individual children. The nursery operates an inclusion policy and children with special needs are integrated well into the setting. There are some suitable policies and procedures in place that contribute to the safe management of the provision. Records kept are generally good although sufficient written information is not always kept to demonstrate and account for the care and welfare of children. Most information is exchanged verbally with parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Good progress has been made since the last inspection. Safety has been improved by replacing a broken a window and written procedures are in place for carrying out risk assessment of the premises. There are also operational procedures for the safety of children on outings. The provider has also developed the system for recording children's behaviour an incident book has been introduced.

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What is being done well?

• The provider makes good use of regular support from an area special educational needs coordinator, to effectively integrate and meet the needs of children with special needs. • There is a good ratio of staff to children so that children are safely and appropriately supervised throughout the day. • Staff sit and play with the children and talk to them through the course of the routine and provide good opportunities for children to socialise and make friends. • Children are offered a good balance of play time in the nursery and outside in the garden so that they have plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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What needs to be improved?

• childcare practice, so that it is child centred and the routine and schedule of activities are organised to meet children's individual needs effectively; • accessibility and availability of toys and play materials, so that children are able to make choices from a wider range of interesting and stimulating resources that promote learning in all areas of development; • the nursery environment, so that is warm, clean, welcoming and well organised for children and parents;

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • hygiene routines, so that children have opportunities to develop good personal habits and staff take appropriate steps to ensure children rest and sleep comfortably and minimise the risk of spread of infection in the nursery; • records, so that the are fully accountable for the care and welfare of children in the nursery and parents are kept appropriately informed;

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received two complaints relating to National Standard 11, management of children's behaviour and National Standard 3, care learning and play. Both complaints were investigated at unannounced visits and on both occassions Ofsted found that the provider met National Standards. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 develop child centred care practices, organising space and resources, the routine and schedule of activities to meet children's needs effectively; 3 provide a range of activities and play opportunities for children's overall development and ensure toys and play materials are easily accessible and available to children; 4 ensure that the babies sleep room is maintained at an adequate and comfortable temperature, the group rooms are clean and well organised to meet children's needs and space requirements are met; 7 ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding arrangements for sleeping children, arrangements for storage and presentation of cups,

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by the time of the next 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 hand washing, nappy change areas and suitable routines for children; 14 develop record keeping procedures to account for care and welfare of children and make records available to parents.

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by the time of the next 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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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

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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