Park Hall Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/10/2003 Inspector Name Sue Anslow

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name PARK HALL DAY NURSERY Setting Address 2 LIVERPOOL ROAD WEST CHURCH LAWTON STOKE ON TRENT

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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

Park Hall Day Nursery opened in 1992. It operates from five rooms in a converted village school building in Church Lawton, near Alsager, Cheshire. Park Hall serves the community in south Cheshire and north Staffordshire. There are currently 30 children aged from birth to five years on roll in the nursery, this includes funded three and four year olds and the setting supports children with special needs and children who speak English as a second language. Children can attend for a variety of sessions. They also offer a "before school" facility for twelve children and currently have two children on roll. The nursery opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07:00 to 17:30. Eight full time staff work with the children. Six staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3, and one staff member is working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years

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Information about the setting

Development and Childcare Partnership and have successfully completed the Investors in People Assessment Award.

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How good is the Day Care?

Park Hall Day Nursery provides good care for children. It offers full day care, part time places, a 'before school club', and is organised well with a predominance of qualified staff. The nursery has recently been refurbished and some rooms reorganised to provide larger and more easily accessible play spaces, bathroom areas and staff facilities. The current heating system needs attention. Sufficient and suitable toys and furniture for all age groups is provided. Record keeping, registers and general policies and procedures are completed correctly and kept up to date and available for parents to see. The safety and care of the children is well attended to, nutritious meals and snacks are provided and drinks are available throughout the day. Individual needs and requirements are catered for and staff are taking advantage of available training courses to further their knowledge and understanding. The range of activities provided promotes learning and progress in all areas of

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How good is the Day Care?

development. The children enjoy working on themes and using the many natural

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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 play materials available. Staff help and encourage children to participate, share and be kind to each other. Partnership with parents is valued and promoted. Information is given both verbally and in writing and parents are invited to participate in nursery life whenever possible. The parents who returned questionnaire's indicated a satisfaction with the small group sizes, the safety and care of the children and the friendliness of the staff.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were a number of actions raised at the last inspection, most of which have been completed satisfactorily. The fridge has been removed from the preschool room, the heaters are adequately guarded, new fencing has been erected round part of the garden and children cannot gain access to the kitchen. All these actions serve to keep the children safe. New cupboards and low shelving have been purchased which allows children to access their choice of toys, a staff room has been created through general reorganisation which gives the staff an area to relax, and general maintenance has been carried out throughout the nursery which further enhances children's safety. There is no cook in the nursery at present, but the member of staff doing the cooking has attended a catering course and they are currently trying to recruit a replacement cook who will have the appropriate qualification. The temperature of the heating and water system is still a bit erratic, but the installation

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What has improved since the last inspection?

of a new heating system next year will improve this.

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What is being done well?

• The variety of activities provided ensures children make progress in all areas of development. Staff link activities to a common theme and help children learn through appropriate questions and comments. • The reorganisation and refurbishment of the nursery has given the children larger and brighter play spaces, with easier access to bathroom and storage areas. • The health and safety of the children is promoted. Staff are attentive and vigilant, risk assessments updated regularly and fire drills carried out monthly. • Healthy, nutritious meals and snacks are provided throughout the day. Drinks are always available and mealtimes are relaxed and sociable. • The relationship with parents is valued and promoted. Staff are described by parents as caring and friendly, and they keep parents informed and involved in life in the nursery and their child's routine and progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• The heating system in the nursery is due to be renewed next year and this will benefit children and staff.

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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 • The training opportunities for all staff to attend relevant, up to date courses should continue.

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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 ensure staff have access to relevant training to update their knowledge and understanding 4 ensure heating system provides and maintains adequate temperatures in all rooms.

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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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