Heathside Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/07/2003 Inspector Name Lynne Whitty

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Heathside Day Nursery Setting Address Heath Road South Weston Runcorn Cheshire WA7 4QR

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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

Heathside Day Nursery was registered in 1998 and is owned and managed by the Network Nurseries Limited. It operates within purpose built premises situated in Weston Village, Runcorn and primarily serves the local area. The establishment is open every week day throughout the year. Sessions are available between 07:00 and 19:00. There are currently 37 children aged between birth and 5 years on roll; children attend for a variety of sessions, including those who are present on a full- and part-time basis. The nursery is in receipt of funding for nursery education for 3 and 4 year olds. The staff team currently comprises 8 full-time childcare staff, in addition to the cook. Over half of the staff hold early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from a mentor within the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Heathside Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The nursery offers a warm and welcoming environment for the children and their parents/carers. The staff team develop positive relationships with the children and respond appropriately in order to meet the children's individual needs. The organisation provides an effective induction programme for new staff and the team are required to attend regular staff meetings. The adult:child ratios, specifically during the lunchtime period, were found to be inadequate. Staff promote good standards of hygiene via their practice. Mealtimes are used as social occasions, with positive interaction between the staff and the children being observed throughout the nursery at such times. Additional play resources promoting equality of opportunity have been provided. Staff in the pre-school rooms are developing their understanding and awareness of issues relating to working with

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How good is the Day Care?

children with additional needs. Weaknesses were identified in the carrying out of health and safety procedures. Staff plan the daily activities available to the children, although for the younger children, these were not able to be followed on the day of the inspection visit. A

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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 varied range of stimulating toys and play experiences are available for the pre-school children and they are able to access these resources independently. Staff manage behaviour consistently, with a strong emphasis being placed on praise and encouraging appropriate behaviour. Positive relationships with parents/carers are encouraged; information regarding the children's progress and achievements are regularly shared with parents. Parents are also frequently updated about more general nursery/organisational matters.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the previous inspection, the nursery has provided additional play materials and activities which promote equal opportunities, thereby enriching the value of the children's experiences and encouraging spontaneous discussion regarding these issues.

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What is being done well?

• Children are comfortable and settled within the childcare setting. The staff interact positively with the children at their level, to which the children respond with spontaneous displays of affection and enjoyment. • Staff encourage an effective partnership with parents. Regular feedback is given to parents both verbally and in written format, as well as using other means of engaging parents and informing them of their child's progress, such as via newsletters and open evenings. Positive feedback was received from several parents who contributed to the inspection process. • The pre-school children particularly are afforded a variety of opportunities for self-chosen activities, undertaken on an individual basis or within small groups, with some adult guidance. Staff plan a range of interesting and stimulating experiences for this age group, incorporating both opportunities for active play and relaxation.

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What is being done well?

• An effective induction programme is in place. This is supported by a system of appraisals between the manager and the individual members of staff and regular team meetings. • Documentation is accurately maintained and easily accessible.

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What needs to be improved?

• arrangements for supervision of the lunchtime routine, including the clarification of staff responsibilities at this time • deployment of staff to ensure that planned activities for the younger children are appropriately resourced within a safe environment • review of health and safety procedures/practice • recording of visitors present at the establishment

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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 • collection of information regarding dietary requirements and the sharing of this information with the relevant personnel

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 2 ensure that suitable contingency arrangements are in place to maintain the required adult:child ratios; this specifically includes the lunchtime period. 22/07/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

6 ensure that staff comply with recommendations made by the Fire Safety Officer regarding the closure of designated fire doors. 22/07/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

6 review safety procedures to ensure that the outdoor play area is checked prior to being used by the children and ensure that all staff are briefed accordingly. 22/07/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 ensure that all visitors to the establishment are requested to sign the appropriate attendance record. 3 ensure that activities and play resources are appropriate for the child’s age and provide a variety of play opportunities and experiences both indoors and outdoors. 4 ensure that toys and play equipment are stored appropriately and are removed from the disabled toilet area. 6 ensure that equipment provided for sleeping children is appropriate for this purpose. 7 review current hygiene procedures relating to the storage of children’s

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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 soothers. 8 devise a system for collating information provided by parents/carers regarding any special dietary requirements, preferences or allergies and ensure that this information is easily accessible to the relevant staff.

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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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