Eccles College

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/09/2004 Inspector Name Beryl Witheridge

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Rainbow Day Nursery Setting Address Westgate Primary School Summerhill Road Dartford Kent DA1 2LP

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Rainbow Day Nursery Address Westgate CP School Summerhill Road Dartford Kent DA1 2LP

p.1

ORGANISATION 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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Rainbow Day Nursery Early Years Centre opened in 1985. It operates from eight school classrooms on a school site with sole use of the premises, in Dartford. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 131 children from 3 months to 8 years on roll. This includes 34 funded 3-year-olds and 6 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports 3 children with special needs and some children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 06.45 to 18.00. There are 28 staff working with the children. Over a two thirds of the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. There are 9 staff currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Rainbow Day Nursery Early Years Centre provides good care for children. The nursery is run by qualified staff who are keen to update their knowledge and training or are currently undertaking training to acquire a qualification. Staffing levels are always maintained and are often higher than the minimum required. They have use eight rooms in a converted school and utilise the space well to provide the children with a warm, bright, welcoming environment. The premises are safe and secure both indoors and out. The addition of new perimeter fencing has improved the security. Regular written risk assessments are carried out and management use these assessments to ensure that health and safety is maintained. Staff practise good hygiene routines and encourage the children in these constantly. They are aware of the individual needs of each child and aim to meet those needs at all times. Child protection procedures are in place

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

and are included in the policies displayed on the parent notice board. Staff provide the children with a wide variety of activities. Older children are taken on outings to the nearby shops and libraries. Older children are given free choice and toys are easily accessible but the activities for the younger children are very much adult led with less choice for the children. Planning shows that staff use their

p.2

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 knowledge of the children to ensure that all their individual developmental needs are met. Planning is monitored by management to ensure that this is happening. There is a good relationship between parents and the nursery. Parents are given a prospectus and newsletters to keep them up to date with everything that is happening. Parents are able to come into the nursery and speak to staff at any time about their child and view their work. They are able to take the monitoring/assessment records home to study if they wish. There are no formal arrangements in place for parents to meet their child's keyworker to discuss their progress.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has improved the security around the nursery with a new perimeter fence and a security lock on doors leading to and from the premises. There are monthly reviews of the accident forms and risk assessments to identify any areas of concern which may need to be addressed to keep the children safe. Staff in the baby room have been provided with a comfortable chair for use when bottle feeding babies.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The children are offered a wide variety of toys, equipment and exciting activities. Staff use planning well to give the children different experiences. Children learn and develop at their own pace and are happy and secure. • Excellent use is made of the premises. The staff are able to provide children with different areas of play, which are clearly marked. Children are able to move around freely and make effective use of the space to extend their play. • Good hygiene practices are encouraged. Children know how and when to wash their hands. Tables are always washed before food is served. This develops the children's own good hygiene practices. • There is a good working relationship with the parents. They all have a prospectus and access to copies of policies and procedures. They have the opportunity to come into the nursery to discuss their child's progress with the keyworker, to look at records and take these home if they wish.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities for younger children to be given more free choice of activities • the recording of existing injuries in the accident book which is signed by parents • staff's knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities • the provision of another trained special educational needs co-ordinator

p.3

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 • staff's understanding of effective ways to manage children's behaviour • the complaint's procedure, to include Ofsted's address and phone number • making parents aware of the updated child protection policy.

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children's overall development that allows younger children the opportunity for more free choice. 7 Existing injuries to be recorded in accident book and signed by parents. 11 Develop staff's awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children's behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of development 12 Make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint which includes Ofsted's address and phone number.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6