Cleverkidz

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/03/2005 Inspector Name Ann Elizabeth Shelley

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Cleverkidz Setting Address Tithe Farm Road Houghton Regis Dunstable Bedfordshire LU5 5JB

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Cleverkidz Address Doolittle Cottage 8 The Avenue Dunstable Bedfordshire LU6 2AA

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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

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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

Cleverkidz Nursery opened in May 2004. It is part of a small chain of nurseries. Cleverkidz in Houghton Regis is a 79 place nursery, providing care for children aged from 0 to 8 years,from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., throughout the year. It also provides out of school hours care to children attending the local lower school. The premises are purpose-built, next to Tithe Farm Lower School, in Houghton Regis. The nursery is privately owned, with an experienced and qualified management team. Cleverkidz Nursery has funding for three and four-year-old children. Currently there are no children with special educational needs and two children with English as a second language attending the nursery. All current members of staff have an appropriate early years qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Cleverkidz Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. Provision for babies and children is generally satisfactorily. Staff give attention to meeting babies' individual needs for eating and sleeping. They exchange detailed information about these routines with parents. Older children are offered a variety of activities that are appropriate to this type of provision; there is a selection of toys and resources, and children move independently from one play item to another. Children have access to water, sand and other natural materials for part of each session. Activities are planned around specific themes such as Diwali, Easter, and the seasons. Meals provided by the nursery are healthy, nutritious, varied and comply with any special dietary needs, using fresh ingredients. Policies and procedures have been developed and are practical, working documents. However, these have not all been read by members of staff. Therefore

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How good is the Day Care?

the induction programme is ineffective in this aspect. The staff use appropriate strategies when managing children's behaviour and help children to understand different cultures, needs and hygienic practices. Children's safety is generally given a high priority during their play, and during the time spent within the building. However, there are hazards in the outside play area, in particular the grassed area. There is an effective registration system which ensures staff are aware of any allergies, special diets or beliefs.

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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 manager and staff recognise the importance of good relationships with parents; they are available to talk after each session. In addition, parents are kept informed about their children at regular parents' evenings and the baby room provides a daily written sheet, which includes each child's care and activities. Confidential documentation is stored appropriately.

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What is being done well?

• Children are offered a wide variety of nutritious and healthy snacks. These are freshly prepared daily and contain a good range of all food groups. Children are given opportunities to try traditional dishes from other countries. • The group has a comprehensive and practical equal opportunities policy, that is used consistently on a daily basis. Children's individuality is valued, and their needs and beliefs are documented and respected. They are given the opportunity to learn about other beliefs, ways of life and the wider community, through discussion and good to use of a range of resources. • Staff set clear boundaries for the children about what is right and wrong, appropriate to their stage of development, so that they know what is expected of them.

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What needs to be improved?

• exterior play space use and safety; • accessibility and quality of books used by children; • the staff's understanding of policies and procedures; • nappy changing facilities.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

A complaint was made in February 2004, about the play provision, age of equipment, children's access to books and their condition, level of storage, lack of creative and natural materials, and the condition of the outside play area. Two aspects of the complaint were upheld. Actions and recommendations have been made as part of this inspection report. The Nursery remains suitable for registration.

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Outcome of the 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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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 4 remove hazards and waste from the outside play area 07/04/2005

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 11 behaviour management training to be undertaken by the nominated person; 2 introduce a checking procedure to ensure staff understand all policies and procedures; 2 ensure effective staffing levels are maintained within each age range; 3 ensure children's safety in the outside play area; 3 ensure there are sufficient books and that they are in good condition; 7 ensure hygiene practices prevent the spread of infection; 7 ensure all children's dignity is maintained during nappy changing, and that the mats in use are clean, undamaged and hygienic; 8 ensure that all milk products are stored appropriately, and that all drinks provided from home are named.

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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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