Birkenshaw CofE (Controlled) First School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/02/2005 Inspector Name Tracy Larnach

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Woodpeckers Nursery School Setting Address Conyngham Lane Bridge Canterbury Kent CT4 5JX

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Woodpeckers Nursery School

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Woodpeckers Nursery School Address Conyngham Lane Bridge Canterbury Kent CT4 5JX

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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

Woodpeckers Nursery School opened in 1996. It operates from a mobile unit in the grounds of Bridge and Patrixbourne C. P. School, near to Canterbury, Kent. The nursery has access to two rooms, an office, toilets, a kitchen and an outside area. The nursery serves the local area and the surrounding towns. The nursery is registered to provide 26 places for children aged 2 to 5-years. There are currently 50 children on roll; of these, 36 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. The nursery staff have experience of working with children who have special needs. The nursery opens Monday to Thursday from 08.45 to 11.45 and 12.00 to 14.45. On Friday it opens from 08.45 to 11.45. The nursery employs seven staff to work with the children; of these, four have early years qualifications and two are working towards gaining their early years qualifications. All staff attend short courses. The nursery receives support from a

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Information about the setting

Pre-school Learning Alliance Development Worker and a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Woodpeckers Nursery School provides good care for children. Staff provide a caring and welcoming environment. They are positive and friendly towards the children and their families. Staff are organised and work effectively as a team, they meet regularly to discuss the nursery. The documentation is generally good, although some policies and procedures do not contain all the required information. Staff give a high priority to children's safety. Risk assessments are completed, regular fire drills are accomplished and a staff member with a current first aid certificate is always on duty. Staff deploy themselves carefully to ensure safety at all times, however some areas that are closed to the children are not secured. Children learn about health and hygiene through routines such as hand washing. Water is always available but children cannot reach it independently. They are provided with drinks and snacks, which are healthy and nutritious. Staff have the Area Child

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How good is the Day Care?

Protection Committee procedures posted and know what to do if they are concerned about a child's welfare.

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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 children are able to select from a broad range of toys, activities and equipment. The staff set out some activities and the children may freely select from other toys and activities in the classroom. They may also select from the shelves in the storage cupboard, however they must ask for assistance to do this. There is a good balance between self-initiated and adult supported activities. Staff work positively with the children; they are interested in what they say and ask open-ended questions. The staff praise and encourage the children, they in turn are well behaved and cooperative. All children are valued and included. The parents spoken to, parent surveys and questionnaires are all very positive. Parents are given written information about the nursery and staff are always

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How good is the Day Care?

available for questions. Parents are informed what to do if they have a complaint.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the registered person agreed to compile an operational plan and keep all the documentation required in standard 14 of the National Standards. She agreed to develop a system of risk assessments and provide evidence that all toys and equipment are checked for hygiene and safety. These actions are all complete. The organisation of the setting and the safety of the children has improved as a result.

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What is being done well?

• The staff have developed a comprehensive staff deployment plan. Staff have individual roles during fire evacuation, planned activities, snack preparation and toileting. The staff are readily available to respond to the children's needs. • The children are extremely pleased with their work and like to share it with other children, their parents and staff. They proudly put it by their names to go home. The children are confident and their self-esteem is promoted. • The staff planned a fruit tasting day for the children and as a result have developed snack time to include fruit regularly. They are now phasing out biscuits and promoting healthy choices. • Staff ensure there are daily opportunities to meet the children's large motor development. On days that they cannot go outside the tables are moved and games and activities such as 'the parachute' are played. • Parents are provided with a survey when their children have been attending

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What is being done well?

nursery for a term or two. It asks them, 'did you know questions.' It gives the parents an opportunity to feed back to the staff. The staff have an opportunity to address comments from the parents and self evaluate working towards improving practice.

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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 access to the areas that are out of bounds • the opportunities to further promote the children's independence • the policies and procedures.

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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 3 Consider further developing the children's independence with more opportunities for independent self-selection. 14 Ensure that policies and procedures contain the required information.

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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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