Acres of Fun Limited

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/02/2005 Inspector Name Tracy Bartholomew

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Acres of Fun Limited Setting Address Acres of Fun Day Nursery Priors Court Road, Hermitage Thatcham Berkshire RG18 9SG

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Acres of Fun Limited 4700672

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Acres of Fun Limited Address Priors Court Road Hermitage Thatcham Berkshire RG18 9SG

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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

Acres of Fun opened in 2003 The nursery is located in Hermitage within easy access from the A34 and junction 13 of the M4. A maximum of 60 children may attend the setting at any one time. The setting operates 51 weeks of the year and is open from 7am until 7pm. Children can attend a variety of sessions. The setting has two acres of grounds.

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Information about the setting

There are currently 78 children aged two months to five years on roll. Of these 10 children receive funding for nursery education. The setting employs twenty-eight staff. Out of these eighteen, including the supervisor, hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

The overall quality and standard of day care is good. The premises are well laid out and staff have made an attractive environment that is bright and welcoming for children and adults. Staff are deployed effectively and work well as a team. This ensures the children are offered continuity of care. The nursery has a large selection of well-maintained toys and equipment, which encourage children's development and ensures that they are sufficiently challenged. Although in one room some children are unable to open the boxes, thus restricting independent access to equipment. All of the relevant documentation is in place. The nursery has good safety arrangements in place and the reasons for these are explained in an age/stage appropriate way to the children. They maintain clear information regarding each child and staff have clearly taken the time to get to know all the children present. This is reflected in the type of individual care offered to the

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How good is the Day Care?

children. The setting is effective in promoting the children's good health and take steps to protect children from infection. Staff are aware of the child protection procedures to be followed and contact numbers are in place. Planning and preparation is well thought through and children are treated as individuals. The staff interact well with the children throughout the provision; actively listening and promoting learning. Staff are skilful in managing children's behaviour and use praise and encouragement appropriately, making sure that all children have the opportunity to take part in all activities.

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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 Time is made at the end of each session for staff to talk to parents regarding any concerns and to discuss their child's day and achievements. Parents receive regular newsletters and a daily diary; parents and carers are invited in on regular occasions to discuss their children's development.

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What is being done well?

• A warm and welcoming environment is presented to children and parents, and staff make excellent use of the available space to display a variety of examples of children's work and information for parents. • The group has a large selection of well-maintained toys and equipment, which encourage children's development and ensures that they are sufficiently challenged. • Staff spend time talking and actively playing with the children, extending their language and development. They join in children's games when this is appropriate. Staff and children enjoy each other's company and the children are happy and settled. • Children's safety is a high priority and staff create a safe environment for children in which they conduct daily risk assessments. They help children to understand about potential dangers. The premises are kept secured and staff ensure children are safe on arrival and departure.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Children are given a wide range of opportunities to explore their environment. The garden provides a wealth of exciting, imaginative learning opportunities for the children. The children explore the natural world by growing plants and vegetables. They are then given the chance to extend their learning by preparing the vegetables and consuming them at mealtimes. (Standard 3 and 8)

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What needs to be improved?

• Storage of equipment, to ensure younger children within the Little Learners room can access equipment and resources independently.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 5 review storage of equipment for younger children; to enable all children to have opportunities to make choices and develop independence.

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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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