Abkats Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/09/2004 Inspector Name Juliette Jennings

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Abkats Setting Address The Bungalow, Catherton CLEOBURY MORTIMER Kidderminster Worcestershire DY14 0JH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Abkats Ltd Address The Bungalow Catherton, Hopton Wafers Kidderminster Worcestershire DY14 0JH

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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

Abkats Nursery is located in Catherton Common, a rural area of South Shropshire not far from the village of Cleobury Mortimer. The setting occupies a pre-fabricated building positioned behind the owner’s bungalow. The nursery serves the local area and is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 until 17:30; this incorporates morning and afternoon sessions with a lunch club, full day sessions and an after school club. Children can access a variety of sessions and follow a routine, which accommodates child-initiated free play, and some structured activities. They have access to a good-sized area for outdoor play. There are currently 19 children attending, of whom 16 are funded 3 and 4 year olds. The nursery has appropriate procedures in place to support children with special or specific needs. There are three members of staff who work with the children, two of whom hold suitable early years qualifications. The staff access regular training on early years

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Information about the setting

issues and receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Abkats Nursery provides good quality care. Children are supported well by staff to develop and learn in an interesting, colourful and child-orientated environment. This encourages a relaxed, comfortable and happy atmosphere in which children are busily occupied. They have access to a wide range of age-appropriate resources and activities, which help them to develop and learn. Staff provide extensive opportunities for children to engage in valuable, meaningful free play and use appropriate techniques to help them progress. Staff access regular and ongoing training in early years issues and current good practice guidelines and this helps to ensure that children are cared for in a child-orientated and safe environment. It would be of benefit for staff to update knowledge of current child protection guidelines and procedures, as it is some time since training was accessed. The operational plan works in practice, with clear plans for ensuring that children are

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How good is the Day Care?

safe and only one safety issue highlighted at the time of the inspection in relation to

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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 security of the main door. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure smooth day to day running of the setting. These are clear, well written and maintained in very good order. The lost child policy would benefit from the inclusion of specific timescales to ensure swift action is taken. The nursery maintains positive partnerships with parents, with verbal feedback given on a daily basis. Good information is given to parents, which is specific to the setting and clearly outlines the care and education provided. Staff inform parents about their child's progress and encourage them to become involved in nursery activities.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Good progress has been made since the last inspection. The nursery was asked to put forward an action plan with regard to staff qualifications. The staff in question have gained appropriate childcare qualifications, therefore the nursery now meets qualification requirements.

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What is being done well?

• Documentation is clear, well written and maintained in very good order. • The operational plan is thorough, with policies and procedures that work in practice. • Children have extensive opportunities to engage in valuable, meaningful child-initiated play with good support and encouragement from staff. • Staff are aware of children's individual needs and stages of development and know what needs to be done next to help them progress. • The environment is colourful, interesting and stimulating. Children are relaxed, happy, comfortable and busily occupied with a wide range of play activities. • Detailed information is given to parents, which is specific to the setting and outlines the care and education provided.

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What needs to be improved?

• the security of the main door so that unwanted access to the setting is prevented and children are unable to leave unsupervised • staff’s knowledge and understanding of current child protection guidelines and procedures • the lost child procedure so that it is more comprehensive.

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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Consider including a timescale in the lost child policy so that it is more comprehensive. 6 Make sure that premises are secure so that children are unable to leave them unsupervised and to prevent unwanted entry. 13 Update staff's knowledge and understanding of current child protection guidelines and procedures.

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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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