Daisy Chain Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 06/01/2004 Inspector Name Janette Elaina Langford

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Daisy Chain Nursery Setting Address Royal Court Maldon Essex CM9 5DA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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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 in accordance with the National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding; and that the nursery education for funded three and four year old children is of an acceptable quality. Inspection of nursery education also identifies strengths and weaknesses so that providers can improve the quality of educational provision and help children to achieve the early learning goals (elgs) by the end of the Foundation Stage. This inspection report must be made available to all parents. If the setting has been inspected previously, an action plan will have been drawn up to tackle issues identified. This inspection, therefore, must also assess what progress has been made in the implementation of this plan.

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Information about the setting

Daisy Chain Day Nursery opened in 1991.It operates from six rooms in a two storey, purpose built premises close to Maldon town centre. The nursery serves the local and wider area. There are currently 127 children from 3 months to 5 years on roll. This includes 39 funded three year olds and 8 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a small number of children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week all year round. Sessions are from 08:00 until 18:00 There are 9 part time and 14 full time staff working with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. There are 2 staff currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP)

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How good is the Day Care?

Daisy Chain Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. Staff are well qualified, have relevant ongoing training and the effective staff deployment contributes well to the organisation of the setting. The environment is clean and well maintained. Records are well kept and there is a comprehensive operational plan. However some of the policies and procedures are not consistent with the National Standards and not always reflected in practice. Written risk assessments identify potential hazards and there are procedures regarding accidents and emergencies. Most staff are qualified in first aid. Procedures relating to health are in place but not always stringently applied and parental signatures are not obtained following the administration of medication. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious food and baby's individual feeding routines are taken into consideration. Parents are informed daily of children's food

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 intakes. Procedures for child protection are consistent with the Area Child Protection Committee but some staff are not fully aware of their content. A wide range of play activities are provided for children to support their development although outside play experiences are restricted due to the weather. Children are encouraged to become aware of our similarities and differences and to value each other. Staff understand that some children may have special needs and systems are in place to support them in accordance with the code of practice. Although there is no named person responsible for behaviour management staff have high expectations of children and they behave well. Partnership with parents is good and information is exchanged regularly. Daily

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How good is the Day Care?

diaries are used to relay information about babies and parents are encouraged to contribute. Clear information is provided about the service and there is a written complaints procedure. However there is no method of recording verbal concerns from parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no previous outstanding actions to address

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What is being done well?

• The arrangements for meeting babies care needs are good. A daily diary is used in conjunction with verbal communication between staff and parents and babies are fed according to their individual routines. • A high proportion of staff are qualified to level three and have first aid qualifications. Staff are encouraged to undertake training which is identified through regular monitoring and appraisals. • A wide range of suitable and stimulating equipment is available to meet the needs of all the children attending. Toys and equipment are rotated and some additional equipment can be supplied if particular needs arise.

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What needs to be improved?

• the information contained in the procedures so that they are consistent with the National Standards (this refers to obtaining parental signatures when medication has been administered and including procedures for a lost child in the late collection policy) • the policy to ensure there is a named person for behaviour management • the system for recording all complaints included those made verbally • the staff's knowledge and implementation of all the policies and procedures contained in the operational plan (this refers to health and child protection)

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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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 increase the staff’s knowledge and implementation of all the policies and procedures contained in the operational plan (this refers to health and child protection) 11 nominate a named person for behaviour management 12 implement a system for recording all concerns/complaints included those made verbally 14 ensure information contained in the procedures is consistent with the National Standards (this refers to obtaining parental signatures when medication has been administered and including procedures for a lost child in the late collection policy)

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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How effective is the nursery education?

The provision for nursery education at Daisy Chain Nursery is good. It enables children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals in most areas of learning. The staff know children very well and understand their individual needs. They support children with special needs and liaise with other professionals involved in their care. Activities provided help most children to progress in their learning although there are some missed opportunities for active questioning and extending learning. More able children are not always sufficiently challenged and the timing of some activities does not ensure that all children have opportunities to take part. Staff are beginning to work with the EYDCP to increase the effectiveness of the planning to help deliver the Foundation Stage. They are starting to acknowledge the importance of using children's progress records to plan the next steps of learning

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How effective is the nursery education?

and will implement this along with the new planning system. The manger and deputy manager provide strong leadership and daily responsibility for the nursery. The manager is supernumerary and spends much of her time organising the paperwork and talking to parents. She motivates staff, identifies their training needs encourages their training, gathers and distributes information and liaises regularly with the EYDCP. Staff have built up good relationships with parents and there are regular discussions between them. Parents are able to see their children's records if they ask. However written reports and formal open days are infrequent. Information is available regarding the activities and specific themes and events via newsletters and the information board.

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What is being done well?

• Children show care and concern for each other. They share and understand that younger children need more support. More confident children sometimes make requests on behalf of younger children such as when they notice a child needs a tissue. • Children are well behaved and are encouraged to have good self control. The children wait patiently to begin eating until all the children on their table are served. • There is a good range of equipment and props to support children in their role play. Staff use the equipment imaginatively - i.e. the dressing up clothes and the doctors set to encourage children to develop their play. • Children show good self esteem and are confident to talk to new adults in the setting. They initiate conversations, talk about their homes, families and past experiences.

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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What needs to be improved?

• the range of opportunities for more able children to undertake developmentally appropriate tasks to increase their independence, understand the purpose of writing and improve their mathematical language • the planning for regular physical activities • the frequency of sharing information with parents on a formal basis • the planning to show easier and harder options for children and the timing of activities to ensure all children have opportunities to develop their skills

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Daisy Chain Nursery has made generally good progress since the last inspection. Improvements have been made in planning and delivering the mathematical activities for children to help develop their knowledge in this area. Assessment records are kept on all children and there are some reports and formal open days to keep parents informed of their child's progress

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What has improved since the last 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are confident and are developing good relationships with one another. They display good behaviour, self control and show care and concern for others. Children are willing to tackle problems and take initiatives however there are missed opportunities for more able children to manage some developmentally appropriate tasks and develop their independence. Children are beginning to show of sense of their self as part of the setting.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children speak about their wants and interests and are developing their vocabulary and experiment with words. They enjoy listening to stories, looking at books and handle them appropriately. However the book corner is not particualry comfortable or appealing. Children recognise their names and practise mark making. More able children have few purposeful opportunities to practise their pre-writing skills. i.e. writing their names on their work or as a spontaneous part of their play.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Most children can count up to five and some beyond ten accurately. Children use some spontaneous maths in play. There are planned opportunities everyday for children to learn about shapes and some practical activities planned for them to increase their understanding of space and measure. However there are missed opportunities throughout the session for children to develop their mathematical language and skills particularly at lunch time.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children are curious about their environment and show interest in science activities and equipment. They enjoy using construction equipment and can build and balance bricks. There are frequent opportunities for children to develop their skills in information and communication technology. Children remember and talk about significant things that have happened to them and are beginning to learn about the world in which they live.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children are developing good eye hand co-ordination through a range of activities such as small world play, sorting and threading. Some children are able to manage their clothing themselves and can recognise their own physical and health needs. Although there is planning for larger physical development this is mainly reliant on good weather and use of the outside area and apparatus. There are few opportunities for children to develop their large physical skills inside the premises.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children have regular opportunities to explore materials and media in focused activities. Children use their imagination well supported by their own ideas and props. Some children engage in lengthy role play and explore both real and imagined experiences. There are daily opportunities for children to sing and activities in music and movement. However not all children have the opportunity to take part regularly due to the timing of this activity.

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Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of good quality overall. Children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The next inspection will take place in three to four years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• identify opportunities for more able children to undertake developmentally appropriate tasks to increase their independence, understand the purpose of writing and increase their mathematical language • increase the opportunities in the planning for regular physical activities • increase opportunities to share information with parents on a formal basis • improve the planning to show easier and harder options for children, and the timing of activities to ensure all children have opportunities to develop their skills

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

The provider must draw up an action plan within 40 working days of receipt of this report showing how the key issues detailed above will be addressed. The action plan must be made available to all parents and to the Local Authority if required. An evaluation of the action taken will form part of the next inspection of funded nursery education.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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