First Steps Nursery Collegiate Academy Trust

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/02/2005 Inspector Name Diane Ashplant

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name First Steps Nursery Setting Address Shireland Language College Waterloo Road Smethwick West Midlands B66 4ND

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Shireland Language College Address Waterloo Road Smethwick West Midlands B66 4ND

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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

First Steps Nursery opened in 2004. It operates from a building on the campus of the Shireland Language College in Smethwick, Birmingham. The nursery is situated on the ground floor and comprises two separate children's areas one with an adjoining sleep room, toilets and changing area, kitchen and office. There is a fully enclosed play area available for outdoor play. A maximum of 28 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open every week day from 07.30 until 18.00hrs all year round. There are currently twenty five children from 0 to 5 years on roll, of whom 4 are in receipt of funding. Children come from the local area and beyond and the nursery also provides a crèche facility for parents attending courses at the college. The nursery currently supports children who speak English as an additional language. There are seven staff working with the children and all hold an appropriate early

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Information about the setting

years qualification. The nursery receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Child Care Partnership.(EYDCP)

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How good is the Day Care?

First Steps Nursery provides good care for children. The nursery offers a bright and attractive environment for children and was purpose built to meet their needs. The space is carefully organised to provide children with different areas of opportunity. The staff work effectively together and provide an enthusiastic, supportive team. They know children and parents well which helps them both feel secure and happy in their care. Staff display a good awareness of children's safety and have taken all necessary precautions to protect them from potential hazards. Most staff hold a current First Aid certificate. Standards of hygiene and cleanliness are well maintained in most areas and children are encouraged to carry out routines which promote their health. Children have clear and appropriate guidelines to follow, they know what is expected of them and staff provide good role models. Children are well occupied and enjoying

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How good is the Day Care?

themselves and so behaviour is usually good. Children are given a variety of well balanced meals which are cooked in the nursery and drinking water is always available. Meal times are relaxed, social occasions. Children are able to participate in a wide range of experiences and play

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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 opportunities which encourage their learning and all round development. Positive communication flows naturally throughout and the balance of adult and child led sessions are good. The daily programme is well planned to provide interest and challenge and all activities are supported by a good selection of resources which are easily accessed by the children. Staff interact warmly with the children and enjoy sharing in their play. Partnership with parents is good and they are kept well informed both through daily discussion and written information about how their child is getting on. Staff are approachable and friendly and liaise closely with parents so that individual routines and needs are well met. All required paperwork is in place and is generally well organised.

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What is being done well?

• Effective systems such as regular staff meetings promote the sharing of information and good practice among staff. Supervision and appraisal ensure that staff are well supported and that personal development is encouraged. • A well planned programme offers children interesting and challenging opportunities in all areas of learning. They also enjoy regular trips to the library. • This is a bright modern building which is attractively decorated with displays and examples of the children's work. Children have regular use of the outdoor play area. • Children are encouraged to play well together and respect each other. Staff use praise and encouragement to develop children's confidence and self esteem. • Children's needs are well met and staff respect their individual routines and liaise with parents to maintain a consistent approach. • Communication between staff and parents is relaxed and supportive. Open

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What is being done well?

evenings provide further opportunity for sharing information about the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• rest routines • confidentiality of medication records.

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from September 2004. The complaint record relates to complaints from the last

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 7 Ensure the procedures for sleeping children on cushions promotes children's health. 7 Ensure the process of recording medication protects confidentiality.

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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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