Southmead Saplings

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 04/12/2003 Inspector Name Valerie Anne Curotto

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Southmead Saplings Setting Address Southmead Hospital Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym Bristol Avon BS10 5NB

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Southmead Saplings - North Bristol NHS Trust

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Southmead Saplings - North Bristol NHS Trust Address Monks Park House Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road Bristol BS37 6NX

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Southmead Saplings Day Nursery was established in 2002. It is one of two nurseries managed by the North Bristol NHS Trust, primarily for children of Trust employees at local hospitals. The nursery is sitauted in the grounds of Southmead hospital and provides full day care for up to 42 children, aged from three months to five years. It operates from 07:00 to 18:00 hours, Mondays to Fridays, all year round excluding Bank holidays. Children are cared for in self- contained accommodation on the ground floor of a hospital building. There are two separate units where children are grouped according to age; under two-year-olds and two to five-year-olds. Each unit has three distinct activity areas, its own dining area and an outdoor playground. Children under two have a separate sleeping room. A team of 15 staff work with the children, who each have a key worker. Eight staff are qualified to level 3 and emergency cover is

p.2

Information about the setting

provided by existing part-time staff. Staff have experience in caring for children with special needs.

p.2

Information about the setting

The nursery became a member of the Bristol Standard accreditation scheme in 2003.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Southmead Saplings Day Nursery provides good quality care for children within a warm and relaxed environment. Space is used well to enable children to be grouped appropriately, and staff are deployed effectively to ensure children have sufficient support. A change in the day to day manager since September 2003 has led to the redevelopment of the operational plan. This contains a number of policies and procedures to support children's care, and its effectiveness continues to be monitored by staff. A number of health and safety policies are in place which staff put into practice on a daily basis. Routines for children are in place to promote good health, including free access to drinking water for older children. Meals are provided on a three week rota from the hospital kitchens, in consultation with nursery staff. Staff ensure individual children's needs are met, particularly regarding diet and sleep routines.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The nursery has a wide range of toys and equipment available which are well

p.2

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 presented and attractive to children. Activity plans for all areas of the nursery are now in place and are displayed for parents. Children enjoy a variety of structured and free play activities in small groups within different areas through the day. They are involved in their activities and most resources are freely accessible to them. Children under two appear alert and interested in their surroundings. They enjoy warm, close relationships with staff. However, access for them to outdoor play is limited during the winter months. Older children play well together and there are clear expectations of their behaviour. Staff regularly offer praise and encouragement. Partnership with parents is good. A wide range of information is provided to them and this has recently been developed to include more information about activities

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

and key workers. Parents comment favourably on the care their children receive and on the commitment of the staff team.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first inspection since registration in 2002 as Southmead Saplings; the nursery was known as Wishing Well under previous management.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The good use of space which provides children with variety and interest throughout the day. • Staff knowledge of individual children's needs, which enables supportive relationships between staff and children. • The attractive presentation of resources, including the proactive use of multicultural images. • The commitment to health and safety, which includes monitoring access to the building by CCTV and regular monitoring of sleeping children. • The development of information provided to parents.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the monitoring of the operational plan to ensure procedures are consistently followed,for example, the 'signing in' books • access to outdoor play for children under two, particularly those who are cared for all day.

p.3

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

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Continue to monitor the effectiveness of the operational plan. 3 Ensure children under two years have sufficient access to outdoor play.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6