Redbrook Middle School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/06/2004 Inspector Name Mary Van De Peer

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Pennies Day Nursery LTD Setting Address Thornbank 149 Hockers Lane, Weavering Maidstone Kent ME14 5JY

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Pennies Day Nursery Ltd Address Thornbank, 149 Hockers Lane Weavering Maidstone Kent ME14 5JY

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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

Pennies Day Nursery opened in 1999. It operates from five rooms in a converted house in Weavering, Maidstone. The nursery serves a wide area. There are currently 88 children from 3 months to 5 years on roll. This includes 19 funded 3- year- olds and 18 funded 4 -year -olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports 3 children with special educational needs. There are 2 children attending who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week, Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 07:30 to 18:30. There are 11 staff who work with the children. All the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. There are 3 staff working towards an advanced qualification in childcare. The setting receives support from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Pennies Day Nursery provides good care for children. The environment is welcoming to both parents and children. The nursery's operational plan is comprehensive and well maintained. The procedures for appointing staff are effective. A virtual tour of the nursery is available on the nursery's own web site. All the staff are qualified and at least half of them have a current first aid certificate. They also receive regular health and safety training and carry out regular risk assessments. The areas used by the children are well planned and safe. Record keeping procedures are effective. However, minor changes are required to improve the accident records. Children who sleep during the day are monitored. All staff promote good hygiene practices with the children. There are good procedures in place for an emergency evacuation. The nursery provides a nutritious and balanced meals and snacks menu. The nursery has effective child protection procedures,

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How good is the Day Care?

which are in accordance with local authority guidelines. There are several children attending with special educational needs and whose first language is not English. They are supported appropriately. The nursery has a very wide range of high quality toys, resources and equipment to promote play opportunities for children. The outdoor space is also well-equipped and

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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 very child-friendly. Children are happy and engaged in their play. They are able to make choices. Staff provide exciting and stimulating activities, covering all learning areas. There are positive images of equality of opportunity for race, culture and gender available. However, the nursery could provide more images of disability. The nursery has evidence of positive feedback from parents. Parents are given lots of information about how the nursery operates, however some policies could be made more available. Parents are able to have regular discussions with staff, to find out about how their children are progressing and developing in the nursery environment.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were four Actions resulting from the last inspection:- Standard 2: Ensure the register is an accurate record. There is a diary which is completed with arrivals and departure times as well as individual room registers. Standard 8: Ensure baby food which is freshly made or heated up is heated to the correct temperature. The nursery have purchased probes to ensure correct temperature in foods is reached. Standard 12: Ensure the complaints procedure refers to Ofsted in case of unresolved complaints. The complaints procedure is now available and includes Ofsted's contact details. Standard 13: Ensure the child protection policy is in accordance with ACPC guidelines. The nursery's child protection policy and procedures now follows local ACPC guidelines and is available to parents.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery is very professional and ensures all documentation and paperwork is well maintained, regularly updated and shared with parents. A shared contact book for younger children enables children to receive continuity of care. The nursery informs parents about their children's development and progress. • All staff working in the nursery have relevant childcare qualifications. This helps to ensure children receive good quality care. • The nursery has an extensive selection of good quality toys and equipment. They use these to plan stimulating and exciting activities to promote the

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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 children's development. Children are happy and engaged in their play. • The nursery owner ensures the premises are safe and secure for children. The children practice emergency procedures to enable them to leave the premises safely. • The staff use consistent strategies to manage children's behaviour. These are well thought out to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children feel secure and play within clear boundaries. • The staff have very good relationships with children. They enjoy their company and know them well. Staff spend a lot of time talking and playing with the children and helping them to learn. • Staff make conversation with the children about issues individual to them to help the children feel values and secure in attending the nursery. • The nursery staff make good use of the child-friendly outdoor play space.

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What is being done well?

Children can enjoy physical play every day, getting plenty of fresh air. • The staff facilities are appropriate and comfortable. Staff are able to spend time away from the main nursery. This helps them feel rested and refreshed when they return to work with the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• the keeping of CRB information, in accordance with Date Protection guidelines • the resources reflecting positive images of disabilities • the accident records • the accessibility of main policies

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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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The Registered Person should have regard to the following recommendations

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 7 Consider keeping an accident book rather than separate sheets. 7 Ensure sick children policy is readily available for parents to refer to.

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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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