Headstart Nursery and Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/05/2003 Inspector Name Denise Perry

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Headstart Chester Ltd Setting Address 32 Heath Road Chester CH2 1HX

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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

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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

Headstart pre-school day nursery and out of school opened in February 2002. The nursery operates from 4 children's rooms in a converted old school building (formerly St Mary's school) and the out of school operates from 4 rooms in the school house which is attached to the nursery premise. There is also access to enclosed outdoor play areas. The nursery and out of school is situated in Heath Road of Upton, near to the city of Chester and serves the local community and further afield. The nursery is registered to provide care for a maximum of 68 children aged from birth to 5 years and is open all year round, Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. The out of school is registered to provide care for a maximum of 30 children aged from 4 years to under 8 years and is open from 7:00 am - 9:00 am and 1:00 am - 6:30 pm term time only and 7:00 am - 6:30 pm during the school holidays There are currently 42

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Information about the setting

children on roll in the out of school and 105 children on roll in the nursery. This includes 13 funded 3 year olds and 5 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. 2 children have special needs and the setting supports 2 children who speak English as an additional language. 18 full time and 1 part time staff (not including the manager and officer in charge) work with the children. 16 have early years qualifications. 2 staff are currently on training programmes. The setting liases with the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and a teacher is employed in the pre-school room.

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How good is the Day Care?

The day care setting (nursery and out of school) provides good care for the children. Staff qualifications are above the minimum standard and further training needs are met to ensure staff develop their skills. Staff work well together as a team and are clear about their roles and responsibilities. They are fully involved with the room supervisors in planning a wide range of activities which allow children to build on their natural curiosity as learners, develop their language and mathematical thinking, use their imagination and develop their social skills. Staff provide a warm and secure environment to help children develop their confidence and independence. Children's rooms are bright and welcoming and are large enough to give free scope for movement. Toys and equipment provided are age appropriate and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. Staff give high priority to children's safety

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How good is the Day Care?

both inside and outside the setting. Risk assessments are carried out on a regular basis and any risks identified are addressed. Staff are aware and follow procedures which are outlined in comprehensive safety policies. The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. Staff's' handling of children's behaviour is consistent

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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 developmentally appropriate. They actively encourage good behaviour through praise and encouragement. Staff also help children to understand the effects their behaviour may have on others and encourage children to share and be kind to one another. Staff work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of children, both individually and as a group. Regular information is given to parents about activities provided for the children through wall displays, examples of children's work, newsletters, written contact books for the younger children and informal chats at the end of the day.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no actions raised from the registration visit. The out of school premises now runs from the school house which is attached to the nursery building. This move has improved facilities for the children attending. They now have access to four rooms on two levels which consist of a games room, reading/quiet room, computer room and art/dining room. The setting provides a welcoming environment for children, staff and parents.

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What is being done well?

Staff qualifications are above the minimum standards. They are encouraged to attend further training courses to maintain their professional development. (Standard 2) The setting meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. Staff plan and provide a wide range of activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. (Standard 3) The premises 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 welfare. (Standard 4) The provision provides a range of safe and well maintained furniture, equipment and toys to meet the varying needs of children. (Standard 5) Positive steps have been taken to promote safety within the setting. (Standard 6) Staff know about strategies for dealing with children's behaviour and are consistent in their approach. Staff use distraction, discussion, praise and

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What is being done well?

encouragement. (Standard 11) Staff work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of children. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

* The records for the administration of medication. * The records for emergency consent. * The records relating to incidents.

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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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 14 Records; Ensure records of medication given to children are signed by parents. Obtain written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice. Devise incident forms.

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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 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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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

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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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