Manor Court Community Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/06/2003 Inspector Name Janet Armstrong

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Lower Covey Day Nursery Setting Address LOWER COVEY SHERBORNE DORSET

p.1

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

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

Lower Covey Day Nursery is a privately owned child care facility which was established approximately 13 years ago and is situated in the rural village of Yetminster. The Nursery provides full day care and out of school care and is registered for 63 children aged 0 - 8 years of age. The nursery serves the local community and surrounding villages and places are offered to children who come from a range of different backgrounds. There are several children attending that have special educational needs and they cater to children who have English as an additional language. The nursery is in receipt of the Government funding for three and four year olds and is open all year from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm Monday to Friday. The setting occupies premises attached to the Proprietor's own home and is set on two floors. The ground floor offers care for up to 26 children aged 0 - 3 years, as well an out of school club that caters for 15 children, after school and in the holidays,

p.2

Information about the setting

from age 5 up the age of 11 years from St Andrews School in the village. The first floor offers a Montessori pre school for up to 22 children aged 3 - 5 years. Both floors use screens to create segregated areas within their rooms for different age groups and have their own kitchenettes, toilets and store rooms. In addition the Nursery has a sleep room, laundry room and main kitchen for preparation of meals. There is communal play room used by all the children, usually at the end of the day, a lounge is available for selected children's television and there are two outdoor play areas available. The nursery employs a full time supervisor who is NNEB and Montessori qualified, and 16 members of staff who are all appropriately qualified in child care and education or currently working towards one. Support and curriculum advice is given to the nursery by the early years partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Lower Covey Day Nursery provides satisfactory care overall for children aged 0 - 8 years of age. A very good balance and range of stimulating activities are provided promoting all areas of learning and play for those children under the age of 5 years. The children are happy, involved and interested in the activities provided and have formed good relationships with each other and with staff. Those children attending the out of school club enjoy a relaxed and informal environment, with a range of structured and child initiated activities available. Organisation is good. All appropriate policies and procedures are in place to support the smooth running of a large setting. Staff provide a safe environment for the children through effect deployment and supervision, however all play areas need to be checked to ensure that they are safe for use. In the preschool room procedures for safe use of the

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 room, equipment and resources are shared with the children to help them take care of themselves, there are plans to have the carpet in this room replaced in the summer. Staff in the under 3's room keep appropriate records stored in a file available for parents, if they wish, briefly outlining routines and activities that have been followed that day. Attention is needed in the large out door play area to ensure that it is safe and secure, with attention to the gate and a small area of fencing in particular. Good hygiene practices are followed throughout the whole nursery reducing the risk of spread of infection and encouraging the children with good hand hygiene. Systems for administration of medication need to be developed further to ensure that parents signatures are obtained after medication has been given.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Partnership with parents is good. There are good systems in place for keeping parents informed about the setting and their child's progress through regular newsletters, parent evenings and daily informal discussions.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to provide evidence of driving licence, vehicle insurance and MOT certificates for named drivers involved in the transportation of children. These have all been sent in to the Bristol Regional Centre.

p.3

What is being done well?

A good balance and range of interesting activities for children under the age of 5 years that provides them with opportunities that actively supports and nurtures the children's learning. The activities are supported well by knowledgeable staff who are positive role models. There is a good selection of resources and play provision that is in a good state of repair and used effectively in the children's learning and is easily accessible to them. Organisation is effective. Policies and procedures underpin the smooth running of a large setting. There are good levels of qualified staff that are effectively deployed to supervise and support the children well in their chosen activities.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

the safety of all areas used by the children (standard 4) systems for administration of medication (standard 7) systems for informing parents of the regulatory body (standard 12)

p.3

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

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

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 ensure all areas used by children are safe. 7 keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children 12 ensure parents are informed of how to contact the regulatory body.

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 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

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

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