Bright Horizons Maythorne Cottages Day Nursery and Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/11/2003 Inspector Name Silvia Richardson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Zoom Nurseries - Hither Green Setting Address Maythorne Cottages, Nightingale Grove London SE13 6HE

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Zoom Nurseries Address Maythorne Cottages, Nightingale Grove Lewisham London SE13 6HE

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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

Zoom nursery opened in 2003. It operates from a two storey building conversion utilising rooms on the ground floor for care of babies and first floor for pre-school children. It is situated in a residential area close to public transport, shops and amenities. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 101 children from 3 months to 5 years on roll. This includes fourteen funded 3 year olds and one funded 4 year old. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07:45 to 18:30. Twenty-four full-time and one part-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Two staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support

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Information about the setting

from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Zoom nursery provides good care for children. The premises are clean, bright and furnished with the emphasis on space, light and a modern day care environment. Resources, furnishings and fittings are low level, creating an accessible, warm and caring environment, in which staff interact with children in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The operational plan is implemented effectively, ensuring routines are child focussed and care arrangements centre on the needs of individuals within the group setting. Staff are well deployed within the nursery so that children receive much individual and personal attention. Space is well utilised to create a secure and interesting play and learning environment. Resources are accessible to children and they are able to select toys from the range available to them. Staff talk to children and play with them continually, engaging in role play and other activities initiated by the children. Key workers afford children consistent care 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 follow individual routines and care plans. Staff work effectively with children to promote their all round development. There is a reasonable range of play provision and equipment in each group room that afford children some choice although limited variety on a day to day basis. The activity plans however, extend children's play and learning experiences. There is a limited range of resources reflecting diversity and portraying positive images of other races and cultures. Children are safely and appropriately supervised throughout the day. The staff are vigilant and take appropriate steps to minimise hazards. Fire safety precautions are generally good and first aid arrangements are agreed with parents although not consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Sound partnerships are established with parents that enhance the care and welfare

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How good is the Day Care?

of children. Parents are actively consulted about child care and information is exchanged daily between staff and parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first inspection since registration.

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What is being done well?

• There is a strong management and leadership presence throughout the nursery, enabling and supporting staff in caring, consistent, childcare practice. • A team of support staff, including cook and domestic help are employed, who make an effective contribution to the efficient and safe management of childcare services. • The staff team reflect diversity and afford children positive role models of race, culture and gender. • A variety and balance of nutritious snacks and meals are freshly prepared, cooked and served daily to the children. • The nursery is clean, tidy, organised and well maintained. • Available resources are well presented and used effectively with children to promote learning and acquisition of skills. • Arrangements for nappy changing incorporate safety and privacy features and good hygiene practices are in place. • Sound working partnerships are established with parents that ensure children's individual routines are followed and personal care needs are met.

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What is being done well?

• Required staff ratios to children are exceeded in every group room, so that children receive much individual time and attention from key workers. Additional staff contribute to the smooth running of group rooms and enable care arrangements to be child centred.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• The range of free-play and multi-cultural resources available to children, role-play equipment, small life toys and construction materials, to afford children positive images of other races and cultures and more variety and choice of activities. • Fire safety precautions where large quantities of paper are stored. • Written permission requested from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. • The first aid box and its contents to comply with Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations.

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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 9 ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; 5 extend the range of free-play activities available to children, role-play equipment, small life toys and construction materials, to afford children more variety and choice; 6 improve fire safety precautions by fitting a smoke alarm in the under stairs storage cupboard; 7 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; 7 ensure that the first aid box and its contents comply with Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations;

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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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