Stepping Stones Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/12/2003 Inspector Name Helen Deegan

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Stepping Stones Nursery School Setting Address 129 Woodfield Road Thames Ditton Surrey KT7 0DR

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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

Stepping Stones Nursery opened in 1990 and was taken over by the current proprietor in 1996. It operates from a purpose built premises in Thames Ditton and children are grouped according to their age. It has access to kitchen and toilet facilities as well as an outdoor play area. Children attend mainly from the local area. The nursery is registered to provide full day care for 46 children aged from two to under eight years. There are currently 100 children on roll this includes 65 who are in receipt of nursery education grant funding. Opening hours are 08:30 to 16:00 Monday to Friday during term time, and 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday during the school holidays. Four full time and eleven part time staff work with the children, of these seven have an early years qualification to level three, and two are currently attending training. Ongoing training opportunities for staff are accessed through the Surrey Early Years

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How good is the Day Care?

Stepping Stones Nursery provides good quality care for children. The staff team work well together. They hold regular staff meetings and enjoy the benefit of ongoing training opportunities. Staff to child ratios is good so that children are well cared for, and space and resources are organised effectively to meet children's needs although a key person system is not in place. Displays of children's artwork create a welcoming environment. Staff provide a wide range of activities and equipment so that children are well occupied, however some of the books are old and damaged. Record keeping is well organised and meets minimum requirements though some lacks the necessary detail. All areas of the nursery are safe and there are regular risk assessments. Staff promote good hygiene routines and maintain a clean environment in most areas, although the paint easels are not cleaned regularly. Parents provide their child's

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How good is the Day Care?

lunch and are given written guidance on the safe storage of food, however fresh drinking water is not accessible to children at all times. Staff actively promote equal opportunities and positive reflection of race, culture and language is seen in the resources. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) has attended training on the Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special

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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 Educational Needs. Staff have a good understanding of the child protection procedures, and clear information is available for reference. Staff involve themselves in the children's activities, they talk to them, take opportunities to extend language and are responsive to their needs so that children are relaxed and confident. Staff manage children's behaviour calmly and consistently and achievements are rewarded with merit stickers and verbal praise. Parents receive information through the notice board, newsletters, the prospectus, parents' evenings and verbal feedback from staff.

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What is being done well?

• Staff attend ongoing training to update and improve their knowledge. • Staff involve themselves in the children's activities, they talk to them and take opportunities to extend language. • A wide range of activities and equipment is provided so that children are well occupied. • Staff manage children's behaviour calmly and consistently using explanation, they reward children's achievements using merit stickers and verbal praise.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation, with regard to the special needs statement in the prospectus and records of dietary needs • provision of fresh drinking water • organisation, with regard to a key person system.

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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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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 2 Develop a key person system. 8 Ensure that fresh drinking water is available to children at all times. 8 Ensure that children's records include information about dietary requirements. 10 Ensure that the special needs statement in the prospectus implies a pro-active approach.

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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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