Ash House Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/12/2003 Inspector Name Jean Evelyn Thomas

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Ash House Nursery Setting Address 29 Withens Lane Wallasey Merseyside CH44 1BB

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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

Ash House Day Nursery opened in 1989. The premises are solely used for the day nursery service. The facilities are based on two floor levels, children aged under two years are accommodated on the ground floor in line with the fire officers recommendations. There is a secondary means of escape from the first floor. There is wheel chair access to the ground floor. The nursery has three main care rooms and an additional room where specific pre-school activities are pursued. The meals are cooked on site. There are toilet facilities on both floor levels and separate facilities for staff. The outdoor play area comprises of grassed and hard surfaces and is fully enclosed. The nursery is situated close to Liscard village. There are currently 72 children including 18 funded 3 year olds. Children from 6 weeks to 4 years inclusive are able to attend a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports children with special needs.

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Information about the setting

The nursery opens 5 days a week all year round from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eighteen part time/full time staff work with the children, of these eighty percent have early years qualifications to NVQ Level 3. The remainder of the staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. A full time administrator, a cook and a cleaner are also employed. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Ash House Day Nursery provides good care for children. The organisation of the nursery is good. Contributing factors for this are that the owner/ manager is actively involved in the running of the nursery and the staff work as an effective team. Through the appraisal system the staff are able to access training opportunities for their personal and professional development. The nursery is working towards being awarded " Investors in People " status. The nursery provides a welcoming and stimulating environment for the differing ages of children in their care. There are good systems in place to protect children at the nursery. A weekly risk assessment is undertaken of all areas of the nursery, which will be further improved

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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 with the inclusion of the first floor windows. Good procedures are in place for safe guarding children whilst in the nursery or in the community. Hygiene practices are generally good. All staff have completed child protection training. Information is kept which ensures the children's individual needs are met. The nursery is committed to their equal opportunities policy which would be further enhanced by extending the use of resources to reflect diversity in the baby room. The nursery provides a range of well planned activities, these are interesting, stimulating and enjoyable. The children have opportunities to develop their imagination and creativity. The staff listen to children and treat them with respect. The staff use observations to plan for the individual children's next stage of play,

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How good is the Day Care?

learning and development. The nursery is committed to work in partnership with parents. Good information is provided initially and on an on going basis.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has addressed all actions raised at the previous inspection.

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What is being done well?

• The systems in place to improve the quality of the service and practice through staff appraisals , commitment to undertake training, regular team meetings and working towards "Investors in People" status. • The management is good ,staff are supported by the owner/ manager and are confident in their roles. • The nursery plan an interesting and valuable range of experiences for all the children in their care. The nursery approach is for children to learn through challenging their understanding in a stimulating and enjoyable environment. • A designated member of staff is responsible for Equal Opportunities. • The nursery organises the child / staff ratio's for the over three year olds to exceed the minimum standard.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedure to ensure the security systems for the window locks on the first floor are in place • the practice of quilt covers being used by more than one child in the 1 to 2 year olds care room • the range of resources in the baby room which are used to reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability.

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What needs to be improved?

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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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 6 ensure windows on the first floor are adequately secured. 7 implement practice throughout the nursery that ensures bedding could not be used by more than one child . 9 extend resources in the baby room which are used to reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability.

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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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