First Steps Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/05/2003 Inspector Name Maria Keane

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name First Steps Nursery Setting Address Robson Way Lowton Leigh Lancs WA3 2NP

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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

First Steps Day Nursery is purpose built and is located on the edge of a housing estate in the Lowton area of Leigh. The nursery consists of eight nursery play rooms in which children are based according to their age or stage of development. Adequate toilet and wash facilities, kitchen and staff facilities and a large reception area are also easily accessible.. The children benefit from two well equipped outside play areas. The nursery is registered to care for a maximum of 185 children and is open Monday to Friday from 7.15 am to 6.00 pm, 52 weeks of the year, except bank holidays. Children attend from the local community and wider geographical areas and are offered places as they become available, there is currently 100 children in attendance on a full or part time basis. The nursery proprietor has overall responsibility for the day to day running of the nursery. Additional managers are employed to manage in her absence and take responsibility for the smooth running

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Information about the setting

of each room, all managers hold a level 3 qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

First Steps Day Nursery offers good quality care for children. The manager and staff take pride in being able to offer a welcoming, spacious and well maintained nursery. A good range of suitable toys and equipment are provided in each play room. The staff give priority to ensuring children are safe and secure. They are guided by clear policies and procedures and have regular opportunities to discuss these at staff meetings. The staff are friendly and work together to ensure that children are well cared for. They operate a key worker system, however, this is only used for the monitoring of children's development. Team leaders are qualified and take responsibility for daily routines and the planning of activities. The majority of staff working directly with children are qualified, although some do not have the relevant experience to work with babies. In the main staff offer good opportunities for children

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How good is the Day Care?

to develop physically during outdoor play and socially through group discussions. Younger babies benefit from having some good sensory play and there are ample opportunities for children to sing and dance. This could be further enhanced by planning activities based on children's indivdual learning needs. The staff follow positive behaviour management guidelines, they offer praise and encouragement in a sensitive manner. The staff ensure parents are made to feel welcome and parents are kept well informed. Parents are invited to progress evenings and are given reports. They are kept updated through displays and newsletters. All records and documentation are clear, updated regularly and well organised.

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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

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What is being done well?

There is good written information for parents and staff which is clear and well organised. (standard 2.4, 12.1) The staff' give priority to ensuring children are safe and secure. They follow clear policies and procedures in all aspects of care. (standard 6.1) The staff interact well with children they are kind and offer good support and encouragement. They provide some good opportunities for children to develop physical and social skills.(standard 3.4) Younger babies have good opportunities to play with sensory materials and receive one to one attention in a stimulating environment.(annex A.7) There is a good range of resources, equipment and furniture to suit all stages of children's development.(standard 5.1,2,3)

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What needs to be improved?

the deployment of staff who work with older babies, to ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to work with babies. (standard 1.4,and annex A.1) the use of the key worker system to ensure consistency and continuity of care is maintained for babies and young children. (standard 2.3 and annex A.1) the planning systems need to be reviewed to ensure that children's individual learning needs and interest are developed.(standard 3.6)

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure that the staff working with older babies have the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to provide for their all round needs. 2 Review the role of the keyworker and consider how consistency and continuity of care is maintained whilst the child attends the nursery. 3 Review current planning systems and consider how children’s indivdual learning needs and interets are developed and how the staff assess children’s progress to enable them to plan for the next stages in children’s

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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 development

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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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