Nookin Cottage

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/10/2003 Inspector Name Jacqueline Munden

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Pixies Tree Setting Address 63 Portsmouth Road Southampton Hampshire SO19 9BE

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Pixies Day Nuseries Address 39 Locks Road Locks Heath Southampton Hampshire SO31 6NS

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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

Pixies Tree Day Nursery opened under the present management in March 2000. It operates from seven rooms in a large detached house in Woolston, Southampton. There is a large enclosed outside play area. Pixies Tree serves the local area. There are currently 104 children from 3 months to 4 years on roll. This includes 25 funded 3 year olds and no funded 4 year olds; 1 of whom speaks English as a second language. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07:30 until 18:30. There are 3 part-time and 11 full-time staff employed to work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3, and 4 staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

The nursery provides satisfactory quality care for children aged from three months to five years. It provides a warm and welcoming environment for children who are suitably cared for regarding most of their individual needs; children and their work are valued. Some gaps in staff's knowledge and understanding of child development hinders children's individual needs being met regarding their play and behaviour management. Most aspects of the nursery are suitably organised and managed appropriately. However, some amendments are needed to the documentation relating to child protection and to consent for photographs. Staff maintain safety appropriately, and a visit by the fire safety officer is to be arranged. However, there are significant weaknesses in hygiene routines. Staff appropriately maintain parental consent and records relating to children's health. Staff know the children and relate well to them. Children are happy and settled, but

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How good is the Day Care?

lack a suitable variety of activities and play equipment to ensure they develop in all areas of learning and to meet their development levels. Most staff manage their behaviour in positive way. Staff develop relationships with parents well; they provide plenty of opportunities to

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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 share information about the children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Management and staff have taken good steps to ensuring that nearly all the actions set at the previous inspection, have been met. An operational plan is in place and staff and parents have access to it. Relevant documentation relating to childcare and staff is available on the premises. Some policies and procedures have been updated. However, those pertaining to child protection and behaviour management need improving, as they do not inform staff of their roles and responsibilities. Staff obtain the necessary consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment and parents have been provided with a procedure to follow in case of a complaint. Ofsted have been informed of any complaints received. The parent's handbook has been updated. All staff are made aware of those that have not been vetted and therefore who may not be left in sole charge of children. An effective registration system is in now in

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What has improved since the last inspection?

place and all visitors complete the visitors' book. Wiring has been made safe and a procedure for conducting risk assessments has been introduced with hazards being identified and dealt with promptly. The fire officer has not yet visited the premises; therefore, the nursery has been unable to meet this action. Children's safety has been improved while they sleep, by monitoring and recording sleep routines. Pre-school children have sufficient space for play. However, at times, older children are not given suitable space and equipment for sleeping. A system for cleaning play equipment has been introduced. Nursery staff are working closely with the Pre-school Learning Alliance and EYDCP to meet the action requiring them to devise a system for planning and implementing a suitable range of activities for children. In order for them to achieve this a further action for staff to have access to suitable training has been set.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery is bright and welcoming to parents and children. Staff value children's creative work and these are displayed. They promote positive images of people in society in posters around the nursery. Staff demonstrate a caring, friendly approach to children and ensure their individual needs are met regarding healthy food and drink. • Most staff interact well with children; they are interested in what they say and do and encourage them to ask questions. Children are confident and talk freely with adults. All children access regular outdoor play if weather permits. • Staff conduct and record regular risk assessments to identify hazards and take the necessary steps to ensure children's safety, of which they have a reasonable awareness, is maintained.

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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 • Staff develop suitable relationships with parents; they share information regularly through news letters, key worker records, planned meetings, verbally and, through daily record sheets for babies.

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What needs to be improved?

• staff's understanding of child development and unrealistic expectations of their behaviour and concentration levels • children's access to a stimulating range of activities, which help them make progress in all areas of learning and their ability to make choices and explore • the quantity and variety of play equipment and books, particularly those that promote imaginative play • hygiene practices regarding nappy changing, use of cots and bedding and staff sanitary facilities • staff and management's expectation of children's behaviour regarding some activities and routines in the nursery • the justified taking of photographs and video footage; its use and storage regarding parental consent and the Data Protection Act • documentation regarding an appropriate procedure for staff to follow to ensure concerns related to children are acted upon effectively and promptly • meeting the action made at the previous inspection regarding any

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What needs to be improved?

recommendations made by the fire safety officer when he visits.

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

Std Action Date 2 Ensure that a range of training is available to enable staff to meet the needs of children. 22/04/2004

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

3 Ensure that all activities take into consideration the 22/04/2004

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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 developmental needs and preferences of children. 5 Extend and increase the range of accessible books and play equipment, including role play materials, to benefit children of all ages and to ensure that they promote diversity. 22/04/2004

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

6 Meet any recommendations made by the fire safety officer. 22/04/2004

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

7 Improve hygiene routines with particular regard to nappy changing practices, the use of cots and bedding and staff sanitary facilities. 22/04/2004

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

13 Formulate a written statement based on relevant national guidance and in accordance with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures; this should clearly state staff responsibilities with regard to the reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect and must be adhered to at all times. 22/04/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 11 Ensure realistic expectations are made of children’s behaviour with particular regard to group activities including snack time. 12 Ensure the use of photographic and video footage is justified and in line with parental consent and the Data Protection Act.

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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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