Highnam Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/09/2004 Inspector Name Jennifer Read

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Highnam Day Nursery Setting Address Lassington Lane Highnam Gloucester Gloucestershire GL2 8DH

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Highnam Day Nursery

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Highnam Day Nursery Address Lassington Lane Highnam Gloucester Gloucestershire GL2 8DH

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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

Highnam Day Nursery opened in 2004 and operates from a purpose-built, two-storey building in the village of Highnam situated between Gloucester and Hereford. The nursery have five base rooms, a kitchen, toilets, a milk room and a sleep room. An additional room and kitchenette are available for the before-and-after school club. There is an enclosed outdoor area with grassed and patio surfaces. The nursery is registered to care for 48 children under 8 years at any one time. There are currently 55 children on roll. The nursery is in receipt of education funding and at present has four funded three-year-olds and three funded four-year-olds attending. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday between 07.30 and 18.30 all the year round. The nursery supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. Children attend from the village of Highnam and outlying areas. The children are cared for by a team of 11 members of staff most of whom hold

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Information about the setting

recognised childcare qualifications. The manager has the Nursery Nursing Examination Board qualification and the deputy has the Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Early Childhood Studies. Most staff have completed first aid and child protection training. The nursery has access to a mobile library and close links with Highnam Primary School. The nursery implement a national programme for children from birth to three years and receive support from the area Special Needs Co-ordinator and Foundation Stage consultants.

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How good is the Day Care?

Highnam Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The nursery offers a cheerful, well-organised and welcoming environment. Displays, photographs, notice boards and mobiles decorate the nursery. Staff are very observant and implement high levels of safety. Safety equipment is installed in all areas of the nursery and secure procedures are adhered to for the safe arrival and collection of children with close circuit television secured at the entrance. Children demonstrate a good understanding of the hygiene routines. They use individual flannels and clean their teeth after all main meals. There are effective procedures for staff recruitment and induction. The well-qualified and committed staff team provide a range of planned and free-choice activities to support children's learning. Opportunities for children to explore using natural

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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 resources and activities to extend their sensory experiences are restricted. Staff have established excellent relationships with children and show interest in what the children do and say. Children's independence is promoted well through clear labelling, low-level storage and well-set routines. A good range of healthy, nutritious home-cooked meals are provided with special ingredients used to cater for a variety of dietary requirements. Children's individual care needs are well met and their behaviour managed appropriately. Staff act as good role models with their positive approach. Effective systems are in place to work closely with parents. Detailed information is provided to keep parents well informed about their child's care and progress. Parental consents for visits and to apply treatments are not in place for all children.

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How good is the Day Care?

The policies and procedures are clear, well-written and implemented successfully by all staff. However, the procedure if an allegation of abuse is made while a child is in the care of the nursery is not readily available. All documentation is maintained to a high standard.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is first inspection since registration, therefore not applicable.

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What is being done well?

• Settling-in and pre-visits are used effectively by staff to obtain detailed information. Staff demonstrate a sound knowledge of the children and meet their individual needs well. Staff show interest, interact positively and establish close relationships with children. • Staff have established a positive partnership with parents. Detailed information is provided about the setting and the children's care and progress through twice yearly parent evenings. Comprehensive communication between staff and parents including daily diaries and well set out parents notice boards with menus, staff details, training and activity plans are available. • Children's safety is paramount and staff take effective steps to ensure children play within a safe and secure environment. Safety measures are installed in all areas of the nursery. Stair gates, viewing windows and finger guards are on all doors. Security coded doors and close circuit television are

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What is being done well?

installed within the entrance and hallway to help ensure the safe arrival and collection of children. • Clear, detailed and documented procedures for staff recruitment are well implemented and all staff complete an effective induction programme. The committed staff team demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and are clear about their roles and responsibilities. • Children's behaviour is managed successfully by staff. Children respond appropriately to staff's calm, polite approach and know the routines well.

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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 Strategies are used effectively and praise is used frequently to value children's achievements and promote their good behaviour.

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What needs to be improved?

• the range of activities and natural resources provided to encourage and develop children's sensory experiences and play opportunities to support their imagination and creativity both indoors and outdoors • the written permission from parents for children to participate in local visits and outings and to apply sun creams and lotions • the statement of procedure if an allegation of abuse is made while a child is in the care of the nursery.

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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 14 Extend the child protection policy to include the procedure to follow if an allegation of abuse is made while a child is in the care of the nursery. 07/09/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Extend the range of activities and natural media and resources to provide children with varied sensory opportunities and experiences which allow children to build on their curiosity as learners and develop their imagination and creativity. 12 Request written permission from parents for all aspects of nursery life to ensure children are cared for according to parents wishes.

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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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