Brambles Childcare Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/01/2005 Inspector Name Anthea Errington

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Brambles Childcare Centre Ltd Setting Address Coquet Enterprise Park Amble Morpeth Northumberland NE65 0PE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Brambles Childcare Centre Ltd 4720416

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Brambles Childcare Centre Ltd Address 21 The Close Amble Morpeth Northumberland NE65 0HZ

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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

Brambles Childcare Centre is a merger between both Happy Apple Pre-school and Sunshine Kids Crèche. It is registered to care for children aged up to eight years old and offers full day care for pre-school children as well as before and after school and holiday play scheme care for school age children. A drop off and collection service is provided to and from schools within Amble. Funded education provision is also offered. Opening times are Monday to Friday 8:00 to 18:00. The service is closed for two weeks over the Christmas holiday period The premises are newly built on the Coquet Enterprise Park which is about half a mile from the centre of Amble. Children have access to a main play area, divided into age related areas, separate sleeping room for younger children and a separate room for out of school care. There is a kitchen to provide meals, meeting rooms, toilet and shower rooms for all children, toilet and access for disabled people and

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Information about the setting

laundry facilities. There is also an enclosed outdoor play area with both hard and grassed surfaces. There are currently 112 children on the nursery roll and 36 on the out of school roll. All staff are suitably qualified and experienced.

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How good is the Day Care?

Bramble Childcare Centre provides good quality care for children from 0 - 8 years of age. They offer a warm and welcoming environment where children are happy and feel secure through good adult support. Space and resources are very well organised. Good attention is given to meeting children's individual needs. Health and safety issues are well met and children are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices. The group have a sound knowledge of child protection procedures. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment which provide a balanced range of activities which promote children's individual development and learning in all areas. Children are happy, settled and fully occupied and interested in their play. Interaction between staff members and the children is warm and caring. Children's behaviour is managed well.

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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 Positive relationships with parents have been developed and information is shared on a daily basis keeping them informed of their children's progress and achievements, however they are not fully informed of all the policies and procedures used and followed within the centre. Most records are kept in a well organised manner including records of attendance. Confidentiality is respected and fully maintained.

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What is being done well?

• The organisation of the space available and the deployment of staff is well thought out and provides an interesting and challenging environment. Staff have developed warm and caring relationships with the children, there is constant positive interaction and children are given time to express themselves. Staff ensure that they listen to children encouraging their individuality with praise and support. • The provision is well resourced with a wide variety of toys and equipment which are well organised and stored giving children free access and choice. • Comprehensive induction procedure for new staff members and effective management support ensures all staff are clear with regard to their roles and responsibilities. • Positive relationships with parents have been developed. Daily diaries are used to inform parents of children's daily progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• the documentation so that fire drills are recorded at all times and the meeting point is clearly identified • the documentation so that all accident details include parent's signatures • the accessibility of policies and procedures for parents.

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Outcome of the 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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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 fire drills are always recorded and clearly identify the meeting point in writing in fire evacuation procedure. 7 Ensure parents signature is obtained on all accident details. 12 Ensure parents/carers are fully informed of policies and procedures followed within the group.

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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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