Bluebird Kindergarten

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/02/2005 Inspector Name Margaret Patricia Mellor

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Bluebird Kindergarten & Nursery Setting Address Elm Hall Drive Liverpool Merseyside L18 1LF

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Sheila Carmichael and Joanne Carmichael Address Bluebird Kindergarten and Nursery Methodist Building, Elm Hall Drive Liverpool Merseyside L18 1LF

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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

Bluebird Kindergarten and Nursery have been operating for over 30 years and were registered in September 1996. It is privately owned and managed. The nursery occupies 3 rooms in Elm Hall Methodist Church rooms. All children share access to the hall at agreed times. There are disabled access and facilities. It is situated in Allerton a residential suburb of Liverpool. A maximum of 60 children may attend at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 09:00 to 16:00 hours during school term and half terms. Currently there are 58 children on roll aged from 2 to 4 years. Of these 49 children receive funding for nursery education and children with special educational needs are attending. On the day of the visit 33 children are present. Children mainly live in and around the Allerton community. The nursery employs 11 staff. The manager, officer in charge and 5 staff hold an appropriate early years qualifications. Currently one is working towards qualification.

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Information about the setting

Three have a current First Aid certificate. Ancillary support staff are employed for preparing the children's lunches and cleaning the premises. Bluebird Kindergarten and Nursery are a member of the National Day Nursery Association. An early years teacher supports with the children's educational programme and staff are introducing Birth to 3 matters. They network with and are supported by Liverpool Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Bluebird Kindergarten and Nursery standard of care for children is good. The environment is clean and the church council know of floor coverings needing replacement. It is a very welcoming atmosphere with lots of children's work displayed. Staff are organising the space creatively before children arrive so they are moving safely and reaching their many toys easily. A set of policies are informing most activities and all the daily records are up to date with some review of the outings and registration procedures needed. The premises are safe and secure. All safety features are in place such as annual fire equipment checks keeping children and adults safe. Staff pay much attention to children's developing awareness of their own care needs. Lunch time is a family time when children and siblings are sitting together and meals are healthy and varied.

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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 Staff are making sure all children are included and are working with others in the assessment of special educational needs. They are aware of child protection issues and procedures to safeguard children. The staff are very attentive and enthusiastic about children's play. Children are encouraged to talk and think about what they are doing. Their imagination, creativity and understanding of different cultures are being positively enhanced through play. Children are happy, very interested in their toys and well occupied. Staff are setting a good example and very caring giving lots of encouragement when children are behaving well. Children are confident and relationships are good. Partnership with parents is good. At the outset parents are provided with opportunities to identify children's individual needs. They are taking children's work

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How good is the Day Care?

folders home and there are annual open days for exchanging of information about children's progress. Parents support with the children's activities such as Chinese New Year and charitable fundraising events. They are very happy with staff, children's care and play experiences.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the previous inspection 3 actions were agreed. These referred to; obtaining parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; preparing and making available to parents a complaints procedure and the regulators contact details; and preparing a statement in the event of any allegation or concern made about staff. They have; introduced parental consent for seeking emergency treatment or advice into children's enrolment forms; reviewed the complaints procedure to include the regulators address and contact details; and prepared a procedure regarding any allegation or concern made about staff. These are further safeguarding children and adults.

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What is being done well?

• The staff are very attentive and children are role playing, doing much art work and having regular story or rhyme times fostering their creativity and imagination. Children are well occupied and having fun whilst learning through play. • Art work for all ages of children is displayed throughout fostering their self esteem and a very welcoming atmosphere. Children are settled and comfortable in their care and play environment. • The staff pay much attention to children's potty training, washing hands and activities focusing on hair and teeth. Children are being positively encouraged to develop awareness of their individual care needs. • Healthy eating is encouraged such as a variety of pasta, wholemeal bread sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit as well as providing children with opportunities to experience many different tastes and textures.

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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 • Celebrating diversity is an important part of the children's activities and they are having a Chinese dragon dance and making Diwali candles and Easter bonnets. Children's understanding of their own and others cultures are being positively enhanced through play. • The staff are setting a good example, very polite and caring giving lots of praise, cuddles and merit stickers as acknowledgements of children's good behaviour and manners. Children are happy and confident reflected in their relationships with one another and adults. • Parental involvement is valued and at the outset are provided with opportunities to identify children's individual needs such as diet and racial origin. Continuity and consistent care of children is being encouraged.

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What needs to be improved?

• the recording of times children, staff and visitors are on the premises • the procedures for escorting children on outings.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There are no complaints since 1st April 2004.

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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 2 Take steps to review the children, staff and visitors registration procedures 6 Prepare a written procedure for escorting children safely on outings

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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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