The Meadows Day Care Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/07/2004 Inspector Name Gill Thornton

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name The Meadows Centre Setting Address Farriers Gate New Road Chatteris Cambridgeshire PE16 6QP

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Meadows Centre 1069714

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Meadows Centre Address Farriers Gate New Road Chatteris Cambridgeshire PE16 6QP

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

The Meadows Nursery, After School and Holiday Club offer a variety of children's facilities. The nursery operates Monday to Friday 9.00 - 11.30 am and 12.30 to 15.00 and an after school club from 15.00 to 18.00 pm. These groups are open term time only. The Meadows holiday club is a full day care group operating during school holidays 8.00 to 18.00. None of the groups offer over night care. All of the facilities offered operate from the Meadows Community Centre, a purpose designed building situated close to the local school in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. The group is registered for a total of forty-four children with specific age groups attending different sessions. Areas available to the group include two large play rooms that can form one room when divider doors are opened, a kitchen and toilet facilities. There is additional office, storage and toilet space for adult use. There is a fully enclosed outside play

p.2

Information about the setting

area. The setting receives support from the Cambridgeshire Care and Education Partnership and are approved to take children in receipt of Government Nursery funding. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the group.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The Meadows Centre provides good quality care for children. A warm and welcoming environment is provided for parents and children. The premises are safe and clean and decorated with creative displays of children's work. The group have a small secure outside play area and access to the playground when not being used by the school. The after school club and holiday playscheme also use the school field for physical play. Children are provided with a wide variety of resources and activities across to encourage their learning and development. The experienced and qualified staff work well together to support children's play and encourage perseverance and develop their independence. Staff are consistent in managing children's behaviour and children respond well to the good role models they provide. Policies and record

p.2

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 keeping systems are in place and most procedures are appropriately followed in order to protect children. Staff have a good awareness of keeping children safe and carry out separate risk assessments for outings. Children are provided with healthy snacks and their individual dietary needs are met. Most health and hygiene issues are given appropriate attention. Partnership with parents is good. Staff work closely with parents to meet children's individual needs. New parents are well informed about the provision and they are kept well informed about their children's progress The After school and Holiday Club is resourced with age appropriate resources. Staff are appropriately qualified and policies and procedures are in place to keep children safe and healthy.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group were asked to ensure policies and procedures were in place regarding administering medication, risk assessments, sick children and child protection, these are now in place. They were also asked to provide an action plan showing how the staff qualifications to meet the national standards would be met. Staff are now appropriately qualified or working towards Playwork Level 3, so improving the quality of care provided. The group were further asked to ensure children's records contained all the necessary information and that parents were provided with an information leaflet about the setting, this has now been done.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff follow correct procedures in line with the SEN code of practice and work well with parents and other professionals to ensure that all children can participate at a level appropriate to their needs • Children are provided with a wide range of good quality toys and resources to promote their learning. The activities provided are fun and stimulating so children are interested and involved in their play, for example taking part in a treasure hunt. • The premises are clean, bright and welcoming for children and the provision has all the necessary facilities to provide children with opportunities to develop their emotional, social and intellectual capabilities. • Children behave well. Staff use praise and encouragement setting clear boundaries and ensuring children are treated fairly and consistently. • Partnership with parents is good. Parents feel staff are approachable and caring. Parents are kept well informed about their children's progress through

p.3

What is being done well?

the daily opportunity to speak to staff and formal appointments to share their children's records.

p.3

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

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• Staff knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations • The continued updating of some policies and procedures in line with current regulations

p.4

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Ensure staff update knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures. 14 Ensure policies and procedures continue to be updated in line with current regulations, in particular child protection and complaints.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6