Little Foxes Childcare and Education for Children and their Parents

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/06/2003 Inspector Name Beverly Anne Self

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Foxes Childcare and Education for Children and their Parents Setting Address The Common Brinkworth Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 5DX

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Little Foxes Childcare and Education

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Little Foxes Childcare and Education Address The Common Brinkworth Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 5DX

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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

Little Foxes Childcare and Education for children and their Parents is a full day care facility, also providing a breakfast/after school club and holiday play scheme. It opens daily from 07:00 - 19:00 all year round. The premises is situated in the village of Brinkworth and the building is set on two floors. The provision has two baby units, three toddler rooms, a nursery unit and pre-prep school. There is also a disabled entrance and toilet facilities. They have kitchen facilities where meals are cooked daily and a baby kitchen for preparing, storing and heating feeds. There are three garden areas, one a multi-sensory garden, a multi-sensory room, hydro therapy pool, physical play room, library and large school hall. The provision takes funded three and four year olds. 32 members of staff are employed at the provision, 28 of these work directly with the children, they all hold or are working towards childcare qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Foxes Childcare and Education for Children and their Parents provides good care for children. Little Foxes provides a warm, welcoming environment for children and families, the premises are well presented and visually stimulating. There is a wide and varied range of toys and equipment for both indoor and outside play. All staff hold or are working towards childcare qualifications and receive ongoing training to keep them updated with new information. All documentation and records are in place, concise, informative and stored confidentially. The premises has an effective security system ensuring the safety of staff and children. Staff have a good awareness of health and safety issues reducing any potential risks, however the car park area is uneven. Good standards of hygiene are maintained and promoted with the children. Meals and snacks are prepared daily on the premises, children are offered a nutritious and balanced diet, with dietary needs

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How good is the Day Care?

catered for. The provision has a trained SENCO with knowledge and experience in caring for children with special needs. All staff have a sound knowledge of child protection issues and are aware of the procedures to follow. A wide range of toys and activities, including a multi-cultural mix are provided for the children in all units. Children are well occupied with stimulating activities that are fun.

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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 The children enjoy their play, are relaxed, happy and confident, they interact with each other and staff communicating with ease. Staff are sensitive to the children's needs, talk with and listen to them, encouraging them to share their knowledge and be independent whilst feeling secure. Staff are calm and consistent in their approach to behaviour management, re-enforcing positive behaviour with praise and encouragement. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress and the provision through daily diaries, newsletters, meetings and staff always being available to talk with parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection an action was set that a fire officers report was required for the new premises. An inspection was carried out and all recommendations of the fire officer have been met.

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What is being done well?

• Children are grouped effectively into small family group rooms with a high staff to child ratio. • All members of staff hold or are working towards childcare qualifications, they receive induction and on going training to keep them well informed and up to date. • The premises are welcoming, well presented, with a good use of space. Facilities are available for parents with a comfortable waiting area and toilet. Staff have their own staff room with kitchen facilities, toilet and shower room. • All staff have a good awareness of health and safety issues, risk assessments are carried out regularly and ongoing training is given. The security system and 'fob keys' ensure no unauthorised people can enter the building. • Drinks and fruit are always available in each room. Menus are displayed for parents, they offer a balanced diet with healthy and nutritious meals that are prepared daily. All special dietary requirements are catered for.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide good role models so that children can learn by example, they are calm and consistent in their approach to behaviour management using constant praise and encouragement. • Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress and the provision through daily diaries, end of term reports, information evenings, parent and key worker meetings, notice boards and regular newsletters.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Children are happy, relaxed, confident, well occupied and enjoy their play. They interact well with each other as well as the staff communicating with ease. Staff

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 listen to and talk with the children encouraging them to share their knowledge and opinions. They are calm, friendly, give constant praise and reassurance whilst being sensitive to the children's needs. (Standard 3)

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What needs to be improved?

• car park surface, ensure this area does not pose a hazard to children.

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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 car park area does not pose a hazard to children

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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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