Meadow Hill Education and Arts Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/12/2004 Inspector Name Ann Bamford

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Meadow Hill Education and Arts Nursery Setting Address 707 Chorley New Road Lostock Bolton BL6 4AQ

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Meadow Hill Education and Arts Nursery

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Meadow Hill Education and Arts Nursery Address 707 Chorley New Road Lostock Bolton Lancashire BL6 4AQ

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

Meadow Hill Education and Arts Nursery is a private day nursery which opened in 1990. It is situated in the Lostock area of Bolton, on the main link from Bolton centre to the motorway. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday from 07:45 to 06:00 for 50 weeks per year, closing for Christmas and Bank Holidays only. The nursery is registered to provide care and education for a maximum of 53 children catering for children from 0 to 5 years. At the time of inspection there 61 children on roll, many of whom attend on a full time basis. None of these children speaks English as an additional language or has been identified as having special educational needs. The children attend from the local community and a wider geographical area, and are from families of a variety of backgrounds. The qualified teacher has overall responsibility for the educational provision in the lower pre-school room and pre-school room. Of the remaining staff twelve hold

p.2

Information about the setting

recognised early years qualifications at National Vocational Level three or equivalent. One further staff is working towards her level Three award. The setting has a dog [which has limited contact with children] and a chipmunk that children are involved in caring for. Four play rooms are situated on the ground floor, these include the baby room, first steps room, and the lower pre-school and pre-school rooms. In addition, there is a newly acquired library/quiet area. The toddler room is on the first floor. There are good kitchen, toilet and changing facilities. The children benefit from a large, natural garden with grassed and safety surface play areas.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Meadowhill Education and Arts Nursery provides a good standard of care for children. The setting is well maintained, clean and child focussed. Good use is made of the space both in the nursery and the garden. This allows children safe space, in accordance with age. Staff are recruited who are suitable to work with children. They are encouraged to continue their professional development whilst working at the nursery. There are clear operational procedures. Staff make effective use of these to provide care. There is a range of toys and equipment which is readily available to

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 children. Older children can select their own equipment and toys. Records are generally available which contribute to the safe care of children. The setting is safe. Staff make good use of the policy and procedures to ensure that the environment remains safe. Staff are clear of their roles in the event of and emergency. Staff are active in promoting good hygiene. They use the policies relating to medication and accidents well in order to provide children with safe care. Food and drink is provided regularly to children that is generally nutritious. Staff gather information on children's needs in order to provide appropriate care. Staff knowledge of their role in protecting children is generally good. There is a range of activities offered to children. They are interesting and

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

appropriate. These activities assist children's development in each area of learning. Children in all areas of the nursery are able to experience periods of activity and relaxation. Staff have expectations that children will behave well and they do. The setting works in partnership with parents. It continues to develop frameworks for communicating with parents. There is comprehensive written information for parents on how care is offered. Good use is made of notice boards and displays to inform parents of what is happening. Key workers are responsible for communicating verbal information to parents.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the setting agreed to ensure that they had effective systems for vetting staff. The nursery now has a system which ensures that all staff undertake a criminal records check, and any proposed manager undertakes a suitable person interview with Ofsted before appointment. This has increased the safe care of children.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The nursery's recruitment and selection policy ensures that staff are suitable to work with children. The nursery uses appraisal and training to ensure that staff maintain and develop their skills in caring for children. The organisation of staffing allows a high child/adult ratio for significant amounts of the day. • Staff make effective use of planning to provide a range of activities which stimulate children. • Children are involved in a broad range of activities in each area of the nursery, older children are able to select some activities freely. Children are engaged in play throughout their time in the nursery. Older children are able to engage in collaborative play. • Each area of the nursery has a good range of toys and equipment to meet children's needs. • Staff work alongside children encouraging them to make use of equipment such as bikes or scooters in a way which aids skill development.

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 • Staff make effective use of the written policies and procedures provided for them. Each member of staff knows her role in the event of a fire. The plan is practised regularly with children. Staff make effective use of the written checklists provided to ensure that the environment remains safe. • Staff are active in promoting good hygiene with children. They make effective use of routines in order to encourage children to be able to meet their own hygiene needs. Children are able to take increasing responsibility for their own hygiene needs. There is a clear policy and procedure for the administration of medication. • The setting provides information for parents about how it encourages positive behaviour. Staff are active in using routines and praise as a means of assisting children to behave well. Children are expected to behave well and

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• The Child Protection procedure. • The recording of parental permission to seek emergency advice or treatment for a child and the accuracy of recording of children's attendance.

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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 13 Review the action to be taken in the event of an allegation against a member of staff, ensuring that each staff member understands it. 14 Ensure that accurate records are kept of the parental permission to seek any necessary medical advice or treatment and children's attendance [including times that care is offered to each child].

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.5

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.6

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.6

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.6

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.7

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.7

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.7

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.7

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.7