Kids Planet Westerhope

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 29/04/2003 Inspector Name Julie Larner

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Westerhope Village Nursery Setting Address 384-388 Stamfordham Road Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear NE5 5HE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Westerhope Village Nursery is located on the main road running through Westerhope in the west of Newcastle. The premises used for the nursery were originally a police station; there is ample parking to the front and side of the building. The nursery has 5 rooms for children's play located on the ground floor and children are grouped according to age and stage of development. In addition there are rooms upstairs, some of which are available for children's use, as a soft play room and a library. The staff room is located upstairs and this is also used as a training room. A large dining area is used for children's meals and space in here is also utilised for planned children's activities. There are laundry and kitchen facilities. There is a large garden area to the rear of the building which can be used by all children at different intervals throughout the day The nursery is designated as part of the Neighbourhood

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Information about the setting

Nurseries scheme. The nursery cares for children from birth to school age and there are currently 67 children on roll. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8.00am-6.00pm for 51 weeks of the year, closing on the Christmas week and public Bank Holidays. The proprietor of the nursery is Mrs Elizabeth Smith who holds a teaching qualification. The manager is Helen Balderson who holds a relevant Early Years qualification and there is also a deputy manager. There are 17 other staff, 3 of these being cleaners and a cook; most of the staff hold relevant qualifications. There are senior nursery nurses in each of the rooms. The nursery provides funded places for 3-4 year olds and there are 7 funded 3 year olds attending at present. The nursery supports children with special educational needs and those for whom English is an additional language.

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How good is the Day Care?

The standard of care provided is good. Care of the children was good and allowed children to build effective relationships with adults and their peers. Staff worked well together as a team. Children were supported in their play and their individual needs were met. Space is used effectively with rooms being well laid out to create areas where children can rest, play and take part in planned activities. In addition there are areas of the nursery which all children can use i.e. garden, library, soft play and dining hall, which are used to provide further opportunities for learning and play. The nursery provides a wide range of opportunities and different experiences to help children's development. The nursery is well managed and staff are committed to reviewing their practise to both enhance systems that already exist and to create new ones where necessary, eg improving allergy forms and creating a booklet for

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How good is the Day Care?

parents about ingredients used in the food provided. Staff are included in these

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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 ws and are aware of most areas of the nursery's policies. All of the relevant paperwork is in place and can be easily accessed by those who need it. The nursery works well with parents to keep them informed about their child's care. Parents are informed about most areas of the nursery's practise.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The previous inspection visit was to register the provision. No additional conditions or actions were imposed.

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What is being done well?

The ratios for children under 2 years exceed the minimum standards: this results in good levels of more individual care and attention for children. (Standard 2) Both the manager and deputy are supernumerary, which enables them to focus on the managerial tasks. (Standard 2) An action plan has been devised about areas the nursery are working on; this assists in the development and enhancement of existing good practice. (Standard 2) The children are interested and happy, they have a good relationship with staff who attend to their individual needs. (Standard 3) Space is used well incorporating creative use of the garden and the premises are light and airy; along with the appropriate use by staff, these combine to help children to explore and investigate their surroundings. (Standard 4) The staff encourage children to behave well; this results in a consistently happy atmosphere. (Standard 11) Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress, which benefits the

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What is being done well?

shared care of the children. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

information given to parents about the child protection policy. (Standard 13) the implementation of the fire procedure policy. (Standard 6)

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 ensure that the fire procedure is fully implemented and that staff are

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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 aware of this. 13 ensure that parents are made aware of the child protection procedure.

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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 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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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

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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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