1st Steps Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/02/2004 Inspector Name Margaret Patricia Mellor

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name 1st Steps Setting Address 42 - 44 Irlam Road Bootle Merseyside L20 4AL

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Little B's T/A 1st Steps Address 42 - 44 Irlam Road Bootle Merseyside L20 4AL

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

1st Steps Day Nursery was opened in April 2003. They are a Neighbourhood Nursery funded initiative. They are privately owned and run by Denise Bowden. They are located in Bootle and in close proximity to the Strand and main commuter routes serving Merseyside. The nursery operates in a large detached two storey converted premises. They primarily serve children and their families living in and around the local community. Children enrolled are aged from birth to 5 years. Currently there are 104 children on register who attend various full or part time sessions. On the day of the inspection 40 children are present. Two children have English as a second language. They provide funded places for 3 and 4 year olds. The nursery provides an all year round service with the exception bank holidays. They are open Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 18:00 hours. Children are cared for in six age related groups appropriate to their stage of

p.2

Information about the setting

development. The baby unit has milk preparation and nappy change rooms. There are full disabled access and facilities. Children also have an outdoor area to play in with grassed, soft play and tarmac surfaces. The provider and manager is a registered Nurse and has an NVQ3 Award in Childcare and Education. The co manager has a Teaching Certificate. There is a named deputy and a staff complement of twenty. Eleven have either trained to NVQ 2 or 3 standard and three are working toward a qualification. All staff have a relevant First Aid certificate. Ancillary support staff are employed for the preparation of children's meals and cleaning the premises. The nursery is affiliated to the National Day Nursery Association and working their toward Quality Assurance Award. They network with and are supported the Sefton Early Years Development Childcare Partnership. Early years teacher input supports with the children's educational programme. Curriculum provision is also supported

p.2

Information about the setting

by weekly sessions with a Music teacher.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

1st Steps Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff are experienced in early years work and training opportunities are good. They set out the playrooms

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 for the benefit of the children so they can access their activities and resources easily. The children are cared for with their peers and have a named keyworker. There are a comprehensive set of policies which inform all aspects of daily routines and care practice. Although the health and behaviour management procedures lack some detail. All daily records are accurate and up to date. All safety features are in place and the premises are safe and secure. Staff are encouraging children's awareness of safety issues especially fire safety. They understand health and hygiene procedures and are encouraging children's awareness. They know of children's individual needs and make sure that they are appropriately met. They are aware of child protection issues and steps to take to

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

safeguard children. The environment is very child friendly, warm and welcoming. Art work displays show a range of activities were all children have been encouraged to use their creativity and fostering their self esteem. Staff keep a progress record of children and use them for planning ahead. They interact with the children well and make sure they are included in the daily activities. They are encouraging their learning about the world around them. Staff relate to the children well ensuring that their experiences at nursery are happy and positive. Staff enjoy good working relationships with parents. They are given an information pack about the nursery. Much is done to keep parents informed about their child's development. They are warmly greeted as they arrive and there is daily sharing of information about children. They are involved in the review of the child's development records. Notice boards and newsletters are keeping them up to date

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff are all experienced in early years work and are accessing short courses to enhance their child care practice. • The playrooms and resources are organised for the benefit of the children who are freely accessing the numerous activities and play materials on offer. • Children are provided with good opportunities for free play and activities that need staff support and encouragement. • The atmosphere is very child friendly, warm and welcoming. Babies are playing comfortably at floor level and the over 2's confident moving from one activity to another. • There are an extensive range of play materials to meet the needs of all children. They are interested in and having fun with what is available to play with.

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 • All safety features are in place and access to the premises is being vigilantly monitored to keep children and staff safe. • Children's awareness of personal hygiene is being encouraged and they are washing their hands at appropriate times. • Children are offered a wide range of foods and have opportunities to experience many tastes and textures. • Staff make sure that the children are included and their differences acknowledged and valued. Their learning about their own and others cultures is positively encouraged. • They are aware that children with special needs may need resources adapted so that they can join in activities with their peers. • They are very attentive and good behaviour is being positively encouraged with lots of praise, cuddles and on occasions merit stickers. Children are very

p.3

What is being done well?

happy and playing well together. • Staff know the children's individual needs and work with parents to ensure these are appropriately met. Continuity and consistent care of children are being encouraged. • Staff are aware of child protection issues and the steps to take to keep children safe from harm.

p.4

What needs to be improved?

• the babies sleep records • the children's behaviour management incident records.

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 6 Keep a written record of checks when infants are sleeping. 11 Keep a detailed written record of any incident with regard to behaviour management.

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