The Horseshoe Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/06/2003 Inspector Name Norma Flynn

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Horseshoe Day Nursery Setting Address The Horseshoe, Follonsby Terrace West Boldon East Boldon Tyne and Wear NE36 0BZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Horseshoe Day Nursery

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Horseshoe Day Nursery Address Follonsby Terrace West Boldon Tyne and Wear NE36 0BZ

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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

Horseshoe Day Nursery opened in September 2002. It operates from three rooms in a purpose built nursery in a semi rural area but close to a major road network. The Nursery serves the wide area including South Tyneside, Sunderland, Gateshead. There are currently 28 children from three months to five years on the roll. This includes no funded three year olds and four year olds. Children attend a variety of session. The group opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 08:00 until 18:00 hours. Six part time and fulltime staff work with the children. Two have early years qualifications. Four staff are currently on training programmes. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDPC).

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How good is the Day Care?

Horseshoe Day Nursery provides satisfactory care with some unsatisfactory aspects for children aged nought to five years. Some regulations are not complied with, including ensuring suitability of staff before employing and ensuring unvetted persons are not left unsupervised with children. Staff induction procedures are in place but need to be further developed. There is a lack of effective operational plans, which is reflected in the organisation of premises, staff and resources which are not currently meeting the needs of children aged 18 months to two years. Children have access to a safe, secure outdoor play area, from where they can observe horses, small animals and birds. All staff know about the fire safety requirements. Health and safety procedures have been drawn up, however some aspects of safety need to be addressed. There is a comprehensive sickness policy, understood by parents. Children are offered meals

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How good is the Day Care?

and snacks routinely. Staff liase with parents to ensure that children's records contain information to enable appropriate care to be given. Staff have regard for the Code of practice for the identification and assessment of special educational needs. Some staff demonstrated a lack of understanding of the child protection policy and procedure.

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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 Foal room is comfortably furnished and has sufficient, suitable, safe toys and equipment. Age appropriate activities, sensory toys and experiences are limited for children under two in the yearling's room. Observations and records of what children do are used to plan the next step in the children's play, learning and development in the foal's room. This was not so in the yearlings room and individual needs of children are not respected allowing routine to dictate. Procedure for behaviour management is understood and implemented by staff and shared with parents. An effective daily system of exchange of information with parents about children's care needs, routine and development is in place.

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What is being done well?

• The Foal room is comfortably furnished with domestic furniture to develop children's mobility. • Observations and records of what children can do are used to plan the next stage of development in the Foal room. • Effective daily systems of exchange of information with parents about children's care needs, routine and development are in place.

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What needs to be improved?

• procedures for appointing and vetting of staff and arrangement to protect children from person who are not vetted; • the operational plan, to explain how the setting is run and how the resources are used to meet the needs of the children; • the organisation of space to meet the different ages and stages of development and non mobile children; • care and activities of the under twos in the yearlings room; • safety with regards to storage of household cleaners and children's access to animals in the car park; • the child protection policy, to ensure it complies with local guidance and that staff are aware of the procedure to be followed.

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Outcome of the 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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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 2 develop an operational plan on the organisation of the provision 30/06/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

4 ensure space is organised to meet the needs of different ages and stages of development and non mobile children 30/07/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

3 increase activities, toys and equipment appropriate for children under two in yearlings room and provide varied sensory opportunities. Use observations to plan appropriate activities for the next step in children's development and learning in the yearlings room 30/07/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

13 ensure that child protection procedures for the nursery complies with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures, includes the procedure to be followed in the event of allegations made against staff and develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues 30/07/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 make sure that household cleaners are inaccessible to children 6 identify what actions need to be taken to eliminate the potential risk to children from vehicles while visiting animals in the car park 2 ensure registration arrangements show when staff and visitors are present

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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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