Activeplay Nursery and Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/12/2003 Inspector Name Linda Patricia Coccia

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Activeplay Nursery Setting Address London House 10-14 High Street, Milton Regis Sittingbourne Kent ME10 2AB

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Activeplay Nurseries LTD Address 21 Stanhope Avenue Sittingbourne Kent ME10 4TT

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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

Activeplay Day Nursery opened in 2003. It operates from five rooms in a building, in Sittingbourne. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 46 children from 3 months to 5 years on roll. This includes 4 funded 3-year-olds and 10 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports 2 children who speak English as an additional language. Currently no children have special needs. The group opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07.30 to 18.30. There are nine staff who work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Two staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Activeplay Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The children are happy and well cared for and have a lot of good interaction with the staff. The nursery is well organised. The paperwork is kept up to date and records are readily available for inspection. However, some procedures need to be reviewed. There are effective procedures for appointing staff. Space is well adapted to meet the needs of all children. The premises are clean and well maintained and so are the toys and equipment. The children are well cared for. The premises are kept secure and regular risk assessments are carried out on the building and equipment. Medication and accident records are shared with parents. Daily menus are displayed and parents are involved in food arrangements for their children especially those with young babies. All children are encouraged to participate in all types of activities. Staff in the nursery have a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs. Staff

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How good is the Day Care?

are aware of child protection reporting and referral procedures. Activities contribute towards the children's development and learning. A wide range of good quality toys and activities are provided. However, the amount of toys promoting equality of opportunity needs to be increased. Children are able to reach their toys and equipment easily and are able to participate in group activities with

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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 other age groups of children. Staff manage children's behaviour well and good behaviour is rewarded. There is an effective partnership with parents. Parents are kept fully informed of all nursery policies and procedures. Their child's development records are available to them at any time. The owner produces a news sheet for parents with events and news information. The nursery has evidence of positive feedback from parents.

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What is being done well?

• The staff have very good relationships with the children. They enjoy their company and know them well. They spend a lot of time playing with them and helping them to learn and develop. The children are very happy and settled. • The nursery ensures that the premises are safe and secure for children. Safety equipment is in place. The children practise evacuation procedures to enable them to leave the premises safely. • The nursery provides a key worker for each child who keeps development records up to date. Records are available to parents at all times. The key worker informs parents daily about their child's progress and achievements. Children are able to receive continuity of care. • The nursery ensures that it employs appropriate staff by having effective recruitment procedures in place. Staff undertake an induction programme to ensure they understand the working of the nursery. The children are not

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What is being done well?

disrupted when a new member of staff begins to work with them.

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What needs to be improved?

• the labelling of children's medication • the recording of children's arrival and departure times in the attendance register • the amount of toys and activities promoting equality of opportunity • the review of some policies and procedures.

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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure arrival and departure times are recorded. 5 Increase the range of toys and activities which give positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. 7 Ensure children’s medication is labelled.

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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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