Little Stars Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 11/02/2005 Inspector Name Andrea, Marie Paulson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Stars Day Nursery Setting Address 58 Woodplumpton Road Ashton-on-Ribble Preston Lancashire PR2 2LQ

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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

Little Stars Day Nursery is a full day care facility located close to the A5085 Blackpool Road to the north side of Preston. The early opening hours are planned to meet the needs of staff working in the nearby hospitals. It opened in 2003 and a maximum of 52 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery hours are from 06.45 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, throughout the year. The nursery is set in a detached building with parking at the front and rear. Facilities include a large baby room with adjoining changing room, interconnecting playrooms for the 2 and 3 year olds, and a self-contained unit for the pre-school children. All the children have access to the fully enclosed garden area. There are currently 63 children attending, of whom 29 receive nursery education funding. The nursery also supports children with special educational needs and for whom English is an additional language. The nursery employs 10 staff, nine of

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Information about the setting

whom are qualified and experienced, including the owner/manager.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Stars Day Nursery provides good quality care for the children. The nursery premises are colourful and welcoming, with interesting displays which include the children's own work. The rooms are well organised to provide an extensive range of age-related play areas for the children to benefit from. The children are able to move easily between the activities and choose from the good quality equipment. The children are able to enjoy playing in a stimulating, practical and homely environment, both indoor and outdoor. Staff members are deployed well so that the children are effectively supervised. They work closely as a team in the different nursery areas, so that the children settle into a well organised and familiar routine. The record keeping is thorough and comprehensive, kept securely stored and confidential. The nursery maintains good standards of safety and security so that the children are well protected. Good practices are followed throughout the day, to ensure a safe and

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How good is the Day Care?

healthy environment. The staff group has a high ratio of qualified members and a good mix of experience. Their knowledge of child care issues is sound, and a key worker system is used to help ensure that the children receive individual care.

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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 interesting range of well-planned activities are based on the 'Early Learning Goals' and 'Birth to 3 Matters', to promote each child's overall development. Each play area is well resourced with activities appropriate for the age-range, so that the children have fun and learn as they enjoy constructive play. The interaction between the staff and the children is good, with staff members encouraging independence and also offering support when needed. The children are well behaved, learning positive social skills and good manners. Several ways are used to share information with parents and the parental feedback is positive about the quality of care given. The policies are mostly comprehensive and made available to parents.

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What is being done well?

• Children learn through the play opportunities provided. They enjoy hand printing, role play with the interesting range of dressing up clothes, and exploring shape sorters and sounds. • The children are learning appropriate behaviour. They listen well to the expressive story telling and are encouraged to discuss their ideas and feelings. They settle well and sit safely during meal times. Staff encourage good social skills as the children take turns and share equipment. • The individual care is good, so that the babies have a familiar care routine which takes into account their needs and parents' wishes. • Effective health and safety practices are followed. The premises are kept clean throughout the day, the children are encouraged to wash hands, and thorough systems are in place to monitor the children coming and going. The children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. • The meals are nutritious and freshly cooked on the premises by staff

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What is being done well?

specifically employed to do so. Individual dietary requirements are met, while also encouraging the children to try healthy foods, including fruit and vegetables. • The premises are colourful and welcoming throughout with displays based on interesting topics, and varied play areas with good quality equipment. The environment is bright, light, comfortable and homely for the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• the Child Protection policy and procedures, and the Complaints policy.

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PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS (This section applies only to inspections carried out

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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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There are no complaints to report from 1st April 2004

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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 12 review the Complaints Policy to inform parents that Ofsted can be contacted independent of Nursery procedure. 13 review Child Protection policy to include details of designated person, and contact details according to the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Ensure that the designated person has Child Protection training.

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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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