Southern Childcare Facilities - trading as Acorn Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/03/2005 Inspector Name Christine Coleman

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name Acorn Day Nursery and The Primary Club Setting Address c/o Forestdale Primary School Pixton Way Croydon Surrey CR0 9JE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Southern Childcare Facilities Ltd 4003597

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Southern Childcare Facilities Ltd Address 20 New Barn Lane Whyteleafe Surrey CR3 0EX

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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

Acorn Day Nursery is one of two nurseries run by Southern Childcare Facilities Ltd. The nursery opened in January 2004 and operates from Forestdale Primary School premises. There is also a primary club, which opened in May 2003 and provides out of school care for children from 4 years to under 8 years. A maximum of 27 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07:45 to 18:00 all year round. A maximum of 30 children may attend the primary club, which includes a breakfast club, open from 07:45 to 09:00, after school club open from 15:00 to 18:00 and holiday club open from 07:45 to 18:00, at any one time. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. At the nursery there are currently 15 children aged from 2 to under 5 years on roll. Of these, 9 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local area. The nursery has provision to support children with special educational

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Information about the setting

needs, and children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs two full-time and two part-time staff, who hold appropriate early years qualifications or are working towards qualification. The nursery operates from one playroom divided into two by a closing partition, a small kitchen area, office, storage cupboard and separate toilet facilities adjacent. There is a nappy changing area in a corner of the room. Meals at lunchtime are served in the dining hall.

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How good is the Day Care?

Acorn Day Nursery and Primary Club provides good care for children. The nursery and primary club provide a warm, caring environment and a well-organised routine. Play activities are planned to stimulate children's learning and development. The staff are trained or in training, with some being well-experienced in child care. The required staff to children ratio is maintained, and there is a key worker system in place in the nursery. Comprehensive written policies and procedures underpin the day to day running. The nursery operates from a one large playroom divided into two play areas with facilities for sleep, toilet and nappy changing areas, kitchen area and staff facilities. The primary club operates from the dining hall. Rooms are well heated and

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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 ventilated. There is an outdoor play area available for outdoor activities. The nursery provides a safe environment for children, and hygiene standards are generally well maintained. Some of the records of accidents are incomplete. The individual needs of children are attended to, and any concerns about their development are discussed with parents. Snacks provided are prepared in the kitchen area and main meals in the school kitchen. Meals are eaten in the school dining hall. There is a nutritious and varied menu which is rotated with options for different dietary needs. The nursery has a good range of play resources and equipment and they are, organised and labelled so children access them easily. They are regularly added to and include items reflecting positive images of ethnicity and gender but not disability

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How good is the Day Care?

. There is a limited range of play resources for physical play. Activities are planned and include regular themes. Behaviour is managed well using appropriate methods and a consistent approach. The nursery actively encourages a good partnership with parents and provides regular verbal and written information.

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What is being done well?

• Acorn Day Nursery and Primary Club provides a range of activities to stimulate learning and development in a bright and welcoming environment. • The setting provides a safe environment for children and staff are attentive to the individual needs of children. • Staff use positive and consistent behaviour management methods and provide good role models for the children. • Effective partnership with parents is encouraged through daily verbal feedback and written information. • There are comprehensive written policies accessible to staff and parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• the range of play resources • arrangement for maintaining the sinks in the toilet area in a clean condition • ensuring that the record of accidents is signed by the parent

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from September 2004. The complaint record relates to complaints from the last

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 5 increase play resources to promote children's physical development and resources reflecting positive images of disability 7 ensure that records of accidents are signed by parents and improve the arrangement to maintain the sinks in the toilet area in a clean condition at all times

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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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