Early Adventures

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/09/2004 Inspector Name Maura Pigram

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Early Adventures Setting Address 10 Katherine Place College Road Abbots Langley Hertfordshire WD5 0BT

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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

Early Adventures Day Nursery opened in 2004. It operates from a purpose built single storey building consisting of 4 play rooms and a separate sleeping room for babies. There is a full size kitchen for the preparation of meals and an enclosed outside play area. The nursery serves the local area of Abbots Langley and Watford. It has parking facilities at the front of the building. There are currently 54 children from 3 months to 5 years on roll. This includes 11 funded three-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently no children with identified special needs and the group supports 7 children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens 5 days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07:30 until 18:30. On the day of inspection there were 29 children present. Eight full time and 4 part time staff work with the children. The nursery is owned by Claire Traxon who is actively involved in the day to day running of the nursery. The

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Information about the setting

manager is Elizabeth Glynn, 10 members of staff are trained to Level 3. The nursery employs a cook and supports students from local schools and colleges on work experience. There are currently no staff on training programmes. The setting is intending to seek support from a teacher/mentor from the Early years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Early Adventures provides a satisfactory standard of care for children. The premises has recently been redecorated and the play rooms are bright, airy and welcoming. Children's work is displayed adequately. The children have the use of an enclosed outdoor play area containing some play equipment. The staff work well together as a team and contributions are valued. Staff have a good awareness of health and safety although some aspects need strengthening. The dietary requirements of the children are known, meals are prepared on the premises and a balanced diet is offered through snacks and meals. Children are given a satisfactory range of play opportunities. Increased provision of staff training and appraisal would enhance existing practice. Confidence and social skills such as kindness and sharing are encouraged throughout the sessions offered.

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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 There is a very good relationship with parents. New parents receive written welcoming information and pre-visits are encouraged. Communication regarding the children's needs is shared regularly. Some of the documentation necessary for pre-school practice is in place.

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What is being done well?

• The staff know the children well and interact appropriately with the children. They are caring and are effective role models. Social skills are supported by adults who provide praise and encouragement throughout the sessions. Babies language skills are encouraged by the consistent, caring interaction of the staff. • There is an effective security system in place with staff monitoring visitors to the nursery. Emergency evacuation procedures are regularly carried out and children's reactions are recorded and addressed. • The staff have developed an effective partnership with parents. They provide support during the settling in period. They have a very good awareness of the family and child's needs such as separation and anxiety. They take positive steps to ease this transition such as arranging pre-visits.

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What needs to be improved?

• the accessibilty of the toilet facilities for the Pre-school 1 room • the provision of training to enhance staff knowledge • documentation and risk assessments.

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure staff have access to training that will enhance their knowledge of how young children develop and enable them to provide appropriate play opportunities with stimulating and developmentally appropriate resources. 4 Make sure the toilet and hand washing facilities for the children in the Pre-school 1 room are accessible and appropriate. 6 Ensure all areas of the day nursery are safe (this refers to the uncovered water tray and the use of daily risk assessments in each play and work area). 14 Develop documentation necessary to meet the National Standards (this refers to an operational plan, a special needs and a behaviour management statement).

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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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