Early Learning Years Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/08/2003 Inspector Name Deborah Wilkinson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Early Learning Years Nursery Setting Address 19 The Grove Finchley London N3 1QN

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Early Learning Years Nursery Address 19 The Grove Finchley London N3 1QN

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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

Early Learning Years Nursery is a full day care provision which opened in 2002 and is located in a residential area of Finchley. The nursery operates from a self contained house near the main high road with good access to public transport and local amenities. The opening hours are 07:30 - 18:30 five days a week all year round. There are currently 51 children on roll including six funded three year olds and five funded four year olds. Children can attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery currently supports a number of children with special needs, and who speak English as an additional language. There is a team of nine staff working with the children some of whom work on a part time basis. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or above. One member of staff is completing the NVQ level 3 and two others intend to start NVQ courses within the next year. The nursery receives support from a teacher

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Information about the setting

from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Early Learning Years Nursery provides satisfactory care. The premises offer a welcoming environment for children and parents. Staff have a good understanding of health and safety issues and ongoing risk assessments are completed. There is a key worker system in place with children cared for in age appropriate groups each of which has consistent members of staff. The required ratios are maintained and the manager or deputy always available. Staff have good relationships with the children using positive language and giving support and encouragement in the activities, children respond well and are happy. The nursery provides a vegetarian menu with all meals freshly cooked. Currently the organisation of meal times does not promote older children's independence or interaction with adults. The children in the baby room are encouraged to feed themselves and there is a separate preparation area for feeds and bottles.

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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 programme of activities is varied, age appropriate and provides daily opportunities for indoor and outdoor play. There is a good selection of resources but these are not always easily accessible to the children. This has been identified by staff as an area for development. All the rooms have displays including art work and staff are working to make these more child orientated. In one room this has been achieved and displays clearly reflect children's work. In the baby room staff are working towards producing a 'feely' wall and mirrors have been ordered which will be placed low down. Ways to encourage children's independence are being explored. Record keeping is well organised with most of the required information available, however the system to confirm satisfactory checks on staff is inadequate.

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How good is the Day Care?

Relationships with parents are professional and friendly. Systems to exchange information are in place and parents confirm satisfaction with the service. Parents access to policies and procedures is limited.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable as this was the first inspection

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What is being done well?

• The premises provide a friendly and welcoming environment. • Staff have a good understanding of health and safety issues. • Staff interaction with parents is positive and ensures information is exchanged daily. • Parents are satisfied with the service provided. • Staff support children, encouraging them in the activities and helping where needed. • Freshly cooked meals are provided and there is a separate preparation area for baby food. • The programme is organised to include both indoor and outdoor play • A varied range of equipment and resources is available.

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What needs to be improved?

• the organisation of mealtimes to encourage children's independence and social interaction with adults • the system for confirming staff checks are satisfactory • parents access to policies and procedures.

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What needs to be improved?

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 1 ensure that there are effective procedures in place for checking that staff are suitable to work with children 30/09/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 8 review the organisation of mealtimes and develop children’s opportunities for independence 12 ensure that parents have access to policies and procedures

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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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