The Langley Manor Preparatory School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/08/2004 Inspector Name Joanne Lindsey Caswell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name First Steps Nursery Setting Address School Lane Yateley Hampshire GU46 6NW

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of First Steps Nursery

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name First Steps Nursery Address School Lane Yateley Hampshire GU46 6NW

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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

First Steps Nursery opened in 1993. It operates from a purpose-built, single story building within the grounds of Yateley School campus. Children are cared for in three separate age groups - Babies, Toddlers and Pre-School. All rooms have access to toilets, hand washing facilities and nappy change areas. A large, additional room provides space for lunch times and group activities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently 105 children, aged from 8 months to 4 years, on roll. This includes 33 funded three and four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery is able to support children with special educational needs.

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Information about the setting

The nursery opens from 08:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks a year. A team of 13 staff work with the children. Ten staff hold early years qualifications - NNEB, BTEC Nursery Nursing, NVQ level 2 and 3. Three staff are currently undertaking early years training. An additional 2 staff provide lunchtime cover. Yateley Centre Playscheme operates from The Yateley Centre. The main session runs from 10:00 to 15:00, with optional early and late sessions. It offers a range of activities including swimming, art and craft, sports, dance and drama. Children have access to extensive playing fields, sports hall, drama hall and gymnasium. There are currently up to 124 children on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Home From Home Breakfast Club opens from 07:30 to - 09:00, Monday to Friday, during term time. Home From Home After School Club opens from 15:00 - 18:00. There are currently 36 children on roll in the Breakfast Club and 58 children in the

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Information about the setting

After School Club. The Home From Home Club collects children attending Westfield Infant and Primary Schools and staff collect children from these schools. It is a member of the Kids Club Network. Staff have suitable qualifications and are committed to updating their knowledge by undertaking further training.

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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 First Steps Nursery and Yateley Playscheme provide good quality care. The staff in both provisions are extremely well organised, professionally qualified and are committed to developing their knowledge and skills through the completion of further training. The nursery accommodation is very well-maintained and provides a very clean, welcoming and extremely homely and comfortable environment. Resources and equipment in both provisions are of very good quality and are used appropriately by children. All regulatory documentation is maintained in full. Staff in both provisions are extremely vigilant regarding children's health and safety. Comprehensive risk assessments are undertaken and staff are knowledgeable of potential hazards and take necessary precautions. Good hygiene procedures are

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How good is the Day Care?

practised, particularly in the nursery environment, and staff are very aware of the importance of preventing the spread of infection. Staff in both provisions promote equality of opportunity to all children and are aware of the importance of anti-discriminatory behaviour. Children in the playscheme enjoy cultural activities, such as dancing to African music. Staff are aware of their responsibilities regarding child protection and most procedures are in place. Staff plan a range of stimulating activities. Children in both settings enjoy very close relationships with staff and interaction between staff and children is very good. Children in the nursery enjoy a daily routine of activities, which are developmentally appropriate to them. The playscheme timetable is well-planned and consists of a number of fun and enjoyable activities, such as swimming and drama. Children's behaviour is managed very well in both settings.

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How good is the Day Care?

All staff develop very strong relationships with parents and are dedicated to working in partnership with them. Good procedures are in place to ensure all relevant information is exchanged regarding children's care, daily achievements and personal needs.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, nursery staff agreed to comply with any recommendations made by the Fire Officer. This action was raised after the nursery building was extended. The Fire Officer has now visited and has written approval for the use of the extended building.

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What is being done well?

• Nursery staff enjoy very close relationships with children. There is excellent interaction between all children and staff and children appear happy and relaxed in the staff's care. • Nursery staff encourage older children and younger children to socialise with one another, encouraging social skills and co-operative play. Younger children enjoy the company of older children and a very happy, family atmosphere is evident. • Nursery staff provide a very welcoming, relaxed and homely environment.

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Staff create an extremely cosy and comfortable atmosphere with the creative use of soft furnishings and effective organisation of playrooms. This enables children to access their own play materials easily and be cared for in a calm, homely and safe environment. • The nursery staff work very well together as a dedicated, professional and well-motivated team. They support one another well and demonstrate an extremely detailed, personal knowledge of all the children in their care. • Very good procedures are in place for keeping the nursery environment safe, clean and well-maintained. All areas used by children are extremely clean and hygienic and effective procedures are in place for ensuing all areas remain clean, secure and safe at all times. • Playscheme staff provide a very happy, fun and relaxed environment. Staff

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What is being done well?

play alongside children and join in activities with them. This leads to a very relaxed, informal and happy atmosphere. • Playscheme staff plan a range of fun activities and play opportunities for children. The daily routine is organised well and children have access to a very good selection of activities. • Playscheme staff are very vigilant regarding children's health and safety and undertake daily risk assessments and ensure relevant precautions are taken. Good procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. • The playscheme is well organised. Staff are experienced playworkers and have undertaken further training.

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What needs to be improved?

• the details included in the nursery's child protection policy.

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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 should have regard to the following recommendations

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 13 Review the nursery policy to include the relevant procedures to be followed should an allegation be made against a staff member.

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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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