Sandcastles Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/10/2003 Inspector Name Anne Daly

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Sandcastles Nursery Setting Address 81 London Road Hadleigh Benfleet Essex SS7 2QL

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Sandcastles Nursery Ltd Address 81 London Road Hadleigh Benfleet Essex SS7 2QL

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Sandcastles Nursery opened in 2000. It operates from seven rooms within a converted two-storey school, together with an annexe known as The Ark and a two storey house known as Pebbles. There is a front car park and large outside playing areas. The premises are situated in Hadleigh. The nursery serves the local and surrounding areas. There are currently 134 children from 0 to 7 years on roll. This includes 24 funded 3 year olds and 5 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs. The group opens five days a week all year round, with the exception of bank holidays and a week at Christmas. Sessions are from 07:30 until 18:00. Twenty three full time staff and 14 part time staff work with the children. Over half have early years qualifications to NVQ levels 2 or 3. Five staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the

p.2

Information about the setting

Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and from the Essex Day Nursery Association.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Sandcastles Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff welcome children and parents to a warm, safe and secure environment. Effective use is made of staff and space. Good staff ratios are maintained. Staff have attended training courses to ensure that they have the relevant knowledge and skills. The wide range of resources meet children's individual needs. The setting maintains records, policies and procedures, although some require updating. Staff give priority to ensuring that children are safe, both inside and outside. School aged children are safely escorted to and from schools. Staff actively promote good hygiene practices, acting in the best interests of children in the case of illness or in an emergency. Staff are well informed about children's food allergies. Children are offered healthy and nutritious meals. Varied ranges of experiences are used to help children learn about people's differences. Children with special needs are valued,

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

with their individual needs met by staff learning sign language. Staff are aware of their responsibilities regarding child protection issues, although the statement

p.2

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 requires review. The children have access to a challenging range of activities to enable them to learn from first hand experiences. The outside play areas are well organised, providing many opportunities for learning. Staff show children respect, listening to their requests and responding positively. Children are given clear guidelines for good behaviour and benefit from the staff's consistent approach. Staff support children with special needs, planning appropriate activities to help them take part in the everyday activities of the other children. Staff work in partnership with parents, gaining as much information as possible about their child to ensure that their individual needs are met. Displays and notices provide information about the older children's care, while babies' parents receive

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the registered providers agreed to ensure that the supervisor of the toddler room achieves an appropriate qualification; to appoint a deputy; to ensure that training qualification requirements are met and to organise space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively; to ensure staff are deployed effectively over the lunch time period; to ensure that there is clear planning for babies/children under two; to ensure that the risk of potential hazards to children is minimized with reference to six bricks in the garden; to take preventative measures regarding the spread of infections by providing children with individual bed linen and blankets; to contact the Local Authority Environmental Health Department regarding the serving of food in the annexe; to ensure that all those involved in serving food comply with regulations relating to food safety and hygiene; to obtain a copy of the

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

Area Child Protection Procedures and a member of staff to be designated responsible to liase with Child Protection Agencies following appropriate training. The registered providers employ all staff with an NVQ level 3 or working towards such a qualification; a deputy suitable person and lunch time staff cover have been appointed; there is daily planning for the babies and toddlers; the garden potential hazards have been removed; extra bedding has been purchased; advice has been sought from the Environmental Health Officer and all staff involved with food hold current qualifications; trained designated staff members are in post for liaising with the Child Protection Agencies and a copy of the Area Child Protection Procedures has been obtained.

p.3

What is being done well?

• An excellent operational plan working in practice. Children are grouped appropriately, so that they feel secure and confident with the adults caring for them. The staff make good use of space and resources, so that children are well cared for and supported during the day. • The staff have a good understanding of the children's dietary requirements and meet them appropriately to promote children's healthy growth and

p.3

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 development. The children are involved in growing and picking some of their own vegetables. Children's independence is encouraged by them helping themselves to a drink at any time. • The staff have a good knowledge and understanding of the individual needs of the children in their care. Staff work with parents and other relevant parties to organise the environment and to plan activities to ensure that all children can participate at a level appropriate to their needs. • Children benefit from a trusting and mutually supportive partnership between their parents and the nursery staff. Staff welcome parents into the setting and there is a two-way flow of information through parental questionnaires, e-mails, individual meetings, newsletters, parents' evenings, babies' home link books and notice boards.

p.3

An aspect of outstanding practice:

The registered providers have converted the garden into an excellent, safe outdoor play area to provide a wealth of exciting, imaginative learning opportunities for children. The children can explore the natural world by growing plants and vegetables, by discovering insects in the wild garden and by caring for the animals. The garden provides the children with plenty of opportunities to explore and to refine physical movement through riding bikes and by climbing over or going through the hill in the garden. They can see things from different perspectives, such as from climbing to the top of the mound or from being inside a natural bamboo wigwam (Standard 3).

p.4

What needs to be improved?

• documentation regarding seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • policies and procedures for child protection and for taking children to and from the schools.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure that written procedures are in place for delivering and collecting children to and from schools. 7 Review the written permission statement from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. 13 Ensure that the child protection statement includes contact and telephone numbers for the local police and social services and for procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation made against a member of staff or volunteer.

p.5

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

p.5

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.6

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.7

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.

p.7

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.

p.7

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.

p.7

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

p.7