Marshmallows Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/06/2003 Inspector Name Ann Bamford

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Marshmallows Setting Address Lower Marsh House Darwen Lancashire BB3 3JB

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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

Marshmallows Nursery and Out of School Facility is situated on Marsh House Lane in Darwen, Lancashire. It is close to Darwen town centre and as such is close to all local amenities including transport links. Marshmallows opens from 7.30 am to 6pm each weekday, it closes all bank holidays and one week between Christmas and New Year. The nursery comprises a baby unit for children aged under two, a toddler room for children aged 2-3 an upstairs pre-school room for children aged 3-5 and a room dedicated to out of school care for children aged over four years. In addition there is secure outdoor play area which all children use. Marshmallows is registered to provide full day care for up to 53 children, of which 8 places are for out of school care . The setting is owned by Mr and Mrs McCowan. The nursery has been open since 2002 and enjoys good links with the local early years team. Marshmallows is a no smoking environment.It has a rabbit, guinea pig, fish and a hamster

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How good is the Day Care?

Marshmallows provides satisfactory care for children. This first inspection showed that staff are confident in their roles and responsibilities in caring for children and they use information provided by parents to inform how they care for each child. Children are cared for by the same adults as adults are allocated to a room and stay there. This helps to provide consistent care and adults were seen to be interested in children's development and children themselves. Children have a range of toys and equipment in each room that is commensurate with their age and stage of development and the adults provide activities that children readily engage in. Staff at the nursery regularly review the building and practises to try and ensure that children are being cared for in a safe environment and that they have opportunity to move around in an environment that is generally safe .

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What is being done well?

The nursery has a robust system for ensuring that staff who work there are suitable to do so. The nursery makes good use of staffing to ensure that children are cared for by consistent adults and a daily record is kept of times of arrival and departure of

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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 both staff and children . Each area of the nursery is equipped with a variety of toys placed at a level that children can select, the environment is organised with all room dividers at children height giving a very child friendly feel to the setting Staff at the nursery set good examples for children to follow in relation to good hygiene practises. The nursery provides regular drinks for children and also provides food that is tailored to individual children's needs. Staff are consistent in their expectations of children's behaviour and children are well behaved. Staff in each room use the information provided by parent in written form and conversation to care for their child according to parents wishes

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What needs to be improved?

Review children's access to the outdoor area to ensure that all risks have been reduced. Review rest arrangements for older children. Review advice relating to the ventilation of the sleep area for the under twos. Review action by staff when selecting activities for children paying particular attention to what adults are doing to offer children opportunities for development. Review the children's access to the outdoor play area to ensure that all known risks have been reduced so far as possible. Ensure all medication administered has written specific parental consent. Consider how to implement the equal opportunities policy in a way which celebrates difference and gives children an insight into how others may live. Explore ways that children can take responsibility for their own behaviour.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Review action by staff when selecting activities for children paying particular attention to what adults are doing to offer children opportunities for development 4 Review childrens acess to the outdoor area to ensure that all risks have been reduced 4 Review rest arrangements for older children 4 Review advice relating to the ventilation of the sleep area for the under twos 6 Review the childrens access to the outdoor play area to ensure that all

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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 known risks have been reduced so far as possible 7 Ensure all medication administered has written specific parental consent 9 Consider how to implement the equal opportunities policy in a way which celebrates difference and gives children an insight into how others may live 11 Explore ways that children can take responsibility for their own behaviour

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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 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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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

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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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