The Learning Tree Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/11/2003 Inspector Name Esther Darling

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Learning Tree Day Nursery Setting Address 10 Alfreton Road Sutton-in-Ashfield Nottinghamshire NG17 1FW

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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

The Learning Tree is one of a chain of nurseries that is registered to provide care for children from birth to eight years. Additionally it provides some before and after school care. The nursery is open for five days a week from 7.30 until 18.00. It operates from a converted residential property close to Sutton-in-Ashfield town centre on a main route. The nursery is divided into six main areas, where children are cared for according to their ages. There are separate baby and toddler rooms for the exclusive use of the under two age range. From two to three years the children rotate throughout the day and have access to the quiet, messy and play room. The pre-school aged children have their own area on the first floor with access to the same facilities as the younger ones. There are two outdoor play areas, one of which is grassed and only used in summer months. The children are offered three meals per day.

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Information about the setting

Funded places are available for three and four year old children. A total of 19 staff work with the children plus a manager. Of these, fifteen have a suitable qualification, and three are employed on a part time basis.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Learning Tree Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The nursery is well organised for most of the day, due to clear procedures which ensure that the staff have a consistant approach to their work. There are sufficient staff working with the children, who are organised into age groups in order to fully meet their needs, however at certain periods of the day the routine is not fully effective. The environment is clean, welcoming and attractive, where children have plenty of space to play. Children have access to a generous range of equipment, most of which is in good condition. The staff give high priority to ensuring children are safe and supervise them vigilantly. Policies on health and hygiene are implemented to a high standard and records are thorough and accurate. Staff ensure that children with special needs are fully included in all activities, and work effectively with their parents and other

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How good is the Day Care?

professionals. Meals offered are varied, and menus are planned to best effect. The range of activities available to children is good, especially the under two's. Play

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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 is planned to promote development in all areas, especially creative learning. Staff based with the babies are skilful at providing both nurturing and stimulating care for them. This reflects well in their contented demeanour. The manager works hard on forming good partnerships with parents and carers. They know what is happening through home contact diaries, informative booklets, notices and child assessment records. Parents' views on the care that the nursery provides are actively sought out. Staff greet parents in a friendly and professional manner.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the nursery have devised a notification of changes form, in order to let Ofsted know about any staff changes at the premises, or other relevant information which could effect the care of the children.

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What is being done well?

• Care learning and play is good, and staff are interested in what the children do and say. They involve themselves in children's activities and ask questions to make them think, which in turn promotes self esteem. Children have access to a wide range of creative and messy play, which benefits their imagination, language and social skills as well as being good fun. • The environment in which children are cared for is made attractive by the good decorative repair, cleanliness and especially displays of children's own artwork. This is very important to children enabling them to have confidence in and value their own skills. • Toys and equipment are plentiful, stored in a way that children can reach them and therefore make their own choices and play industriously. The clever use of mediums such as dry rice in the home corner is really enjoyed and has endless learning opportunities such as maths and social interaction.

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What is being done well?

• Staff fully value the importance of promoting health and hygiene. They enable children to learn how to be independent by involving them in understanding why they are washing their hands and faces. Most areas of the premises are very clean and more than half of the staff have undergone first aid and basic food hygiene training. • The managers pride themselves on their comprehensive documentation of records, policies and procedures for the whole group of nurseries. They are constantly being reviewed by the Area Co-ordinator in order to promote the safety, welfare, care and learning of children. Individual records are shared with parents, so that they are fully informed about the development and daily routine of their child.

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What needs to be improved?

• the organisation of the lunchtime period, to ensure that it runs smoothly. This

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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 is so that children are more settled in knowing what is expected of them, and that they do not spend such long periods of time sitting down and waiting • some of the equipment in the playroom for the children aged two to three, which is not of sufficient cleanliness.

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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 5 Ensure that all equipment is in good condition with regard to the toys in the playroom for the two to three age range. 8 Develop the menus to include a greater supply and variety of vegetables in order to promote healthy eating.

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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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