Alpha Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/12/2004 Inspector Name Sandra Patricia Jeffrey

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Alpha Day Nursery Setting Address 198 Woodside Green South Norwood London SE25 5EW

p.1

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

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

Alpha Day Nursery has been open since April 2004. It operates from a detached house located on a main road in South Norwood, and serves the local community. Children have access to a secure garden to the rear of the building. Another nursery operated by the same provider is based in Thornton Heath. The nursery currently provides day care for 30 children, with a view to increasing this number by 15 when additional rooms are ready for occupation. There are currently 15 children on roll. Children are divided into age appropriate groups and the nursery operates a key worker system for all children. There are currently 2 funded 4-year-olds attending. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There is a manager, a deputy manager, three additional care staff and a cook employed on the premises. All care staff have the required qualifications and experience. Additional training is actively encouraged and several staff members are currently extending their child

p.2

Information about the setting

care qualifications. The nursery is open five days a week for fifty weeks of the year, closing only for bank holidays and for a week during the Summer. Operational hours are 07.30 - 18.00.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Alpha Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. Staff work well as a team and carry out duties efficiently to enable the smooth running of the nursery. Staff are aware of the needs of the children and ensure these needs are met. Staff are effective at managing children's behaviour. Children are encouraged to be kind and respectful towards one another. Good behaviour is acknowledged and children are gently re-directed if necessary. Children have good relationships with each other and share well. The daily routine provides good opportunities for children to participate in free play and adult led activities. The resources and equipment meet the needs of the children, although the condition of books is poor.

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 Staff have a clear understanding about their roles and responsibilities and are fully involved in planning activities for the children. Staff plan a broad curriculum for the children in their key groups. Satisfactory arrangements for health and safety are in place and children are supervised well. Risk assessments are carried out, however the high temperature of radiators, and the condition of one highchair are cause for concern. Staff follow written hygiene practices, although they are not always vigilant about the cleanness of the environment or equipment. A varied diet is provided for the children. Drinks are only offered after mealtimes and are not freely available throughout the day unless children ask for them. Fridge and freezer temperatures are not recorded or monitored.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Records, policies and procedures are held as required with the exception of a lack of surnames in some records and parent signatures in others. Partnership with parents is good and they are kept well informed of their child's progress. There are clear procedures and policies that are adhered to by both parents and staff. Staff have up to date child protection training and know what to do if they have any concerns.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff have good relationships with children. They interact well with them and have good knowledge of their key children, which ensures that their individual needs are met in full. • Staff are courteous towards each other and the children. This has a positive impact on the children's behaviour. Children are encouraged to be well mannered and respectful towards everyone within the nursery. This ensures a calm and caring atmosphere throughout the nursery. • Staff plan a varied curriculum. They organise the environment well to ensure children can access activities independently. Daily physical activities are provided both in the outdoor play area and also in the local community. This helps to keep the children fit and healthy. • The staff have good relationships with the parents and ensure that good communication links are in place. Information is available to parents in various forms including day books in the baby room, notice boards

p.3

What is being done well?

throughout the nursery, newsletters and open evenings.

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

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the safety of the surface temperature of the radiators • the safety of the wooden highchair in the baby room • the cleanliness and availability of equipment in the toilets • the condition of resources in the toddler and preschool room • the detail in some records • the recording of the fridge and freezer temperatures • the availability of drinks.

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

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 5 Ensure that resources (books in toddler and preschool room) are in good condition. 6 Ensure that the surface temperature of radiators do not pose a risk to children. Ensure that the wooden highchair in the baby room is made safe or removed from use. 7 Ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding the cleanliness of toilets and potties and the availability of toilet roll and soap. 8 Keep a record of the fridge and freezer temperatures to ensure these meet with environmental health regulations. Consider the availability of

p.4

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 drinks throughout the day. 14 Ensure children’s full names are included in records (accident/incident/medication records) and parental signatures are requested to confirm entries in the medication records.

p.4

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