Stepping Stones Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/05/2004 Inspector Name Carole Tyrrell

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Stepping Stones Nursery Setting Address 55 Glanville Road Oxford Oxfordshire OX4 2DD

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

Stepping Stones Nursery has been open since December 2003 with the present management but the nursery was originally established in 1990. The nursery operates in a converted detached house situated in East Oxford. At present, the accommodation comprises of three playrooms, toilets, small kitchen and office with outside play space. Children from two to five years attend the nursery for a variety of sessions. The nursery supports children from the local and surrounding areas. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 -18:00 all year round. There are 35 children on roll of whom 16 children are funded three year olds and four are funded four year olds. There are 18 children who speak English as a second language and four children identified with special needs. There are nine members of staff of whom six are qualified in childcare equivalent to NVQ Level III. The staff work on different sessions within the nursery.

p.2

Information about the setting

The nursery receive support from the Early Years and Childcare practitioner and have strong links with the local primary schools. They are members of the Pre School Learning Alliance. The nursery follow the guidelines set out in the Foundation Stage and children are working towards achieving the Early Learning Goals.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Stepping Stones Nursery provides good quality care for children. The new owners have succeeded in creating a friendly, homely, welcoming environment so children feel at ease. There are plans to improve the premises further, for instance providing more privacy in the toilets. Staff are well qualified, approachable and up-date their knowledge regularly which they use to enhance their practice. They are well organised in record keeping so the nursery runs efficiently. Children benefit from a wide range of equipment and resources to choose from. Staff are aware of hazards to keep children safe and they intend to review their risk assessments to further protect children from other persons by improving the height of fencing in the outdooe area . Children are given nutritious food and there are plans to provide water at all times. There are good procedures in place to protect children from the risk of infection.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

They wash their hands before eating and after toileting. Staff are qualified in first aid

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 and intend to review their accident records regularly. Children are respected and their needs are well met. They are happy, stimulated and make good progress. They learn French and celebrate other customs such as the Chinese New Year. Adults listen to children, respond to them and give encouragement to children which results in good behaviour. Staff are aware of protecting children from abuse and up-date their knowledge and policies. Parents are made welcome and appreciate the progress their children are making. They are given good opportunities to meet the key workers and attend meetings to share information. Parent's information is regularly reviewed.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable as the last inspection was transitional and the new owners have only been operating since this year.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff are well qualified, approachable and up date their knowledge regularly which they use to enhance their practice. • Staff are well organised in record keeping so the nursery runs efficiently. • Children benefit from a wide range of equipment and resources to choose from. • Children are happy, stimulated and make good progress. They learn French and celebrate other customs such as the Chinese New Year. • Children's individual needs are well met. • Staff given encouragement to children which results in good behaviour. • Parents are made welcome and appreciate the progress their children are making. They are given good opportunities to meet the key workers and attend meetings to share information.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• fresh drinking water needs to be available for children at all times; • complaints procedure, to include Ofsted's telephone number and risk assessments, to be extended to include risks from other persons; • toilets, need privacy.

p.3

Outcome of the 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.3

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 8 Provide fresh drinking water for children at all times. 14 Extend the complaints procedure to include Ofsted’s telephone number.

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.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.5

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.5

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6