Wimbledon Chase County Middle School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/09/2004 Inspector Name Claire, Alexandra Parnell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Acorns Day Nursery Setting Address Bradbourne Park Road Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3LB

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Company Child Care Ltd Address 9 Reynolds Road Hove East Sussex BN3 5RJ

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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

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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

Acorns Day Nursery has been registered since 1990. The Nursery is managed by Company Child Care Ltd. who established the group at the request of Sevenoaks Council and provide a proportion of places for employees of the council. The nursery is in a single storey building on the site of Sevenoaks Primary School. The group has access to four main areas for play, a bathroom, kitchen, office, staff room and secure garden. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, from 08:00 until 18:00 for 51 weeks of the year. There are currently twelve funded four year olds and three funded three year olds attending. There is one child attending with special education needs and two children with English as an additional language. Twelve members of staff work with the children and all are suitably qualified. A cook is also employed to cater for children's dietary needs. The group gain support through the school, parents and the management

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How good is the Day Care?

Acorns Day Nursery offers a good standard of daycare. The nursery is well organised, with a team of fully qualified staff. Children are offered flexible care but within a continuous routine with familiar staff. They have access to a full range of resources and equipment , both indoors and outdoors, and are given the relevant support by all the staff. The children have the freedom to explore their surroundings and use them imaginatively for different purposes. The documentation is kept securely and confidentially, although some aspects can be expanded and made more accessible to parents. The children play in a safe environment, cared for by vigilant and safety conscious staff. Regular checks are carried out very efficiently. There are high standards of cleanliness in the nursery, with children's health high on the staff's priority. Good

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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 standard of food is offered to the children with a variety on offer. Children's dietary restrictions are catered for effectively. Each child is valued for their ability, participation and background. Children with special needs are offered a service that effectively includes them in all activities. Systems are in place to protect children from harm. Children access activities freely within all rooms. They can follow structured and free choice activities, each planned to cater for their stage of development. Staff interact positively with all children giving them the level of support and guidance that each child needs. The staff act as good role models, which is reciprocally demonstrated by the children in their relationships with each other and with adults. The partnership with the parents is good. Parents have access to a full range of

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How good is the Day Care?

information, either verbally, visually, written and displayed. They also give staff the information they need to care for their children appropriately. Parents have opportunities to be involved in the development of the nursery through participation in committees.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the nursery was asked to meet two actions; to revise the special Educational Needs Policy and to ensure suitable staff held relevant business car insurance for transporting children. The nursery now has a fully functional SEN policy, that is successfully implemented in line with the Code of Practice. The nursery now has on file, relevant staff insurance details showing business cover for transporting children if necessary.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery ensures that all children's individual needs are met through a flexible routine and by offering a suitable programme for their development. This is relevant to all ages of the children. Funded children have access to a well planned day of free choice and structured activities following the guidelines of the Foundation stage. Recently the rest of the nursery has introduced a programme for younger children following the principals of "Birth to Three Matters". These children can make free choices as well as being given the encouragement and incentive to participate in small group activities, relevant to their ability. All children have records of development. • Staff care for the children in a calm and professional manner, making close relationships with the children. They ensure the children can play in a well maintained, warm and welcoming environment, where good resources are used imaginatively. The staff maintain high standards of health and hygiene.

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What is being done well?

• An effective system is in place for the support of children with special educational needs. All the staff are well informed of the procedures and can discuss concerns and progress with both parents and trained staff.

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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 Responsible and proactive staff build professional relationships with other supportive bodies to offer continuity of care to the children and parents. • The parents have access to an excellent range of information throughout the nursery. Staff take time to discuss information and have continuity of relationships with parents by caring for siblings.

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What needs to be improved?

• the documentation: to update parent's information with further curriculum information and child protection procedures, to extend the children's information on their registration forms regarding their relevant background, extend medication records to show that parents are informed of the time of administration and to ensure that all children's attendance is recorded accurately.

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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 2 Ensure children's attendance is accurately recorded. 7 Extend records of medication to ensure parents are made aware of the timing of administration. 9 Update the children's individual background information on their registration forms to ensure staff offer the appropriate care. 12 Update the parents information regarding the children's curriculum to include details for the under 3 year olds. 13 Ensure parents have access to the child protection procedure.

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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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