Pitter Patter Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/03/2005 Inspector Name Michele Anne Villiers

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Pitter Patter Ltd Setting Address 36 Warren Drive Wallasey Merseyside CH45 0JS

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Pitter Patter Ltd Address 36 Warren Drive Wallasey Merseyside CH45 0JS

p.1

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

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

Pitter Patter Nursery opened in 2001. It operates from five rooms in a large converted semi-detached house in Wallasey. There are currently 75 children on roll. These include 14 funded 3-year olds and 8 funded 4-year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week all year round. It is open from 07:30 to 18:00 and sessions are from 07:30 to 13:00 and 13:00 to 18:00. Fifteen staff work with the children, all of whom have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3 or equivalent. The setting receives support from a teacher/advisor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Pitter Patter Day Nursery provides good care for children. Staff are qualified and frequently access further training. There is a very effective management structure that includes a manager, a deputy, an acting deputy and third in charge. The nursery is warm and welcoming and staff organise the play space well, for children to have easy access to the wide range of toys and resources. The children's artwork is attractively displayed throughout, along with posters, photographs and information leaflets. Written policies inform most aspects of practice, with some review of the operational plan and child protection procedure. Good safety procedures are in place. Staff supervise the children well and each playroom has a mobile intercom. The main entrance has CCTV surveillance and risk assessment is conducted regularly in order to identify potential hazards. Staff practise the fire evacuation with children and some information is recorded. Most

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

staff hold a current first aid certificate and health and hygiene is promoted well. Meals and snacks are varied with emphasis on nutritional value. The qualified cook provides a well balanced diet of home cooked meals. Staff are sensitive to the children's dietary needs and accommodate parental wishes as well as specific dietary requirements. Children are valued as individuals and staff work with other professionals to ensure that steps are taken to promote the development of children with additional needs.

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 Children enjoy a wide range of planned activities, helping them to make progress in all areas of their development. Children relate well to staff and each other and receive good support in small groups. Their behaviour is managed in a positive environment where good behaviour is reinforced through praise and encouragement. Staff have a very good relationship with the parents and parental involvement is very much encouraged. Information is shared through daily discussion, key-worker meetings and parent evenings.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable. No actions were made from the last inspection.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The manager's commitment and staff's enthusiasm creates a positive and welcoming environment for the children and parents. Parents are greeted at the door and there is a wealth of information, posters and photographs displayed throughout the nursery. • Staff plan and provide a wide range of activities and the application of art and craft is particularly good. Babies also have opportunities to play with paint and draw and they enjoy sand and water play. • The meals and snacks are healthy and nutritional and provide children with the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Meals are home cooked by a qualified chief who takes into account all dietary requirements. • The effective key-worker system ensures continuity and consistency of care. Staff work with small groups of children, motivating their learning and assessing their development. • Staff take steps to ensure that all children are included. Appropriate action is

p.3

What is being done well?

taken to promote the welfare and development of children with additional needs, in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties. • The partnership with parents is good. Parental involvement is encouraged and their comments, ideas and contributions welcomed through regular questionnaires and a comments box. Events such as parent evenings, fund raising events for Red Nose Day and the Easter Bonnet parade provide valuable opportunities for parents to become involved with the nursery.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the complaints procedure • the operational plan • the recording of the fire evacuation procedure.

p.3

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

p.3

inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There are no complaints to report from 1st April 2004.

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 2 Update the operational plan. 6 Ensure sufficient information is recorded, following a fire drill practice, to identify any problems occurred and action needed for the future. 13 Update the written child protection policy to include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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