Portico Lodge

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/07/2003 Inspector Name Patricia Ann Sang

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Portico Lodge Setting Address Portico Lane Eccelston Park St Helens Merseyside L35 7JS

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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

Portico Lodge Nursery was formally a residential property and is in the Eccleston Park area of St. Helens. The ground floor has been suitably converted by the registered person Mrs Nicole Politis, to provide daycare for 24 children aged between birth and five years. Children are grouped according to age in one of four rooms, with two staff deployed in each room. Mrs Politis who is N.N.E.B. qualified manages the nursery, the staff group all hold a childcare qualification with the exception of one who is working toward NVQ L2. Families who use the nursery are, in the main, working parents who live in, or near, the local community. Currently there are five children attending who are in receipt of education funded places. The nursery is open daily from 8:00a.m. until 6:00p.m. Monday to Friday throughout the year with a two week closure over the Christmas period. Overnight care is not provided.

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How good is the Day Care?

Portico Lodge nursery provides good quality care for children. The nursery is made welcoming with children's work and posters all displayed at eye level for children. Children are looked after in their peer group with key workers who provide lots of individual attention. Much thought has gone into the materials for furniture and play equipment with natural wood being a prominent feature. Staff are conscientious regarding health and safety matters, a designated staff member takes lead responsibility and carries out regular checks on equipment and toys. Children have their own flannels and toothbrushes and learn about hygiene through daily routines. Some small attention needs to be given to medication records. Meals planned and served to children are varied and nutritious, they give children the opportunity to experience new tastes and textures. Staff plan and implement activities that support all areas of learning for children.

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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 Children under two are given as much consideration in being able to access and enjoy a wide selection of play experiences. Detailed activity sheets are displayed for parents to see. Resources that show positive images of race and culture are introduced to children although these need to be extended to include gender and disability. Staff are mindful of how respect for each other is important in children's social learning and children are instrumental in setting down their own values. There are excellent systems in place for parents and staff to share children's progress, they are able to work together should there be any issues of concern to deal with. Documentation is kept well with good systems established to ensure confidentiality.

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What is being done well?

• good staff : child ratio's are maintained allowing for much individual attention [Standards 2 and 3] • excellent selection of play materials and experiences for children with a Heuristic play basket for under two's [Standard 3] • children's art work, photographs and posters are displayed at eye level for children [Standard 4] • children's tables, chairs and home play furniture is all in natural wood and child friendly [Standard 5] • password and photographs are used to ensure safe collection of children [Standard 6] • children have their own flannels and toothbrushes • most of the staff group hold an accredited first aid certificate [Standard 7] • meals provided for children are varied and nutritious, foods of other cultures give children the opportunity to experience new tastes and textures [Standard 8] • individual progress records and 'all about me' booklets are working documents and staff have detailed information about the children they have

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What is being done well?

responsibility for [Standard 9] • there is a named person who has accessed further training in, and has for responsibility for, children with special needs [Standard 10] • children have had an input in setting down the 'golden rules' with regard to behaviour [Standard 11] • there are good systems in place for effective partnership with parents, a parents evening arranged gave the opportunity for parents and staff to discuss relevant issues at leisure [Standard 12]

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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 • policies and procedures, related to all of the national standards, are regularly reviewed and updated in keeping with new childcare practices [Standard 14]

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What needs to be improved?

• the inclusion of child protection in the induction programme [Standard 2] • the period over which the induction is carried out [Standard 2] • procedure for checking plants in the garden are safe [Standard 6] • medication records to show parents have signed each entry made [Standard 7] • resources that show positive images of gender and disability [Standards 5 and 9]

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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 make certain child protection is included in the induction programme 2 carry out the induction programme over a longer period of time 7 keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children 9 introduce resources that show positive images of gender and disability

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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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