Munchkins Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/11/2003 Inspector Name Diane Roberts

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Munchkins Setting Address Unit 1 Canal Court Business Centre Carlisle Cumbria CA2 7AH

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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

Munchkins Day Nursery opened in 1996. It operates from four rooms on the first floor of a Business Centre next to Carlisle City General Hospital. It is about one mile from the city-centre of Carlisle. Munchkins serves the local area. There are currently 125 children from 7 months to 4 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07:00 until 18:00. 15 staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3.

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How good is the Day Care?

Munchkins provides good care for children. The facility offers a welcoming environment for children. Space is generally organised well, providing children the opportunity for indoor play only. There are good security systems in place. The owner and the manager work well together as a team. The premises are clean and adequately maintained. Staff take positive steps to promote safety within the setting. Staff working with the older children have a good knowledge and understanding of equal opportunity issues. Staff generally have due regard to the individual needs of children which are in accordance with the wishes of parents. On the whole children have access to a good range of play materials and equipment which reflect diversity. Children with special needs are integrated fully. Staff have a reasonable understanding with regard to their responsibilities in child protection matters. Staff working with children over the age of two years plan in advance programmes of

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How good is the Day Care?

activities which cover all areas of development. Children find the activities interesting, stimulating and fun. There is a good balance of free play and adult initiated activity within most of the setting. There are effective systems in place for keeping parents informed about their child's progress. Parents are kept well informed about occurring and future events within the facility. Staff work closely with parents to address any behavioural issues with

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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 their children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the facility agreed to develop an operational plan. The plan is now in place and has helped a more efficient running of the facility. Munchkins agreed to develop the range of activities and resources which help children learn and develop in all areas of development. The facility has improved the range of play materials mainly for children over the age of two years. Risk assessments have been conducted and action has been taken to minimise identified risks making the setting safer for children. The setting states that they now have a system in place that ensures that individual children are cared for by key persons. This is said to minimise the numbers of carers for each child.

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What is being done well?

• There is a strong emphasis on valuing and appreciating children over the age of two years and their abilities. This results in happy children who enjoy attending the facility. Staff have clear and consistent expectations of these children. They encourage them to have respect for one another by setting the example. • Children over the age of two years take part in a wide range of activities where they can choose their own games and make decisions. • Staff generally have a good awareness of safety issues. There are well thought out effective security systems in place. • There are comprehensive records that are shared with parents. • The facility makes good use of space allowing children freedom of choice of play opportunities in the toddler room and pre-school room.

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What needs to be improved?

• the consistency of care for all age groups of children provided for • the organisation of the physical environment for children under the age of two years • the availability and accessibility of play materials for children under the age of two years • the arrangements for meeting the individual needs of babies and children under the age of two years with regard to developmental milestones, sleeping, feeding and nappy changing routines

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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

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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 9 Develop range of resources available in baby room which reflect diversity and ensure that children in this room have access to a good range of play materials. 9 Ensure that staff have a thorough knowledge of children’s individual needs especially in the Baby room. Develop systems and procedures to ensure that children’s individual needs are met sensitively and parents wishes are met.

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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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