High House Nursery Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 06/06/2004 Inspector Name Sharon Woodrow

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name High House Nursery Ltd Setting Address High House Farm Mill End, Takeley Bishop's Stortford Hertfordshire CM22 6PL

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name High House Nursery Ltd Address High House Farm Mill End, Takeley Bishop's Stortford Hertfordshire CM22 6PL

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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

High House Nursery was registered in 2003. It operates from three buildings surrounding the main house in a rural location close to Stansted airport and the neighbouring village of Takeley. The nursery serves the local and wider areas. There are currently 87 children from 8 months to 5 years on roll. This includes 24 funded three year olds and 10 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Children who have special needs are supported within the nursery. The group opens five days a week. The nursery is open from 08:00 until 18:00. Thirteen full time and three part time staff work with the children. Nine have Early Years' qualifications and one member of staff is currently on a training programme. The setting receives support from a Special Educational Coordinator (SENCO), Speech Therapist and Community Nurse. The nursery embraces some Montessori philosophies.

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How good is the Day Care?

High House Nursery provides satisfactory care for children aged three months to five years. High House Nursery is a child centred environment. The premises are suitable for caring for children. Space available for all the children is good, all areas used are well labelled with attractive displays. Self access and clearly labelled equipment is available for their choosing. The baby unit has CCTV installed which parents can watch if they choose. In general, documentation is in good order. The level of safety is good. Staff are aware of procedures in place, however a clearly defined procedure for the emergency evacuation of the building is not in place. Food and drink is nutritious with dietary requirements catered for. There is a high number of qualified staff first aiders, however staff must ensure that they are trained to administer specific medical treatments and accident records are signed by parents.

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How good is the Day Care?

The nursery are aware of their responsibilities regarding special needs, however staff need to be aware of child protection issues alongside the Local Area Child Protection procedures. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged in the nursery, the children are confident and able to comfortably approach adults. Planning and observations should be used to plan the next steps for children's play and learning.

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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 are encouraged to communicate and contribute in the nursery and are given opportunities to practice singing and movement skills and appear to be happy and having fun, although an effective keyworker system would enhance this experience for all children. Parents are welcomed into the nursery in all areas. The nursery is working in partnership with parents to address issues raised for improvement, particularly in addressing the need for more individual information about their children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection it was agreed to ensure children did not have access to the kitchen; a bolt has now been fitted. The Nursery agreed to produce and implement an action plan to identity risk; a risk assessment is now in place. The Nursery also agreed to make the fire exit free from hazards; the equipment has been removed from the exit, it is kept clear and signs have been fitted. The Nursery also agreed to have safe and hygienic hand washing facilities; hand towels and soap dispensers were fitted. The Nursery also agreed to maintain a record of complaints; a complaints book is now available.

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What is being done well?

• Staff support children's singing and movement skills which develops physical co ordination and language skills • Children appear to be having fun and are happy in their learning which promotes their welfare and development • Children are encouraged to communicate and contribute to discussions which develops confidence and social skills. • Children have access to a child centred environment with good space which enables the children to move freely around • The nursery provides activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities • There is clearly labelled equipment which promotes children's early reading skills • The Nursery provides self access equipment which enables children to become independent learners and to pursue their own interests • The staff value and encourage good behaviour which encourages children to behave in an appropriate way

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• keyworker system; needs to be in place for all children • planning and observations; needs expanding to plan the next steps for children's play and learning • procedure; emergency evacuation needs to be in place • accident record; signature of parents on all entries needs to be in place • training; to administer specific medical treatments • child protection; to include a policy in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures

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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 belong to a key group which has consistent staff 3 make observations to plan the next steps for children’s play and learning 6 ensure there are clearly defined procedures for the emergency evacuation of the building. 7 ensure an accident record is maintained and signed by the parent and staff are trained appropriately when administering medical treatments 13 ensure staff are aware of child protection issues and are able to implement the policies and procedures in the absence of the designated member of staff adhering to the Local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures

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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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