Little Apples

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/11/2003 Inspector Name Sharon Verma

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Apples Setting Address St Gabriel's Parish Room Hall Lane Huyton Liverpool L36 6AZ

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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

Little Apples opened in 2001. It currently operates from two rooms in the St Gabriel's Parish Rooms near to Huyton town centre in Knowsley. The provider is also in the process of registering a third room in order to accommodate more children in the out of school club. The setting serves the local area. There are currently 90 children from two to 11 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports one child with special needs. There are no children attending for whom English is an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 8.00 until 17.15. Eight full and part-time staff work with the children. Six have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3 and two are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Apples provides satisfactory care for children. The day care and out of school provisions are well organised with clearly written policies and procedures in place which describe and inform the work with children. There is a strong commitment to continual improvement, which is pursued through staff training and input from other professionals. The premises are well maintained, safe, clean and attractive. A high priority is given to children's safety and risk assessments are carried out regularly. The environment is warm and welcoming and space is well organised to meet children's needs. Staff ensure children with special needs are fully included in activities. Most areas which promote children's health are satisfactory. There are some minor omissions in the documentation. Children have easy access to a wide range of activities which are appropriate to their overall development. They have access to a good range of play materials that

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How good is the Day Care?

introduce the diversity of the world we live in. The range of equipment for the out of school club is particularly good. The staff are caring, warm and approachable with the children. They support the children in their play and learning however, they are

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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 not using their observations to help plan appropriate activities for the next steps in the children's learning and development. A key worker system has been introduced and needs to be developed further. Partnership with parents is good. Newsletters are sent out regularly and information is exchanged informally but effectively between staff and parents. There is also a wide range of information about the provision on the setting's website.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure all policies and procedures were in place and available to parents. The setting now has a comprehensive set of polices and procedures which are clear and well written. They are kept in the operational plan which is available to parents at all times. The provider has addressed all safety issues identified at the last inspection and carries out regular risk assessments of the premises, recording any risks identified and action taken. All issues around documentation have now been addressed with the exception of the securing of parents' signatures to acknowledge that medication has been administered. The provider has obtained copies of the National Standards and Guidance for full day care and out of school care and a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures as agreed at the last inspection. The setting has also nominated a member of staff to have responsibility for liaison with child protection agencies and

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What has improved since the last inspection?

for behaviour management issues. A key worker system has been introduced and there are plans to develop this further. Staff now keep records of their observations on children but have not yet started to use them to plan for the next steps for the children's play, learning and development.

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What is being done well?

• Children have easy access to a wide range of activities as well as good quality toys and equipment which are appropriate to their overall development. Space is well organised and the environment well decorated with a mixture of well displayed children's work and posters and resources which promote the children's learning. • There is a high priority given to children's safety both inside and outside the nursery. The registered person has the lead role for health and safety and takes positive steps to promote safety and ensure proper precautions are taken to avoid accidents. • There is a strong emphasis on equal opportunities throughout the nursery. There are good resources to promote equal opportunities and children learn about disability, gender, race and culture through their play materials, celebrations and discussion. • Children with special needs have additional staff support. Staff know how to implement the policy which is focussed upon the revised Code of Practice for

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What is being done well?

the Identification and Assessment of Children with Special Needs.

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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 • Staff manage children's behaviour well, and children respond to the consistently courteous behaviour and high expectations of staff. • Staff are keen to keep up to date with developments in childcare practice. They attend regular training and use this to inform their practice.

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What needs to be improved?

• the key worker system • the induction procedure, to ensure the training is formalised • planning for the day care provision and the use of assessment to inform the planning for the next steps in the children's learning • provision of suitable hand washing and drying facilities in all bathrooms • information for parents, to include: basic written information about the setting, e.g. the admissions policy, staffing routines, details of policies and procedures which are available to parents, information about activities provided for the children etc • documentation, to ensure the times of staff and children's arrival and departure are recorded, written permission is requested from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and the medication records show that they have been countersigned by parents.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 6 Provide suitable heating in first floor room. 04/12/2003 6 Ensure room on the first floor is inspected by the Fire Safety Officer and all recommendations made are met. 04/12/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Continue to develop the key worker system. 3 Continue to develop the planning for day care provision and start to use assessments and observations to inform the planning for the next steps in the children's learning. 7 Provide suitable hand washing and drying facilities in all of the bathrooms. 12 Provide information for parents which includes: basic written information about the setting, e.g. the admissions policy, staffing routines, details of policies and procedures which are available to parents, information about activities provided for the children etc. 14 Update records to include : - the times staff and children arrive and depart - written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment - parents’ signatures in the medication record book to acknowledge the entry

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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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