St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Saffron Walden

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/11/2003 Inspector Name Sue Davey

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Happy Hours Day Nursery Setting Address 9 Worcester Gardens Nailsea North Somerset BS48 2RJ

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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

Happy Hours is a private day nursery for children aged from three months to five years. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 18.00 for 51 weeks of the year. It closes at Christmas and Bank Holidays. Happy Hours has a sister nursery based in Yatton. The nursery is based in a converted house in a cul-de-sac in a residential area in Nailsea. The first floor comprises a self-contained baby unit with separate sleeping room, food preparation area and dining/messy play room. The ground floor is open plan with different areas for a range of activities and children's toilets. Outside at the front of the building is an enclosed paved play area with a wooden play house; there is also a garden at the rear laid to lawn. The nursery accepts children with special needs and for whom English is an additional language. Children eligible for the nursery education grant are also accepted. The Registered Person's time is shared between the two nurseries. At Nailsea there

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Information about the setting

are 12 members of staff, who work with the children - six are full-time, six part-time; eight are appropriately qualified and two are working towards NVQ Level 2 and 3. There is one unqualified member of staff and a cook.

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How good is the Day Care?

Happy Hours Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children in a welcoming and friendly environment. The proprietor and manager work directly with the children and all staff are either qualified or working towards a qualification. The environment is colourful and reasonably well maintained. The space for children under two years old is particularly well appointed and staffed by an experienced team. Older children have free access to a wide range of toys and materials although some areas are congested and limit children's play. The toys and activities are chosen to help children make progress in all areas of learning. However, provision for sensory development could be improved for under two year olds. Staff have worked hard on preparing and implementing a comprehensive set of documents and policies and these provide a framework for the day-to-day running of the nursery.

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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 Staff maintain a safe, clean environment for children. Premises are secure and access is closely monitored. An effective risk assessment identifies the action needed to minimise potential hazards and there are clear procedures in place to ensure children's health and wellbeing. Meals are freshly prepared by the cook and are healthy and nutritious. Children with specific dietary needs are catered for in consultation with parents. Children are happy and confident and well behaved; they eagerly participate in the activities provided and there is good interaction between staff and children. Planning is not always linked to observations of the children. All children are valued and their differences acknowledged. There are some resources which portray positive images of diversity but no visual displays.

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How good is the Day Care?

An effective keyworker system ensures that there is good communication with parents. Regular feedback is given on children's progress and information evenings are held throughout the year.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

A number of actions were raised during previous inspections, mostly regarding documentation and record keeping and the nursery has made good progress in adressing them. The nursery agreed to establish records of children's attendance and include the names of staff who looked them. Registers, the signing-in book and staff rotas, clearly show which children and staff attend each day. Records now also include up to date information of the name, address and contact number for each parent and child. There are records kept for vehicles and designated drivers. All accidents are recorded and signed by parents and a written procedure for lost children has been formulated and implemented. Avon Fire Brigade has re-inspected the nursery and in the kitchen temperatures are recorded daily to meet environmental health regulations. Any significant changes or events including staff changes are reported to Ofsted and the owner ensures that there are sufficient and

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What has improved since the last inspection?

suitable staff to look after children and meet their needs effectively at all times.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have a positive attitude toward development and improvement. They seek and act on the advice and guidance from North Somerset's advisory teacher and other specialist agencies. Staff who are undertaking qualifications are fully supported. • The key-worker system is effective and ensures good communication between parents and staff. • The range of toys and activities provide the opportunity for all children to make progress. • Relationships between staff and children is good and children are well behaved.

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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?

• the layout of some play areas and the planning of activities in relation to staff's observations of children • the provision of natural materials for babies and toddlers under two years • the provision of positive images around the room of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability.

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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 3 Develop system of planning to ensure observations of children are taken into account. 5 Provide natural materials to heighten sensory development of babies and toddlers under two years. 5 Review layout of play areas on the ground floor to ensure that children have easy access to toys and equipment. 9 Provide visual displays of positive images of culture, ethnicity, 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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