Big Kids Little Kids Nursery and out of School Club

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/12/2004 Inspector Name Elizabeth Blenkhorn

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Topoli Joe Setting Address 172 Northgate Darlington County Durham DL1 1QU

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Topoli Leisure Ltd Address 172 Northgate Darlington County Durham DL1 1QU

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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

Topoli Joe Day Nursery opened in September 2004. It is situated in a large converted three storey building in the Northgate area of Darlington very close to the town centre. The building is also used as a leisure facility. The day-care facility operates from four activity rooms on the ground floor. There are separate toilet and washing facilities on the ground floor and also on the first floor. There is no outdoor facility but children have access to the soft play area on the first floor. Kitchen and staff facilities are also available on the first floor. The Nursery have sole use of the activity rooms during the hours of opening and at times have sole use of the soft play area. Children attend a variety of sessions. The group serves the local area and wider areas throughout the town. It is registered to provide full day care for 48 children aged from birth to under eight years and out of school care.

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Information about the setting

The group is open five days a week, Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 18:00 all year round excluding bank holidays. Four full-time and two part-time staff work with the children. Five have early years qualifications. There are currently two members of staff on training programmes.

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How good is the Day Care?

Topoli Joe Day Nursery provide satisfactory care for children from birth to under eight years of age. Most staff have relevant child care qualifications, although staff's understanding of the National Standards could be further developed. Also the staffing arrangements for deputising and for designsted staff responsibilities is unclear. Space is used effectively, children are in appropriate groups depending on their ages and their activities. The premises are warm and welcoming to children and adults. Furniture and equipment meet the needs of the children attending. Documentation is in place to support the running of the setting although some aspects do not reflect the appropriate national standard and not all records are available for inspection. Staff aim to ensure the safety of children, however, fire evacuation procedures and signs are not clearly displayed. Staff promote the good health of children by

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How good is the Day Care?

encouraging them to wash their hands. Routines for eating and resting are focused around children's individual needs and children are offered regular and varied

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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 snacks and meals with regard to their individual dietary requirements. Child protection and complaints procedures are in place and include relevant contact details. The children take part in enjoyable and stimulating activities although the range of resources reflecting equal opportunities could be developed further. Children are happy and settled and are familiar with the routines of the nursery. They have good relationships with staff who are supportive and encouraging. Staff have a positive approach to managing children's behaviour and children behave well. Staff have good relationships with parents . They make parents welcome and share information which helps them keep informed about children's welfare and progress.

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What is being done well?

• The setting is warm and welcoming to children and parents. Friendly, personal greetings are exchanged between parents, children and staff. There are good displays of children's work and information is provided for parents so that they are informed of what is happening in the setting. • There is a good range of activities appropriate to the ages and stages of the children cared for. • Staff have good relationships with the children. They are supportive and encouraging while at the same time promoting children's independence.

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What needs to be improved?

• staff's understanding of the national standards • the procedures to deputise • the procedure for appointing named person/s responsible for Special Needs, Behaviour Management, Child Protection • safety, with regard to ensuring that fire procedures and exits are clearly displayed and evacuation procedures are practised • documentation, to ensure that all staff details of qualifications, training and experience are in place, relevant parental consents are obtained including permission to administer medication and to take children on transport, relevant vehicle documentation is in place, medication records maintain confidentiality and all relevant documentation is available for inspection.

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from September 2004. The complaint record relates to complaints from the last

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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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

Since 1st April 2004 Ofsted have not received any complaints about this provider.

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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 1 Develop staff's knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. 2 Ensure there are effective procedures to deputise and appoint trained member of staff who has responsibility for designated areas. 5 Ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. 6 Ensure clearly defined procedures for emergency evacuation are displayed and carried out and emergency exits are clearly identifiable. 10 Ensure the manager has regard for the Code of Practice ( 2001) for the identification and assessment of Special Educational Needs. 14 Ensure that all records relating to day care activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times.

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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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