Pipsqueaks

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/11/2003 Inspector Name Jacqueline Fryer

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Pipsqueaks Setting Address Harris House, North Road Queenborough Kent ME11 5HA

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Pipsqueaks Address Harris House, North Road Queenborough Kent ME11 5HA

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Pipsqueaks Day Nursery opened in 2003. The nursery operates from two rooms in a single storey building, in Queenborough, Sheppey. The nursery serves the local area. The setting opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07.00 to 19.00. There are currently 21 children from two years to five years on roll. This includes six funded three-year-olds and four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. One child has special needs. Five staff work with the children. Four have early years qualifications. Three staff members are currently on training courses. The setting receives support from a mentor from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). It is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Pipsqueaks Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The group offers a warm and welcoming environment where children and parents are greeted at the door. The provider and staff have suitable qualifications and experience to offer warm and consistent care to children. The provider ensures staff are police checked. The premises are secure and staff show a good understanding of the safety requirements within the building. The provider needs to consolidate procedures for outings. The staff show a good understanding of how children learn. Activities are planned to take children's individual needs into account. The building is bright and well presented. The staff team show an understanding of equality of opportunity, which fosters children's independence. The group need to continue to increase resources reflecting positive images of race, culture, disability and religious diversity. The group have a very small area for children to play outside, but staff take excellent

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

measures to ensure children make daily use of local open spaces. The provider shows a good awareness of children's dietary needs. Children are offered a variety of hot and cold snacks. The provider discusses, with parents, any religious or cultural needs of the family. The provider is pro-active in promoting

p.2

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 health and hygiene within the nursery. Staff use a consistent approach towards children's behaviour, which allows children to play within clear boundaries. The children's behaviour is very good. The provider builds up good relationships with children, parents and staff. Parents receive good information about the setting and their child's progress. An open door policy allows staff and parents to share any concerns they may have. The nursery has good documentation in place that is clear, well presented and shared with parents. This continues to be reviewed and updated.

p.2

What is being done well?

• The group have a very good range of toys and equipment. They use these to plan activities that promote children's development. The children are happy and engaged in their play. • The group ensure the premises are safe and secure for children. The children practise evacuation procedures to enable them to leave the premises safely in an emergency. • The group offers a warm and welcoming environment. Parents and children are greeted at the entrance. Children feel safe and secure. • The staff have good relationships with children. They spend quality time talking and playing with them. The children are happy and settled.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• information for students and volunteers • records of daily risks assessments undertaken • resources that reflect diversity • staff's knowledge of child protection issues • written behavioural records.

p.3

Outcome of the 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

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure a written policy explains the procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost. 2 Record times the children arrive and depart. 6 Ensure suitable procedures, for daily outings to local open spaces, are in place.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6