Pumpkin Patch

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/02/2005 Inspector Name Susan McCourt

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Pumpkin Patch Setting Address 109 New Church Road Hove East Sussex BN3 4BD

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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

Pumpkin Patch Nursery was registered to provide full day care in 2003. It is situated close to the seafront and is privately owned with a sister nursery in Brighton. The nursery is open from 08:00 to 18:00 all year round. The nursery is registered for 45 children aged 3 months to 5 years. There are currently 86 children on roll, 21 of whom receive funded education. The nursery can support children with special needs and those with English as an additional language. The nursery is based in a large detached house with five playrooms plus a baby sleeping area. Playrooms have adjoining toilet facilities. The nursery also has an office, kitchen and staff room. There is a safe, secure rear garden. There are 18 staff including the manager, 13 of whom have appropriate qualifications. A further 4 staff are currently training. The nursery receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Pumpkin Patch Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff are encouraged to develop their skills and qualifications and they receive annual appraisals. The playrooms are bright and stimulating places to play and each room is well-equipped with toys and materials accessible to children. Record-keeping is well-organised and efficient with only minor improvement needed. Staff are vigilant about children's safety and risk assessments are regularly reviewed. Hygiene levels are good and children learn to take care of their personal hygiene. Meals and snacks are prepared on the premises to provide healthy meals in a social atmosphere. Staff communicate well to ensure that children's individual needs are met. There is a named member of staff to ensure that equal opportunity issues are regularly reviewed. The special educational needs co-ordinator liaises closely with parents and other professionals. Staff know the child protection policy

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How good is the Day Care?

and are aware that the welfare of the child is paramount. Staff take great care to ensure that children settle in and feel secure in the nursery. Children are grouped according to age and the playrooms are set up to meet the developmental needs of the children. Children can choose from an interesting range

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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 of activities and staff are on hand to develop their play and extend their learning. Staff plan activities and monitor children's progress in a relaxed and caring environment. Staff have clear expectations of children's behaviour and they use lots of praise and encouragement. Children are well-behaved as a result. Staff build good relationships with the parents. Written information about the child's day is given to the parents of under-threes and all parents receive regular reports of their child's progress and achievements. Key-workers are available to meet with parents and they hold regular parent's evenings. Parents are kept informed about the nursery and can take part in staff recruitment and selection panels.

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What is being done well?

• Staff create a relaxed atmosphere where children can choose from a good range of interesting toys and play equipment. This ensures that children feel secure and settled. • Safety procedures are regularly reviewed and updated. Staff have responsible attitudes and are vigilant about the children in their care. • The nursery provides healthy meals and snacks for children. This means that children are more likely to try unfamiliar foods and learn that mealtimes are social occasions. • Parents receive good quality written information about their child. Key-workers monitor children's progress and write summary reports every few months as well as organising parent's evenings three times a year.

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What needs to be improved?

• the confidentiality of the medication records

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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

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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 14 Ensure that all medication records are confidential

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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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