Building Blocks Kindergarten

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/04/2003 Inspector Name Rachel Jayne Castledine

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Building Blocks Kindergarten Setting Address Exeter Street Bourne Lincs PE10 9NS

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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

Building Blocks Kindergarten opened in October 2000. It operates from purpose built premises in the centre of the town of Bourne. The provision serves the local area. The provision offers full day care to children aged from birth to eleven years. It is registered to care for up to one hundred and seven children. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Some children have special needs. The provision opens five days a week throughout the year with the exception of bank holidays from 7.30am to 6pm. At least half of the staff employed to care for the children hold a relevant childcare qualification. The nursery is registered to receive the nursery education grant.

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How good is the Day Care?

Building Blocks Kindergarten provides satisfactory care for children. The staff generally work well together as a team. Good staff child ratios are maintained to meet the children's needs effectively. The building is well organised to offer a warm and stimulating environment to children. There is a good range of toys and equipment. Systems for record keeping are in place although not all are accurately maintained. Staff have a good awareness of safety in the setting and on outings. CCTV is in place throughout the nursery. The children are not encouraged by staff, in one area of the nursery, to develop independent health and hygiene routines. Snacks, meals and drinks are provided. The menu is freshly prepared daily by the dedicated cook and is well presented and of good nutritional value. Staff have attended special needs and child protection training and policies are in place, although parents must be made aware of the child protection policy. A good range of

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How good is the Day Care?

equipment is provided. In most areas of the nursery there is choice to enable children to develop their full potential in all areas of learning. Staff share in the planning of activities, however opportunities for child initiated activities are lacking along with a structure in the toddler room particularly after the lunchtime period. In the other areas of the nursery standards of behaviour are good and staff act as good role models. Staff discuss children's progress with parents each day. Written information is provided about the provision and parents are actively encouraged and involved in their children's learning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

All actions raised at the last inspection have been met. Domestic style furniture is now provided in baby room, a system for recording the times of attendance of staff is

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What has improved since the last 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 in place and the security of the main entrance door has been revised. All actions have been met to a satisfactory standard and are seen to be improving the quality of care offered. In addition the registered providers have increased the outdoor play equipment and installed safety surfaces beneath. There is also a dedicated indoor soft play room. Some rooms now have dividers.

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What is being done well?

Staff are given good induction training and the provision ensures consistency through appraisal system. Children in the pre-school and baby rooms are able to make decisions about their play and staff extend children's learning through effective questioning and interaction. The provision gives a great thought and effort to the safety of the children and security of the premises. Children are provided with meals that are healthy, nutritious and freshly prepared. The staff have effective policies and practice in place to ensure children's special needs are met. Staff have a very good partnership with parents through written and verbal communication, policies, notice boards

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What needs to be improved?

the activities in the toddler room after lunch. the practices in the toddler room to promote good hygiene. the procedures for behaviour management in the toddler room.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 devise a system for planning and implementing a suitable range of activities for children in the toddler room, which is appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs. 7 ensure that good hygiene practices are in place in the toddler room, with regard to hand washing, wiping of children’s faces after meals and when their noses are running and cleaning the room following meal times 11 ensure that the procedures for behaviour management are understood and implemented by all staff members.

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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 13 ensure that arrangements are in place to share child protection procedures with parents 14 ensure that attendance registers are accurate

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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 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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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

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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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