Little Owls Nursery Middleton Laurel Bank

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/07/2004 Inspector Name Susan Webb

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Laurel Bank EYC Setting Address 100 Middleton Park Avenue Middleton Leeds West Yorkshire LS10 4HY

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Leeds City Council Address 100 Middleton Park Avenue Middleton Leeds West Yorkshire LS10 4HY

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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

Laurel Bank Early Years Centre has been registered since 1989. It is registered to care for 50 children aged from three months to five years and currently has 60 children on roll. Children attend on a full or part-time basic. The purpose built nursery is situated in Middleton on the outskirts of Leeds and serves families living within the local community. The nursery also has close links with the Sure Start programme and provides accommodation for other community groups and activities. The nursery is divided into five playrooms; of these, two are used for the funded three and four year old children. An additional central area and three outdoor play spaces are available for all children attending the nursery. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00 hours throughout the year, except Bank Holidays. The staff team comprises supernumerary qualified manager and deputy, eight qualified nursery nurses, and one unqualified childcare assistant. Three of the

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Information about the setting

qualified staff work with the funded three and four year olds and the emphasis is on learning through play. The nursery has close links with the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership advisory teaching support unit. There are 39 children aged three and four years on roll and 31 three year and four year olds receive funding. The nursery welcomes children with special needs. There are no children at present who speak English as an additional language.

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How good is the Day Care?

Laurel Bank Early Years Centre provides good quality care for children. It provides a very warm and welcoming environment where children are happy and settled and can feel secure. A strong management team backed up by an effective operational plan ensures the smooth running of the nursery. Effective use of space, staff and resources, especially in the outdoor play areas, has a positive impact on the children. Records are well maintained but with some minor weaknesses regarding administration of medication and the taking of photographs. The safety and security of the children both on and off the premises is a high priority. The nursery endeavours to provide a healthy and nutritious diet, meeting individual

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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 dietary requirements very well. Personal hygiene procedures enable children to learn about hand washing but there are some inconsistencies. Children are very interested in and excited about what they are doing. They are happy and well stimulated. They have good relationships with staff and with each other. Staff encourage their natural curiosity and provide excellent and interesting activities which teach children about the world around them, especially out of doors. The nursery promotes the inclusion of all children very well and children are learning about respect for each other. Staff have high expectations of children and behaviour management skills are very good. Working and trusting partnerships are developing with parents, who are happy and confident about leaving their children in this setting. Parents are very well informed

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How good is the Day Care?

about the setting and their children's development and are involved in decisions about the care of their children. There is a minor weakness regarding the complaints procedure.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection staff have gained an appropriate First Aid qualification which will improve their effectiveness should there be an accident to a child.

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What is being done well?

• Excellent organisation and comprehensive policies and procedures underpin the smooth running of the nursery. Staff are well supported and have a good awareness of their roles and responsibilities. Very good use is made of space and resources to create a stimulating environment for the children. Staff are well qualified and work well together as a team. • Well established routines provide security and the excellent range of activities and resources are developing children's confidence and independence. • Indoor and outdoor areas are organised effectively to create a very warm and welcoming environment. The provision of a wide range of good quality toys and resources supports individual needs very well. Children have free access to all equipment and use the resources to support their developing self confidence. • Good procedures ensure children's safety within the nursery and on outings; these include regular risk assessments and basic safety routines.

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What is being done well?

• A healthy and nutritious diet meets the individual requirements of each child very well. Good manners and a social atmosphere mean independence and development of table skills are encouraged. • Very good account is taken of the individual needs of all the children and imaginative strategies ensure children feel included. Children are also learning to respect each other. Children and staff work well to include and welcome children with special needs. • The nursery manages behaviour very well. Staff have high expectations of

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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 children's behaviour. Clear and consistent boundaries are in place which encourage children to take responsibility for their own behaviour. • Good and trusting working relationships are being developed with parents. They are very well informed about the provision. • Effective systems are in place to keep children safe from harm and staff have a very good awareness of their responsibilities. • Records are well maintained, secure and confidential.

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What needs to be improved?

• the confidentiality of the medication procedure • the inconsistencies regarding hand washing • the information given to parents about making a complaint to Ofsted • the arrangements for gaining parental permission for taking photographs.

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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 7 Improve hygiene procedures especially at lunchtime. 7 Improve the recording of medication administered to children to ensure confidentiality.

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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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