Steps Ahead Day Nursery and Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/02/2004 Inspector Name Sue Vernon

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Steps Ahead Day Nursery and Nursery School Setting Address Bradley Road Trowbridge Wiltshire BA14 0RG

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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

Steps Ahead is a privately owned full day nursery which opened in August 2000. It runs in a large single storey building sited behind the Council buildings off a main road in Trowbridge. It has an enclosed rear garden providing both paved and grassed play space. The nursery is registered for funded three and four-year-olds. The nursery provides different base rooms for the age groups with a qualified teacher working with the older 3 to 5-year-olds. The nursery receives visits from an early years support worker. The nursery employs around 30 staff, most of whom have an appropriate Early Years qualification or are working towards this.

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How good is the Day Care?

Steps Ahead Nursery provides good quality care for children. The environment is bright and welcoming with clear routines planned throughout the nursery for each age group which helps children feel secure. Clear policies and procedures are used to ensure consistency with staff and are shared appropriately with parents. Good staff ratios are in place and space is well used to provide stimulating areas in addition to the base rooms for different age groups. Staff have good awareness of safety issues and children are encouraged to develop good hygiene practices within the daily routines. Relevant information on children's needs is sought from parents and used to make sure they are cared for according to their individual needs. Children's safety is supported by staff awareness of the correct procedures to be followed if there are child protection concerns. Good relationships with children are built by consistent staff teams spending time

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How good is the Day Care?

listening, talking and being involved in play. Interesting activities to engage children are offered in all rooms and are supported by a wide range of bright resources which meet all areas of children's development. However, planning of activities does not clearly link with observations to ensure children are further challenged. Positive behaviour management is used to build children's self-esteem, with staff consistently using praise and encouragement. Partnership with parents is given a high priority. Clear information is offered about

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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 the nursery and feedback on children's days is given in a variety of formats. Parents' wishes regarding their child's routines are respected. Records of accidents, medication and incidents are shared appropriately with parents. Records are stored securely, with regard for confidentiality.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery was asked to ensure that qualification requirements were met for the manager, baby room manager and the cook and also that a key worker system was introduced. These have been done to improve quality and continuity of care for children. Parents have been made aware of the complaints policy as requested and staff have increased their awareness of the required child protection procedures which helps support children's safety.

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What is being done well?

• Good information is given to parents about the policies and practices of the nursery and about the daily care their children receive. • A good range of bright and modern resources is displayed well and enables self-selection by children. • The nursery is bright, clean and welcoming and rooms and space are well organised to meet children's needs. • Staff work closely with children and encourage them to enjoy their play by using praise and encouragement.

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What needs to be improved?

• planning of activities to ensure that observations are used to inform planning and also that the needs of the children aged five to eight year are met.

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Ensure observations are used to plan the next stage of children's learning and provide a suitable environment and range of activities and resources suitable for the 5 to 8 year olds. 14 Ensure that all incidents are shared with parents.

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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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