Ditton Early Years Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 11/03/2005 Inspector Name Jane Shaw

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Ditton Early Years Centre Setting Address Dundalk Road Widnes Cheshire WA8 8DF

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ditton Early Years Centre Address Dundalk Road Widnes Cheshire WA8 8DF

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

Ditton Early Years Centre is based in Widnes, Cheshire and has been registered since May 2004. Halton Borough Council are responsible for the overall management of the centre with the head teacher as the named contact. The centre is based in a purpose built building which contains six care rooms that are divided into different types of play and activity areas. There are baby changing facilities and toilets in each room. Facilities include a resource room, kitchen, laundry, pram store, milk preparation area, staff room and offices. There are also three SureStart rooms. The out of school and holiday club operate from the resource room and pre-school areas when not being used by the nursery school. Children also have access to large outdoor play areas. A maximum of 108 children may attend the setting at any one time. Children aged from birth to five years attend for full day care, pre-school children attending for

p.2

Information about the setting

funded nursery education are integrated into the nursery school. Children aged from 3 to 11 years attend the out of school or holiday club provision. The nursery provision is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, the out of school club opens Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 08:45 and 15:10 to 18:00 and the holiday club operates Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00. All provisions are open for 52 weeks of the year with the exception of the Christmas period and Bank Holidays. There are currently 45 children on roll within the nursery and 10 within the out of school provision. Both settings support a number of children with special educational needs. The registration holders employ eight staff to care for the children and to supervise the settings operations on a day to day basis. All staff including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, BASE, Early

p.2

Information about the setting

Education, NCNE and 4Children. The setting is also a recognised trainer and offers placement to students.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Ditton Early Years Centre provides good quality care for children. All staff are appropriately qualified in childcare/education, opportunities are made available to

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 attend training to enhance their existing good skills. Organisation of the children is good, they are cared for in age specific groups within appropriately resourced rooms. The centre provides parents/carers and children with a welcoming environment through the displaying of many examples of the children's work, other relevant information and a friendly approach from staff. Documentation is in place with minor gaps. The children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, staff are vigilant about children's safety at all times. The centre is clean and well maintained, staff promote good hygiene procedures within the setting and with the children. The centre provide the children with healthy food, meals and snacks provided contain fresh products daily, pre-school children are able to access healthy snacks and drinks throughout

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

the day. Children within the nursery and out of school club are offered a good range of activities and opportunities which are planned around themes involving children in interesting and stimulating activities and experiences. Planning is undertaken for all age groups and ensures the children have access to good play experiences to aid their learning, development and general well-being. All children have the opportunity to and are encouraged to participate in all activities. An appropriate behaviour management policy focuses on creating a positive environment. Policies and resources are in place to enable staff to support children with special needs. Staff have a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures. Partnership with parents/carers is effective, they speak positively about what the centre has to offer their children in terms of care and education. Parents/carers value the staff's commitment to their children.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The centre is well organised by an enthusiastic head and day care manager, who are supported by an equally enthusiastic staff team across the day care provision and nursery school. All staff work well together as a team for the benefit of all children. • The centre has comprehensive operational plans, policies and procedures for both the nursery and out of school club. These are detailed and well organised. Prior to a child starting, the day care manager has a one to one meeting with parents and carers where they have the opportunity to look at all policies and procedures and information about what the centre has to offer their child. • Partnership with parents and carers is very good. They receive good information about what the provision has to offer their children in terms of their care and education. Staff give regular verbal and written feedback on children's development, achievements and general well-being both within the

p.3

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 nursery and out of school club. • The organisation of the available space within the premises and the outdoor play space, staffing and activities is providing the children with an environment in which they are receiving good quality childcare. • There is a planned programme of activities and opportunities which are interesting and stimulating and have a positive impact on the children's learning and development. Activities are supported by a good range of resources and equipment. Staff are enthusiastic and create a good learning and 'fun' environment. Children attending the out of school club have opportunities to choose what they would like to be involved in which is dependent upon their day at school, staff create an environment which enables children to relax and have 'fun'.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Children are offered healthy snacks and meals which contain fresh foods daily. Pre-school, children have the opportunity to independently select snacks and drinks throughout the day from the variety made available to them.

p.4

What needs to be improved?

• the amendments to the uncollected child and child protection policies.

p.4

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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 14 Amend the uncollected child policy to show the procedure to be followed in the event of a child being uncollected. (Full Day Care) 14 Amend the child protection policy to show the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer and share this with staff, parents and carers. (Full Day Care and Out of School Care)

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.5

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.6

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.6

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.6

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.7

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.7

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.7

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.7

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.7