Apple Tree Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/06/2004 Inspector Name Sharon Watson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Apple Tree Day Nursery Setting Address 62 Main Street Sprotbrough Doncaster South Yorkshire DN5 7RJ

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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

Apple Tree Day Nursery is privately owned and first opened in 1994. It is situated in Sprotborough, a village near Doncaster. It operates from the ground floor and first floor rooms in a building which until 1994 was the local village school. Children who received funded nursery education are accommodated in a separate building on the main site, this is made up of entrance hall leading to one playroom. There are two toilets and a kitchen area. This building is also used for the after school club. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area. The nursery serves the local area. There are currently 105 children on roll. This includes 18 funded three year olds and two funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports children with special needs. The group opens seven days a week all year round. Sessions are Monday to Friday 07:45 to 18:00 excluding bank holidays and Christmas. The out of school club

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Information about the setting

operates Monday to Friday during school term times. Sixteen staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to National Vocational Qualification level two or three. Others are working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Year Development and Childcare Service.

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How good is the Day Care?

Apple Tree Day Nursery provides satisfactory care overall for children aged 0 to 11 years. Management and staff work as a team to ensure the daily running of the nursery. Opportunities for staff training are available. However, contingency arrangements are not used effectively. Staff provide a warm and friendly environment for parents and children and space is organised well, allowing children to move around easily. Staff are pro-active in maintaining good hygiene routines and meet first aid requirements well. Staff adequately ensure children's safety. Children engage in adequate play opportunities and have sufficient access to toys and play opportunities. However, resources are not always easily accessible. Children benefit from the set up of the outdoor play area and outdoor equipment. Children benefit from excellent staff commitment to meeting dietary requirements.

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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 Staff have a positive approach to special needs and promote the inclusion of all children. Staff maintain a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour and there are clear procedures and behaviour boundaries that are understood by both parents and children. Setting information and children's details are available to parents. However staff do not always do enough to promote this.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery was asked to make improvements in the following areas; policies and procedures, designate staff responsibility, safety and the maintaining of the building. Policies and procedures are now updated, staff responsibility has been designated, areas of concern about safety have been addressed and the main nursery toilet area is in a suitable state of repair. Parents are now better informed and the children's needs are met.

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What is being done well?

• Effective use of space ensures children are grouped appropriately and can move around easily, providing challenge and opportunity to develop children's play safely both indoor and outdoors. Staff are pro-active in providing a friendly and warm environment in which parents and children feel welcome and at ease. • Staff are pro-active in ensuring meal times are a positive and enjoyable experience for all children. Children receive freshly prepared nutritious meals and regular drinks. Group seating of children encourages social interaction between staff and other children. Staff support children appropriately with feeding. • Staff are provide opportunities for children with a special need. The building is suitable to accommodate disability access and provide opportunities for play both indoors and out. Trained staff and the observing of children's progress ensures early detection of developmental issues.

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What is being done well?

• Positive staff interaction and appropriate grouping of children ensures incidents are dealt with effectively. Staff develop children's routines well, for example at lunch time and sleep time children behaved in an orderly and quiet manner, requiring little direction from staff. Staff have a mature approach to managing behaviour, they remain calm and provide clear explanation at an appropriate level of children's understanding, for example when the three to five year olds become noisy.

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What needs to be improved?

• the contingency arrangements, to cover emergencies, unexpected staff absences and staff breaks • the planning of activities for babies and out of school children, to maintain

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 interest and promote their overall development • the accessibility of resources in the main playroom, to promote choice and children's learning opportunities.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 2 Ensure that suitable contingency arrangements are in place to cover emergencies, unexpected staff absences and staff breaks. 22/06/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children in the out of school club and baby room. 5 Ensure resources are easily accessible to children in the main playroom.

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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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