Carousel Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/02/2005 Inspector Name Jenny Kane

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Carousel Nursery School Setting Address 1 Westmoreland Close St. Leonards-on-Sea East Sussex TN38 9LF

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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

Carousel Nursery was registered in January 1999. The nursery operates from three rooms on the ground floor of a detached building in the Hollington area of St Leonards-on-Sea. The crèche, which opened in September 2004 runs from a purpose built annex over two floors with three play areas. There is access to several enclosed outside play areas. A maximum of 45 children may attend the nursery at any one time. It is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to18:00 all year round. Children attend on a sessional or full-time basis. There are currently 40 children on role aged from 3 months to five years. Of these 20 children receive funding for nursery education. The group serves the local and surrounding areas. There are seven staff working with the children including the manager. The majority of the staff hold appropriate early years childcare qualifications with others working towards qualification. Five staff hold current first aid certificates.

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Information about the setting

The nursery receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP), Surestart and Hastings Under 5's Association. They are members of The Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

Carousel Nursery provides good quality care for children. The owner manages the nursery and is fully involved in all aspects of the children's care. She supports and motivates staff well, encourages sharing of ideas and delegates responsibilities to her deputies. The well produced policies clearly state the nursery's aims and objectives. However two need updating. All areas are bright and welcoming with children's work displayed. Staff make good use of the space and children can move around safely. The under two's are cared for in a homely environment which helps them feel secure. Children are cared for in an environment where staff pay good attention to safety and hygiene, taking care when changing nappies and preparing food. They sit with the children during meals and provide individual attention when feeding babies. However, they would benefit from adult size chairs. Older children are encouraged to

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How good is the Day Care?

be responsible for own personal hygiene, taking themselves to the toilet and

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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 washing their hands before eating. However, thought is needed to ensure older children have privacy in the toilet area. There are good arrangements in place for children to rest, individual bedding is provided and sleeping children are well monitored. Children enjoy a range of interesting topics and activities which are planned to suit their age and ability. Older children are encouraged to be independent and choose from the play materials, decide what they do and help to pour drinks at snack time. They have good interaction with staff who set clear boundaries, make the activities fun and as a consequence children's behaviour is good. Parents receive good written information about the provision and staff are available daily to discuss children's care. Daily contact diaries are used however these are not

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How good is the Day Care?

completed on a regular basis. The owner listens to parent's views and opinions and is committed to making improvements

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What is being done well?

• Children approach staff with confidence and have good relationships with them. Staff listen to children, join in with activities and are enthusiastic. All staff are involved with the planning which is linked to the foundation stage and early learning goals. • Babies and toddlers are cared for in a small group where ratios are high and continuity good. Staff provide suitable activities and play materials and are aware of meeting the needs of this age group. Planning of activities in based on Birth to Three Matters. • There are bright and stimulating visual displays throughout the nursery and children's personal work is displayed with care. • During parts of the day children of different ages have the opportunity to mix with others. Children have good interaction with their peers, they share and cooperate well with others. • The owner/manager is very keen to work with parents and provides opportunities for discussion and comments. She has a positive attitude

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What is being done well?

towards making changes and ensuring parents are happy with the service provided.

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What needs to be improved?

• the children's privacy when using the toilets • the seating for adults • the contact books

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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 • the complaints and child protection policies.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

In August 2004 a complaint was received from a parent under standard 12. This was investigated internally by the provider. Ofsted concluded that the complaint was unfounded and that the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 4 Consider ways of ensuring children's privacy when using the toilets 5 Provide suitable seating for adult use and particularly for when feeding babies 12 Provide opportunities for parents to receive regular written information on their children's progress by maintaining the contact books on a daily basis 14 Update complaints and child protection policies

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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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