St Mary's Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/04/2003 Inspector Name Hilary, Jane Purvis

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name St Mary's Nursery Setting Address St Mary's Roman Catholic First School Hexham Northumberland NE46 2EE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St Mary's Nursery Hexham Ltd.

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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

The nursery is located in a two story building in the grounds of St Marys primary school, Hexham. There are two main childcare rooms one on each floor, each with adjacent toilet and changing facilities appropriate to the age group cared for. There is a suitable outdoor play area. The nursery provides care for children aged 0 to 14 years. The breakfast club runs weekdays from 8am to 9am and can accomodate a maximum of 12 children in the pre-school room or a maximum of 8 children if cared for in the day care room. The day care area provides care for a maximum of 24 children aged 0 to 3 years including a maximum of 6 children aged under 2 years. During school holidays a holiday club runs from 8am to 6 pm for a maximum of 25 children aged 4 to 14 years. The pre-school group has a maximum of 25 children aged 3 to 5 years. The after school club caters for the same age and numbers as the breakfast club. There are 13 members of staff plus a manager. The majority of staff

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Information about the setting

hold an appropriate childcare qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

The nursery provides good quality care for children. The environment created is warm and welcoming in which the children attending are cared for by staff with a caring manner and a professional attitude. There is a wide selection of high quality toys and equipment which is effectively used by staff to meet the individual needs of the children, taking into account their different ages and abilities. The nursery has a detailed understanding of safety issues and has put into place methods of continuing assessment and accident prevention to protect the children attending. There are a number of children attending who have special needs ,additional staff and relevant training have been provided to ensure that their individual needs are met. There is an ongoing commitment to staff training and development. The activities are well planned and presented by the whole staff group. Interesting and stimulating activities

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How good is the Day Care?

are provided and children encouraged to participate, there is flexibility in the provision to allow for individual preference. Records of children's individual progress and development are well recorded and shared with parents who have continuous access to their child's records. New parents are given an information pack which includes an outline of many of the nurseries policies and procedures.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The adult/child ratio in the baby area has now been increased to 1:2 which allows older babies to be taken into the main childcare area to partake in a wider range of

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What has improved since the last 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 activities with the appropriate level of supervision. Policies specifically for the out of school club are now in place which reflect the practice therein.

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What is being done well?

Staff are good at providing appropriate activities for the age groups being cared for. Reviewing of activities influences future planning and provision. Safety within the nursery is of high priority displayed staffs understanding of the detailed but clear policies, designated members of staff and ongoing assessments.

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What needs to be improved?

the organisation of meal times to include staff sitting with the children ,children being able to see the food being served to inform their choice and staff to wear suitable protective clothing while serving food.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 8 At least one member of staff sits at each table to allow meal times to be a more social and stimulating activity. 8 The meals are served nearer to the tables at which the children are sitting to allow the children to see the food choices and make an informed decision. 8 The staff ensure that they wear the provided suitable clothing when serving meals. 8 The disruption of meal times is kept to a minimum by one member of staff serving the meals to each table

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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 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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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

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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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