Charnwood

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/11/2004 Inspector Name Kay Margaret Armstrong

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Charnwood Nursery and Family Centre Setting Address Charnwood Nursery and Family Centre St Pauls Road, Heaton Moor Stockport Cheshire SK4 4RY

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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

Charnwood Nursery and Family Centre is run by the Charnwood Trust and opened in 1978. The nursery operates from a purpose built two storey building in the Heaton Moor area of Stockport, which is close to parks, shops and the library. The nursery provides day care and education for children who have additional needs and mainstream children, who live in the Stockport area. The nursery provides care from 09:00 to 15:30 Monday to Friday term time only. Wrap-around care is provided from 08:00 to 09:00 and from 15:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday term time only. The nursery also provides; an opportunity group, which runs every afternoon, a special needs toy library and a support group and drop in sessions for parents who have children with additional needs. A play scheme runs for a week each summer for children with additional needs and their siblings. There are currently 63 children on roll, this includes 22 funded three-year-olds and

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Information about the setting

one funded four-year old, the nursery supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The local education authority currently funds 14 children with special educational needs. The children have access to open two plan play areas, one on each floor, soft play, a light room, and several therapy rooms. Bathroom facilities are available on both floors. A garden and playground are provided for outdoor play. The nursery is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team, which includes; teachers, a nurse, nursery nurses, special needs co-ordinators, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, family and support workers, administrative staff, a cook/housekeeper, volunteers and domestic workers. The facility are members of the British Association of Early Childhood Education and the Toy Library Association and gain support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, the Sensory Impaired Services, the Local Health Authority,

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Information about the setting

Speech, Language and Occupational Therapists.

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How good is the Day Care?

Charnwood Nursery and Family Centre provides a good quality of day care for children. The staff work together well as a team, developing positive relationships with children to help them feel safe and secure. The premises are child orientated,

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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 with sufficient space for children to play and explore in comfort both inside and outdoors. Displays of children's work help to provide a friendly welcoming atmosphere for both children and parents. Toys and equipment are well maintained, organised to meet children's needs effectively, reflect our diverse society and include natural materials. All necessary records and documentation are in place and of a high standard, however there is one minor omission to detail. The premises are clean and well maintained. Close attention is paid to safety, both inside the nursery and in the fully enclosed play area, outdoors. Procedures and routines are implemented to minimise the spread of infection, staff support and encourage children to adopt good hygiene habits. Healthy meals and snacks

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How good is the Day Care?

promote children's physical development. All dietary needs are discussed with parents and respected. Staff have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the care of children with additional needs. Inclusion is well promoted through planned activities and resources. Staff have a good understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection. An extensive range of age appropriate activities are planned and implemented for the children promoting their learning and development in all areas. The children are well occupied, eager to participate in the activities and they are supported in making choices throughout the day. Staff have a good understanding of children's individual needs and are skilful in managing behaviour in a positive manner. Positive relationships have been formed with parents, good quality information is available for parents and systems in place to keep parents informed of their child's

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection five actions were raised relating to records and documentation. Policies and procedures relating to complaints and child protection have been reviewed and extended to meet the requirements of the national standards. Records of incidents and of visitors to the setting are observed to be in place. The setting has provided evidence that Charnwood Trust has been accepted by the Criminal Records Bureau as a Registered Body. These improvements ensure that the children are cared for in a safe environment.

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What is being done well?

• Staff demonstrate a good understanding of children's developmental needs. They plan and implement activities that are interesting, enjoyable and promote children's learning. Language, understanding, knowledge and mathematical concepts are promoted and extended during play. Staff play and interact with the children, listening, talking and responding to them in a positive manner. Friendships are developed and children are happy, confident, articulate, accepting and tolerant of each other. • Children are observed to be having fun as they play. They particularly enjoy the opportunity to play outdoors and have fun sweeping up leaves, using the

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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 outdoor equipment and exploring their environment, developing physical skills and learning about the world around them as they play. • Staff have a positive, consistent approach to managing behaviour which is shared with parents. They manage minor altercations by using distraction techniques effectively. Children are encouraged to share equipment and be kind to each other. Good behaviour and children's efforts are recognised, celebrated and praised appropriately, their creative work is valued and their choices respected, developing their self-esteem and confidence. • There is an extensive range of resources available to the children, these are maintained to a high standard and include toys and equipment which reflect positive images of our diverse society creating opportunities for children to

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What is being done well?

learn about different cultures and the world around them. • The setting creates an environment which is stimulating, warm and welcoming. Staff are available in the reception area to greet children and parents as they arrive. They promote positive working relationships with parents who value the care provided. There are effective systems in place to record and share information with parents to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and met.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The care for children with additional needs is excellent. The multi-disciplinary staff team work together with parents and other professionals to provide an holistic approach to care, promoting children's development and learning. A high staff ratio ensures children are well supported and have appropriate access to all activities. For example during outdoor play a child who is unable to walk unassisted, was supported in exploring convex and concave mirrors set on a wooden fence. Encouraging him to stand, strengthening the muscles in his legs whilst he enjoyed looking into the mirrors. Staff make links with the mainstream or special schools that children will attend, to ensure that the transition for children runs smoothly, they share information, invite appropriate adults to visit the children in the setting and take children to visit their new schools. Staff and children use Makaton (simple sign language) when talking, singing and looking at books promoting good

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

communication skills. The light room is used effectively with all children and staff are in the process of developing a herb garden, promoting and stimulating children's senses. (Standard 10)

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What needs to be improved?

• the records relating to staff and children's attendance.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

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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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 2 Ensure a record is kept which shows time of arrivals and departures for both children and staff.

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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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