Little Learners

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/12/2004 Inspector Name Lynn Denise Smith

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Creche Day Care Setting Name Little Learners Setting Address Beeches Close Chelmsford Essex CM1 2SB

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name ACC Creche Address Beeches Close Chelmsford Essex CM1 2SB

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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

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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

Little Learners Crèche is operated by the Adult Education Service. It opened in 2003 and runs from a converted section of the college. The crèche has use of a large playroom, a smaller playroom, an area for babies, an entrance hall and toilets. It is situated near the centre of Chelmsford. A maximum of 14 children may attend the crèche at any one time. The crèche is open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 09:00 to 14:00 on Mondays for the college term time. There are currently 20 children on roll. Children come from a wide catchment area, as the parents who use the crèche are studying or working at the College. The crèche has the facilities to cater for children with special needs and a large number of children attending speak English as an additional language. The crèche employs four staff. One volunteer works as and when needed. Three of the staff including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Learners Crèche provides satisfactory care for children. There is a strong staff team who work well together to provide a relaxed and caring environment for children. The crèche room is bright and welcoming and the children's creative work is pleasantly displayed. A varied range of equipment is available and presented at the children's height. Records are kept in accordance with the National Standards; the written policy on complaints needs to be updated to include the name and address for Ofsted. The premises are clean, well organised and safe. Staff are aware of health and safety issues and encourage children to develop good hygiene practices. The children's safety is of paramount importance; good procedures are in place for security. Children's individual needs are met and staff work closely with parents to discuss any changes to the children's needs. Staff follow the area child protection

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How good is the Day Care?

procedures and welcome further training on child protection issues. Information is currently being sought on this matter through the Pre-School Learning Alliance. A varied selection of toys and activities are available for the children, which cover all aspects of play and learning. Staff plan the daily activities in accordance with the ages of the children who are attending that day. Staff follow the information in the

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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 Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage and the Birth to Three Matters guidance when planning activities. There is a calm and relaxed atmosphere within the setting; children are offered lots of praise and encouragement and staff follow the written policy on behaviour management. Parents are welcomed into the crèche room and are able to be involved in their child's care through regular discussion with staff. Staff consider a variety of ways of sharing information with parents, much of which is on a verbal basis.

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What is being done well?

• Staff organise the crèche room effectively to provide good supervision of the children; a high adult:child ratio ensures good quality interaction. • Children are provided with a varied range of activities which cover all aspects of play. • Staff work closely with parents to ensure the individual children's needs are met; festivals and customs are celebrated within the crèche.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There have been no complaints to report.

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 12 Make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint which contains information about Ofsted.

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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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