Meadows Mere Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/05/2004 Inspector Name Stacey Sangster

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Meadows Mere Nursery School Setting Address 1-2 Alfred Road Kingsmere Eastbourne East Sussex BN23 6TA

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ronald Cossey and Valerie Cossey Address 9 Brand Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN22 9PX

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

The Meadows Mere Nursery School, is one of four in a chain of private nursery settings operating in East Sussex. It has been registered since April 1998. The premises are made up of two adjacent terraced houses that were adapted during their building to house the nursery. The accommodation is on two floors and comprises four rooms used for child care, toilets, a kitchen area, and an office. There is a large, secure, well- equipped garden for outdoor play. Children attending the nursery come from Eastbourne and the surrounding area and are a representative cross section of the local community. There are currently 151 children on roll, of whom 60 are funded three year olds and 18 are funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports a number of children with special educational needs and there are four children for whom English is an additional language. Eleven members of staff are employed to work with the children. All are full time and

p.2

Information about the setting

all have or are in the process of obtaining a suitable early years qualification to at least NVQ level III or equivalent. The qualified staff are in excess of the required 50%. The nursery is open on weekdays for 50 weeks of the year. It has recently received an Investors in People award and has successfully completed an accredited quality assurance scheme.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The Meadows Mere Nursery School provides good quality care for children. The staff team have a very good understanding of the National Standards and work co-operatively together. Sessions are organised and structured well. Staff have a clear idea of their roles and responsibilities and are deployed effectively, as a result children receive very good levels of adult support where appropriate. The premises are organised to best meet the needs of the children. Resources are plentiful, well maintained and organised effectively so that children can access them easily. Documentation is clear, detailed and kept appropriately although the record of arrivals and departures in not always maintained. Safety is given high priority.

p.2

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 Children's dietary needs are met and health and hygiene issues dealt with effectively. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and model positive respectful behaviour which children emulate. Children's individual needs are well met, staff know the children well and the key worker system results in close relationships being formed. Staff provide a caring and nurturing environment where activities stimulate and interest the children, helping them to make progress in all areas. The children enjoy a wide range of activities and take part eagerly. Staff have a good understanding of child protection, equal opportunities and how to care for children with special needs. Parents are kept well informed about their child's time in the group and of any progress made or difficulties encountered. Information is shared in a variety of ways.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Parents are very positive about the care their children receive, their views are regularly canvassed by the setting who amend their practice to reflect parents wishes wherever possible. Parents are not always aware of the role of the regulatory body.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the group have looked at the deployment of staff at lunchtimes and now ratios are maintained at all times ensuring children are safe and secure. Fire drills are now regularly carried out following a discussion with the Fire Safety Officer. All policies and procedures are now up to date ensuring all concerned with the nursery are aware of how the Nursery operates. All records are kept confidentially.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The staff's knowledge of individual children and interaction with them. Staff value what children say and treat them with kindness and respect. Challenges are set for children which help them to make progress and develop their confidence and self esteem. As a result children are happy and settled, behave well and make good progress in their development. • The use of the premises to make best use of the space available and provide a child friendly welcoming environment for children and parents. • The provision of a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities, which are easily accessible to children and helps them to make good progress in all areas of learning and encourages their independence and investigative skills.

p.3

An aspect of outstanding practice:

The interaction between staff and children. Warm and caring relationships are

p.3

An aspect of outstanding practice:

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 formed, which help children to feel secure and valued. As a result children are eager to come into the setting and to take part enthusiastically in activities that are offered.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the complaints policy to ensure parents are aware of Ofsted's role • the record of attendance to reflect clearly the arrivals and departures

p.4

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Expand the details in the register to clearly show an accurate record of times that children, staff and visitors arrive and leave. 12 Consider rewording the complaint policy to clarify the role of Ofsted in the complaints procedure.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6