The Children's House

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/03/2004 Inspector Name Pauline Garfield

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name The Children's House Setting Address The Childrens House Station Road, Stallingborough Grimsby North East Lincs DN41 8AJ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Equal Grade Limited Address The Childrens House Station Road, Stallingborough Grimsby North East Lincs DN41 8AJ

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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

The Children's House is a private nursery which opened in 2000. It is accommodated in purpose built premises on two sites in Stallingborough in North East Lincolnshire. The nursery offers child care to the local community and surrounding areas and is in the process of gaining Independent School status and promotes Montessori teaching methods. It provides full day care for up to 132 children aged nought to twelve years Monday - Friday 07:00 - 19:00- full year. Sessions operate 09:00 -13:00 and 13:30 - 17:30. They offer out of school care 07:15 - 08:45 and 15:30 - 19:00, collecting and delivering children to Keelby and Stallingborough Schools. There are four playrooms and the nursery has all appropriate facilities including toilets, kitchen and storage space. The school site has one classroom in use at this time. The group has a secure outdoor play space and is part of a working farm. There are currently 113 children on register and 18 are funded three year olds and

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Information about the setting

14 funded four year olds. There are two children with special educational needs attending the group and none for whom English is an additional language. The nursery has 26 staff working on a full and part time basis, 17 staff hold a recognised early years qualification, four are working towards qualifications and five are unqualified. The nursery has two administrators and four ancillary staff. The nursery are members of the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and co-ordinators of the local branch of the National Day Nurseries Association.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Children's House provides good provision for children aged from nought to eight years. Sessions are planned and organised by the experienced staff team who are committed to ongoing training both in-house and externally. Staff are appropriately qualified or working towards relevant child care qualifications. They interact very effectively with children to support their learning and development. Children are motivated and interested to learn accessing equipment and activities which support their all round development. Staff provide positive role models and promote good behaviour which is valued.

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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 The group give excellent support to children with special needs and work very effectively with parents and other professionals. Partnership with parents is very positive. There is a key worker system in operation and parents are given good quality information. Children are looked after according to parents wishes. Parents are very happy with the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff team, the superb environment and excellent facilities. Most required policies and procedures are in place and records are stored securely.

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What is being done well?

• Staff know the children well and give excellent attention to meeting children's individual needs. The children are happy and settled and access activities both indoors and out independently. • Effective planning for children of all ages ensures children learn and develop in a stimulating, sensory environment. Activities are very well planned to accommodate children's age and stage of development. Children are encouraged to be self driven learners. • Reflective practice and commitment to ongoing training ensures all staff have a clear understanding of their role. • Dietary needs are discussed and an organic food programme is in place which promotes healthy eating. • The provision has a superb range of Montessori equipment, toys and furniture to meet the needs of the children. • Good behaviour is valued praised and encouraged. • Staff support children with special needs well and work effectively with parents and other professionals. Staff create a positive environment which

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What is being done well?

promotes caring and cooperation, children are helped to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. • The management of the Children's House is excellent and the group are working towards the accreditation of Investors in People. • Relationships with parents are very positive, children are looked after according to parents wishes.

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What needs to be improved?

• review procedure for uncollected child to include if a child is lost.

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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

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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 Review procedure for uncollected child to include if a child is lost

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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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