Playhouse Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/07/2003 Inspector Name Suman Willis

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Playhouse Nursery Setting Address United Reform Church Station Road Radlett Hertfordshire WD7

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Playhouse Address 22 Kendals Close Radlett Hertfordshire

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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

Playhouse Nursery registered in the year 2002. The nursery is situated within the United Free Church on Station Road, Radlett which is off the main Watling Street. Playhouse nursery offers sessional care for children between the ages of 2 - 5 years. The sessions, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday are from 9.15am to 12.15pm with extended lunch sessions from 12.15 to 1pm. Thursday sessions are from 9am to 11am. They also offer sessions during the school breaks to children already attending the group. Children have access to a large bright hall organised to offer a wide range of activities appropriate for the ages cared for. There is easy access to a disabled toilet. Provision is made for outdoor play. The group works in partnership with DfEE and receives funding for four year olds. The group maintains a high ratio of qualified staff who are committed to updating their training in childcare. The manager is currently studying towards a Diploma in

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How good is the Day Care?

Playhouse Nursery provides good care for children. The staff work well as a team. Weekly meetings ensure that all staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities. They are fully involved with the team leader in planning an exciting range of activities which build on children's natural curiosity and promote learning in all areas. The activities are age appropriate for the wide age range the group is registered for. They are particularly skilful in managing children's behaviour and developing their confidence and independence. Staff give priority to ensuring that children are safe both inside and outside the nursery, carrying out risk assessments daily. The staff work well in partnership with parents. Parents are well informed through regular newsletters and a parents notice board, which contributes towards the smooth running of the nursery. In-depth records of children's achievements are kept and shared with parents.

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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

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What is being done well?

• Staff are pro-active in reviewing own training needs and work well as a team making good use of training manuals. (Standard 2) • Staff make excellent use of information available to plan a wide and exciting range of activities to develop and encourage all areas of learning. (Standard 3) •• The group is active in involving the local authority for ensuring that they work within the safety guidance. (Standard 6) • Children are offered a varied and healthy range of snacks. (Standard 8) • Staff are committed to meeting children's individual needs which are reflected in their knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities, this is promoted through a wide range of activities and resources. (Standard 3,5,9 and 10) • A strong link is built between parents, the local nursery and primary school. (Standard 12)

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

There is a strong team spirit within this group. All staff are pro-active in their individual development, which enables them to create a warm, caring and stimulating environment where all children can feel valued. (Standard 2)

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What needs to be improved?

• parents information re staffing. (Standard 12)

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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 keep parents informed of any changes in staffing.

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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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