First Steps Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/09/2004 Inspector Name Melissa Louise Patel

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name First Steps Private Day Nursery Setting Address Newmarket Street Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 2JP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of First Steps Private Day Nursery

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name First Steps Private Day Nursery Address Newmarket Street Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 2JP

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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

First Steps Nursery is located close to the centre of Skipton. The building is an extended converted barn. The opening hours are 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. The nursery has been open since February 1997; it is privately owned. The nursery serves the local community. There are currently 97 children on roll. There are two baby rooms on the ground floor. There are two rooms on the first floor, one for 2-3 year olds and one for 3-5 year olds. Two separate outdoor play areas for under and over two year olds are available. There are seventeen members of staff employed full-time and six part-time. Seventeen staff hold an early years qualification and one member of staff is working towards a qualification. First Steps Nursery is accredited to accept government funding for 3 and 4 year-olds and currently has seventeen funded 3 year-olds and one funded 4 year-old. There are currently no children attending the nursery with special needs and no

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Information about the setting

children with English as an additional language. There is support from the Local Authority.

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How good is the Day Care?

First Steps Day Nursery provides good care for children. There is a high ratio of staff with a child care qualification, and there is an effective induction system for staff. Effective organisation of the space available and resources used is demonstrated; this reflects the quality of the day to day operation of the nursery. Written routines, policies and activity plans which are displayed also reflect the practice in the nursery. Most required documentation is available. Staff give high priority to ensuring children are safe inside, and outside, the nursery, and the premises are secure. Outdoor play is provided in a safe enclosed area. Regular health and safety checks are made and there is a high ratio of staff trained in first aid. The nursery is clean and hygiene routines are followed; a suitable four week written menu is provided. There is a child protection policy and suitable procedures are in place to protect children.

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How good is the Day Care?

Activities are planned well to ensure children receive a good range of varied

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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 activities and resources which includes most resources to reflect equal opportunities, However, books are not always fully promoted in all areas of the nursery. Positive behaviour is encouraged well and appropriate procedures are in place to ensure there is a positive impact on children's behaviour. Staff have a good relationship with parents and information is shared daily. Written information is also shared well with parents, and an information board is provided for parents in the entrance to the nursery.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to keep a written record signed by parents of medicines given to children and make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. There is now a signed record by parents of any medication given to children and a suitable complaints procedure in the main entrance to the nursery.

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What is being done well?

• A high ratio of staff hold a child care qualification. Most staff hold a first aid certificate. • There is a good induction system and staff understand the procedures well, for example, when staff were asked about evacuation of the premises in an emergency, location of first aid boxes, the key worker system, and childrens's individual needs they were able to respond appropriately. • Individual care of the children is good; baby individual routines are followed and children are included well in activities throughout the nursery, which helps promote positive behaviour. There are good role models and childrens behaviour is good. • There is a good range of resources. Children are given choice and the rooms are organised well. Baby rooms offer a range of suitable activities including messy play set out safely. In the 3-5's room there are different areas for different types of play such as manipulative play, construction, sand and

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What is being done well?

water etc. In the 2-3 year room children had fun balancing, climbing and rolling whilst developing gross motor skills. • Safety is reviewed regularly. Appropriate procedures are in place including risk assessments and security is good. A good standard of hygiene is maintained throughout the nursery; children are supervised well. • Meals are planned well in advance and a four week menu is provided. Tea-time meals are currently being reviewed. Parents are informed daily about what their children have eaten. • Parents are well informed about the provision by displaying information on notice boards. They are made aware of their childrens progress through daily records,observation files and a six monthly report is given to parents. Supporting documentation which includes clear policies and procedures are available enabling the children's care and welfare to be maintained.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• the awareness of the government booklet ' What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary' • the availibility of images to promote equal opportunities • the accessibility of books and organisation of books in some areas of the nursery.

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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 3 Make all book areas in the nursery inviting and accessible daily 9 Improve the availability of images to promote equal opportunities in relation to culture and disability 13 Make all staff aware of the government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused–summary'

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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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