The Co-operative Childcare Watford South

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/12/2004 Inspector Name Tina Kelly

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Places for Children Setting Address 1-3 Altham Gardens Watford Hertfordshire WD19 6HJ

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Places For Children Address The White House 10 Clifton York YO30 6AE

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

Places for Children, a National provider of Daycare is a subsidiary of the Places for People Group. The Places for People Group provide housing and regeneration solutions across the UK and are a non profit organisation. The Watford nursery opened in 2004 and operates from a purpose built site with provision for the care of babies on the ground floor and catering for children from two to five years on the first floor. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. The nursery is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for 51 weeks of the year. There are currently 33 children aged from three months up to five years on roll. At the time of inspection the nursery supported one child with special educational needs. The nursery currently employs eight staff and continues to recruit for a full compliment of staff as the children's places are filled. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications. The nursery is well supported by the operations manager from

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Places for Children, Watford provides good care for children. The company provides clear leadership with comprehensive policies and procedures. A thorough recruitment process ensures that staff are well qualified and aware of their duties and responsibilities. The open plan play rooms are well resourced with good quality equipment that is size and age appropriate. Comprehensive documentation is in place to ensure the well being of the children and good management of the site however some policies need to include a statement to inform Ofsted of significant incidents. Safety is of high priority, staff monitor and maintain the nursery to a high standard, all staff are first aid trained with appropriate records in place with regard risk assessment, accidents and incidents. Meals are prepared and cooked on site, a healthy menu provides children with a range of tasty, cultural and dietary experiences. The nursery supports children with special needs, they liaise closely

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 with families and outside agencies in a thorough and professional manner. Children of all ages are able to develop their social and personal skills in a secure and stimulating environment. They are confident and eager to take part in activities provided for them. The design of the nursery encourages children to have free choice of the toys and equipment which is stored at low level and is readily available to them at all times. Resources around the nursery promote understanding of equal opportunities in all aspects of the children's play. The nursery has a good partnership with parents, staff are always available to discuss the children's daily routine and share information with parents. Daily diaries are an important part of the process with various methods being tried in the past few

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

months. They are in line with the Birth to Three Matters initiative which is now in place. A regular newsletter keeps parents up to date of day to day issues within the nursery.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The nursery has implemented a new daily diary for the younger children, this is based on the Birth to Three Matters initiative. The records of achievement for the older children are to be based on Stepping Stones early years process and will go on to encompass the Foundation Stage for children over three years. • Consistancy with regard to health hygiene and safety is maintained by well managed documentation, the provision is monitored through the Quality Counts self evaluation process. • Children are encouraged to explore and develop their play with sensitive support from the staff, the open plan play rooms are well managed and laid out to provide flexible play space. Imaginative play is encouraged with resources stored at low level throughout the nursery to enable the children to make free choice and manage their own play. Children's independence and social skills are promoted and extended through the nursery routine.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Menus are prepared in advance and on display, meals are nutritious and lunch time is well managed, staff eat with the children and when possible siblings are able to eat together. The nursery cook is an important part of the staff team, the children recognise this and thanked her for their lunches. • Children are able to recognise themselves in the photographs displayed around the nursery, they talk about activities and outings, they are able to discuss events that are important to them. The nursery provides a rich environment in which to develop children's awareness of the wider world , as well as good quality natural materials the nursery promote a good

p.3

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 understanding of different cultures and disabilities in a positive manner. • Although only opened this year they have made good use of the local community using the library and taking the children on an outing to a local farm with the support and help of parents.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• documentation to include a statement to inform Ofsted of significant incidents

p.4

inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

Ofsted has not received any complaints about this provider

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 14 Ensure relevant policies include a statement to inform Ofsted of serious injury or death, notifiable deseases and any "significant incidents".

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