Croft Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 29/04/2004 Inspector Name Jacqueline Ann Gerrard

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Croft Nursery (Newcastle) Setting Address The Croft, 102 Lancaster Road Newcastle Staffordshire ST5 1DS

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Mrs Mary Ryan & Mr Christopher Ryan

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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 Croft Day Nursery opened in 1990. It operates from a detached house within its own grounds on the outskirts of Newcastle town centre. The nursery has access to four playrooms, kitchen, toilets and an enclosed outdoor area and serves the local and surrounding community. There are currently 69 children under 5 years on roll. This includes 13 funded 3-year-olds and 7 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports a number of children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The setting opens five days a week all year round except Bank Holidays and a week at Christmas. Sessions are from 8:00am until 17:30pm. Full and part time places are available. All staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Two staff are currently working towards a NVQ 3 early years qualification. The setting receives support from teachers and staff from the Early Years

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How good is the Day Care?

The Croft Day Nursery provides good quality care. The provision has effective procedures in place to ensure staff have a consistent approach to their work. Regular meetings are held and staff appraisals are completed. There are well documented policies and procedures in place. Most requirements for documentation are met. The nursery is well maintained and offers a welcoming environment for parents and children. Staff have very good relationships with children. High priority is given to health and safety in the nursery with clear safety policies for indoors and outdoors. Children are always supervised and staff monitor access to the group at all times. Staff implement good health and hygiene procedures which help reduce the spread of infection. Staff work in partnership with parents to meet children's dietary needs well. They implement child protection procedures shared with staff and parents. Staff plan a broad range of activities for all children. There is an exciting range of

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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 toys and equipment available for children to self select which supports all aspects of their development. There are resources that reflect positive images of minority groups. Good use is made of space and children are appropriately grouped. There are effective strategies in place to manage children's behaviour and children behave well. There is good support for children with special needs. There is an excellent partnership with parents and carers. Parents are informed of how the setting operates through newsletters, daily record books, policies, displays of activities and discussion.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery was required to ensure the written statement on behaviour management includes bullying. This has been implemented.

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What is being done well?

• Staff interactions with children enhances all aspects of children's development. • They provide a broad and challenging range of practical activities which develop children's knowledge and includes French and dancing classes. • Activities are planned, evaluated and presented in an interesting and thoughtful way for all children. • The good staff induction programme ensures staff are fully aware of all procedures and policies. • There is a very good partnership with the parents evident at the nursery, information packs are provided, and questionnaires are given to parents. • There is a good exchange of information on children's progress. • The effective procedures for health and safety include completing regular risk assessments. • The nursery have obtained a Healthy Eating Award where healthy eating is promoted in the setting through a varied range of nutritional meals.

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What needs to be improved?

• the system to record daily attendance of staff and for obtaining written parental acknowledgement of medication given to children • the documentation to obtain written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Outcome of the 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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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 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. 14 Ensure the daily record of staff attendance and the arrangements for obtaining written parental acknowledgement of medication given to children are accurate.

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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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