Lake House Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/05/2003 Inspector Name Margaret Ring

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Lake House Nursery Setting Address 2 Lake Road Bristol Avon BS10 5HG

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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

Lake house Day Nursery is a well established nursery in a residential area of north Bristol. The new registration holder took over responsibility for the nursery a year ago. The nursery is located on the corner of Lake Road and Southmead Road. Entrance to the premises is in Lake Road. The nursery operates all year round, excluding bank holidays, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:45pm. The nursery is accommodated in a converted residential property on two floors. The ground floor is allocated to children two to five years of age. The first floor provides play and sleep space for children under two years. However, children under two years of age also use the rooms and resources on the ground floor. There is an outside play area, and a garden with plants that children can tend. There is access to interesting walks. Lake House Day Nursery is currently registered to care for a maximum of 31 children, of whom there may be no more than 15 children under two years. There

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Information about the setting

are seven members of staff, of whom, four are qualified, and three are studying for NVQ3. A Montessori trained teacher provides support and consultancy to the nursery.

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How good is the Day Care?

Lake House Day Nursery offers a satisfactory standard of care. There are sound recruitment procedures, induction for staff and regular appraisals. The nursery has most of the required policies and procedures, but more work is needed to complete the operational plan. The nursery is well organised and maintained, and has a programme of refurbishment and redecoration. There is effective use of space and resources. Staff give safety a high priority, but need to ensure that security is maintained at all times. All staff have attended a comprehensive training course. Risk assessments are carried out, but need to be recorded and reviewed systematically. There is good hygienic practice in all areas. Staff are particularly commited to promoting a healthy diet. Positive changes have been made to the menus to improve the nutritional content of the meals and snacks. In the baby unit staff are calm and gentle, focus on the individual needs of the children and maintain

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How good is the Day Care?

a natural flow of conversation with them about their experiences. Children are offered a range of appropriate activities, and there are effective systems for observing and monitoring children's progress. Staff very effectively promote learning in all areas by listening and questioning appropriately. Some elements of the Montessori approach have been introduced into the nursery. Staff want children to feel secure, confident and nurtured. Children are well behaved. They are encouraged to explore, and to develop at their own pace. Staff offer a 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 interesting activities, which are used effectively to extend and reinforce learning in a way that is fun. The system for assessing children's progress would be enhanced by more observation and evaluation of activities, to assist with future planning. The partnership with parents is good. There are regular meetings and newsletters. In the baby unit, daily or weekly diaries keep parents informed. However the prospectus needs to be updated.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Some issues for action were raised prior to the present registration holder taking responsibility for the nursery. Many of those issues have been satisfactorily addressed. Any outstanding issues are highlighted in the recommendations in this report.

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What is being done well?

In the baby room, the staff are gentle and calm, focus on the individual needs of the children and maintain a natural flow of conversation with them. (Standard 3) Staff plan activities and organise resources effectively to give older children space and time to use the facilities to meet their needs. Staff encourage children to feel secure, confident, make choices, and develop at their own pace. They skilfully extend and reinforce children's learning in a way that is fun.(Standard 3) There is a clear and effective programme of refurbishment and redecoration. High priority is given to safety, and there is a commitment to staff training in health and safety. (Standard 6) The registration holder and staff actively promote a healthy diet. (Standard 8) There is a very clear, positive behaviour management policy and children are well behaved. (Standard 11) Staff work well in partnership with parents, especially in the

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What needs to be improved?

the further development of the operational plan and the staff induction checklist to include child protection. (Standard 2) the use of dated observations, and a system for evaluating the activities offered, to assist with future planning. (Standard 3) the displays/posters reflecting diversity. (Standard 5) a system to record and review risk assessments. (Standard 6) clarification and updating of some of the required documentation, to include the procedure if a parent fails to collect a child, the medication and child protection policies, the complaints procedure, the prospectus, and the staff files. (Standards 1, 12, 14)

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 14 ensure that there is a clear statement of the procedure to be followed if a parent fails to collect a child or a child is lost. 16/08/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 ensure that the staff files are organised to show evidence of staff qualifications and the progress of checks and requests for references. 2 further develop the operational plan. 2 ensure that the staff induction checklist gives priority to child protection. 3 include dated observations in the assessment of children over 2 years, and establish systematic evaluation of the activities offered. 6 establish a system to record and review the risk assessments. 6 make sure that the premises are secure at all times. 7 ensure that the medication policy is clearly worded. 9 ensure that the displays in the nursery demonstrate the commitment to equality of opportunity 12 ensure that there is a comprehensive complaints procedure, and an up to date prospectus for parents. 13 ensure that the child protection procedure includes the action to be taken in the event of an allegation against a member of staff.

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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 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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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

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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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