Cotton Tails Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/06/2003 Inspector Name Kashma Patel

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Cotton Tails Day Nursery Setting Address 1110 Bristol Road South Northfield Birmingham West Midlands B31 2RE

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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

Cotton Tails Day Nursery was established in 1996. It is situated in Northfield, on Bristol Road South which runs directly into Birmingham city centre and is conveniently situated for bus and rail links, local shops, businesses and industry. The premises have CCTV, security lighting and electronically controlled entrance gates which lead to the rear car park. The nursery is open on each weekday from 07:30 to 18:00. Registration is for a total of 56 children from 3 months to 8 years; with 27 places for under 2's. Attendance may be full or part-time. The staff team consists of 12 qualified Nursery Nurses, and 3 trainees; 6 staff hold current First Aid Certificates. Within the nursery, children are grouped according to age, each group has a key worker. There is a ground floor unit for babies, and play rooms on the ground and first floor for older children. The rear garden is fully enclosed. Cotton Tails is

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Information about the setting

registered for Nursery Grant funding for 3 and 4 year old's.

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How good is the Day Care?

Cotton Tails provides good care for children. A warm and welcoming environment is offered to children, a range of children's work is displayed throughout the nursery. Staff have a friendly and sensitive approach to children, who were well behaved, motivated and confident. There are procedures in place for health and safety, a coded system at the gate insures children's safety. Policies for behaviour management, equal opportunities and child protection were also satisfactory. Good hygiene practices are encouraged, such has hand washing. A range of toys and equipment was observed throughout the nursery, but in some areas staff did not plan and set out toys and equipment for the children, this resulted in the younger children being unoccupied for long periods. Older children were observed asking for toys and helping themselves to books and equipment. Older children are encouraged to serve themselves at meals times, but due to a lack of

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How good is the Day Care?

serving dishes, children were waiting for long periods for their turn. There is good partnership with parents and other professionals. The nursery receive support from the Visiting Teacher (V.T.) service. Parents are well informed through daily discussions and the notice board, which displayed information on designated

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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 workers for the nursery. They are also encouraged to take part in workshops and are invited to parents evenings, where they have the opportunity to discuss their child. Written records on children's development and special needs are not kept on all the children. There are also good links between the home and nursery; children are encouraged to use the library.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable, as there were no actions raised at the last inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Good use is made of the space both indoors and out. The rooms are laid out to allow the children easy access to toys and equipment. Good use is made of the outdoor play area; • Children have access to a wide range of age appropriate toys, which are suitable to promote their development; • A high priority is given to children's safety, there are procedures for fire safety and the arrival and collection of children; • There are good hygiene routines in place. Staff have procedures for health and safety and for pets; • Children are offered regular drinks and snacks which are prepared by staff. Children's individual and dietary needs are catered for; • There is good partnership with parents, parents are kept informed through the notice board and through daily conversations with staff.

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What needs to be improved?

• planning and organisation of routines; • range of stimulating activities for the toddlers; • privacy for children when using the toilets; • organisation of serving meals; • written information on children's development and special needs.

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

Std Action Date 2 ensure that staff are organised and have planned for children’s individual needs at all times; 08/08/2003

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

3 plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children’s overall development. 08/08/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 ensure children have privacy when using the toilet facilities; 8 ensure that there are enough serving dishes, to avoid children waiting for long periods of time; 10 ensure that written information is kept on the children’s development and special needs, so this information can be used for future planning and development of the child.

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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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