Ladywell Community Nursery Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/07/2004 Inspector Name Juliet Eileen Hartridge

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Little Ones Day Nursery Setting Address Pinhoe Road Exeter Devon EX4 8AF

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Little Ones Day Nursery Address Pinhoe Road Exeter Devon EX4 8AF

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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

Little Ones Day Nursery occupies a large church room which is situated in the Whipton area of Exeter, which is in a Sure Start district. Two separate children's areas have been created in the room- for pre-school children and toddlers, and the other for babies. There is also bathroom, baby changing facilities and baby sleep room. The nursery has a kitchen where children's meals are cooked. Children have access to a large, securely fenced and equipped outdoor area. The nursery was registered in 2001 and is registered to provide care for a total of 36 children from three months to five years, of whom no more than 24 may be aged two to five years, and 12 may be aged under two years. Overnight care is not included. There are currently 77 children on the register, 21 of whom receive education funding. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7.45 to 18:00 and is open for 51 weeks of the year apart from bank holidays and Christmas week.

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Information about the setting

Little Ones and the two other nurseries in the Exeter area are owned by a limited company; the two managing directors have regular daily input in running the nursery. Sixteen full and part time staff are employed at Whipton. The manager has Level 3 and is working towards Level 4, most other staff have a Level 2 or 3 qualification and some are working towards level 3 or 4. Staff have experience caring for children who have special educational needs as well as English as a second language. The nursery has support from Devon Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, and belongs to the National Day Nursery Association. The nursery gained Quality Counts accreditation in February 2004 and the Investors in People award in March 2004

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Ones Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. Children and babies are happy, content, and well occupied with an interesting range of activities, which are planned according to their individual needs, and encourage their development and creativity. The nursery is well organised and children are familiar with the routines and what is expected of them. Children are well behaved and staff manage children's behaviour fairly and consistently. Staff work well as a team, and have regular staff meetings and training opportunities. They care for the children with warmth and good humour.

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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 The nursery has a welcoming atmosphere, and is decorated with colourful displays of children's artwork, however the carpet in the main room is rather stained and well worn. The nursery is well equipped; the furniture is comfortable and appropriate for the needs of all children. The range of toys and resources is stimulating and there are comfortable book areas in the both the baby and the main play rooms. The outdoor play equipment is interesting and varied and used effectively to encourage improvised play. There are generally sound safety procedures in place, however there is some inconsistency regarding checking sleeping babies. There is detailed documentation and appropriate procedures in place to ensure that children's good health is maintained. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals, according to their individual

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How good is the Day Care?

dietary requirements. Communication with parents is good, and they are kept well informed about their children's progress, on a day-to-day basis as well as at twice yearly meetings. Staff are aware of their responsibility to protect children in their care, and have a good awareness of child protection procedures.

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What is being done well?

• Children are settled and secure; they enthusiastically and excitedly participate in the well planned activities available for them. Staff are cheerful and are actively engaged in children's play. There is conversation and discussion about what the children are doing, and staff communicate warmly with babies. A variety of outdoor play is available daily and staff set up stimulating and thought provoking situations. For example by adding ice and food colouring to the water trays and discussing changes observed by the children. The nursery follows the High Scope approach of active learning, using a 'plan, do and review' cycle of learning. All staff in the baby room are completing 'Birth to Three Matters' training. • The nursery provides nutritious, well-balanced and varied meals, which are cooked on the premises. Menus are rotated on a four weekly basis using a planning scheme. Children have regular access to drinking water, and diluted

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What is being done well?

fruit juice at snack times. Healthy snacks of fresh fruit and vegetables are available every day; children are introduced to new tastes and discussion takes place about healthy eating. A friendly family atmosphere prevails at mealtimes. Staff encourage children to enjoy their food, which is appetizing and well presented. Placemats and napkins are used and there are flowers on the table. Babies sit in their high chairs next to their siblings. There are secure procedures and full exchange of information regarding children's special dietary requirements. • The nursery communicates effectively with parents, who are informed about

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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 the nursery policies and procedures in the helpful information pack. Parents receive an informative monthly newsletter, and their involvement is welcomed and valued; for example parents are welcome to stay to settle in their children. There are four annual parents events; two of these enable staff to share information with parents about their children's learning goals and progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• maintenance of floor coverings • arrangements for checking sleeping babies.

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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 6 Establish a consistent approach to the frequency of checking sleeping babies.

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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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