The Lakes Centre Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/03/2005 Inspector Name Lynda, Margaret Ronan

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Lakes Centre Setting Address Sandy Lane Warrington Cheshire WA2 9HY

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Lakes Centre Address Sandy Lane Warrington Cheshire WA2 9HY

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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

The Lakes Centre opened in 2004 and is part of the Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative in Warrington. It is one of two nurseries run by Margaret King. The nursery operates from four rooms in a purpose-built building on Sandy Lane Orford Warrington. It shares the use of the light room and play court with the adjoining nursery school. It is close to both the motorway system and Warrington Town Centre. It mainly serves the local community and over 75% of staff and children live in the area. A maximum of 69 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for 51 weeks of the year. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area directly from their rooms. There are currently 65 children aged from birth to under five years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery is able to support children in receipt of nursery educational funding. The nursery currently supports a number of children

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Information about the setting

with special educational needs, and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs 15 staff. Twelve of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Three staff are working towards a qualification.

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Information about the setting

The nursery receive support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. They offer a number of services to the community including, 'Wey Hey Lets Get Ready to Play' classes for parents, crèches and the option one day a week of purchasing a healthy hot meal for their child to take home.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Lakes Neighbourhood Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities, and are effectively led and managed by a "hands on" senior management team. An excellent variety of high quality resources supports a balanced range of activities to promote children's overall development. Clear policies and procedures are regularly reviewed ensuring they continue to meet the needs of children. Documentation is well organised. The nursery has a commitment to ongoing professional development and staff attend regular training to

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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 update their knowledge and skills. Safety has a high profile in the nursery, there are risk assessments for the environment, activities and individuals as necessary. Staff are vigilant and encourage children's growing awareness of their own safety. Staff implement appropriate hygiene practices. Children benefit from a variety of nutritious meals, with fresh produce on offer daily, to promote their healthy growth and development. Staff understand their roles and the procedures to follow with regard to child protection to ensure children's welfare. Staff work hard to create a happy environment so that children feel secure. They dedicate their time playing with the children encouraging their learning and development. Children are engrossed in the fun activities on offer and actively

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How good is the Day Care?

engage in play. Children access outdoor play on a sessional basis each day. Babies individual needs are very well met and staff talk and sing to them constantly. Staff have a positive approach towards inclusion and treat children with equal concern. Consistent and positive methods encourage and promote good behaviour. Parents are warmly welcomed and report they are happy with the care on offer. Effective systems such as regular newsletters, daily diaries and 1:1 feedback from the child's key worker keep parents well informed about the nursery and their children.

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What is being done well?

• The planned provision of a stimulating and appropriately challenging environment, both inside and outside to promote children's independence and progress. • The leadership and management of the group, through clearly expressed expectations in the staff handbook, practitioner guides and the example of good practice offered by senior management, which promotes a cohesive and motivated staff group. • The staff's secure knowledge of each child in their care, enables them to offer individual care and meet each child's specific needs. • The staff's skill in managing behaviour in a positive and constructive manner, their awareness of the impact of language and use of a wide variety of strategies resulting in children behaving very well. • The attention to the safety and security of the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• the provision of continuous access to the outside learning environment.

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What needs to be improved?

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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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There has been one complaint since April 2004 this was in regard to Behaviour, National Standard 11 and Child Protection, National Standard 13. Discussion, examination of nursery policies and procedures and observation of care practice demonstrated National Standard 11 continues to be met. The evidence examined demonstrated that National Standard 13 was not fully met. As a result of this an action was raised requiring the registered person informs Ofsted that any future incidents will be reported without delay. Ofsted is satisfied that the registered provider has taken appropriate steps to address the action. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 3 Develop a strategy that allows children, throughout the day, the freedom to choose to play in the indoor or outdoor environment.

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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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