Headstart Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/06/2003 Inspector Name Christine Hands

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Headstart Nursery Setting Address The Old School Dudley Road Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 9AB

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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

Head Start Day Nursery has been open since 1991 with further additions over the years and has now combined with an adjacent nursery to provide care for 145 children from the ages of birth to eleven years. The nursery is divided into smaller family rooms equipped for the various ages of the children with a separate club house for the older children. There is an outdoor play area as well as a large room which can be used for active play or for large group activities. This room is particularly beneficial when children are unable to access the outdoor play area. The nursery is situated close to the centre of town with parking available in the adjoining streets. Head Start nursery is part of a small chain of nurseries within Lincolnshire. The nursery is open from 07.30 until 18.00 daily, except Bank holidays and Christmas week. There are at present 195 children on the register, including 47 funded three-year olds and 32 funded four-year olds.

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Information about the setting

There are five children attending at present who speak English as an additional language. Staff have experience of working with children who have special educational needs. The group have close links with local schools and have received support from the curriculum advisor at the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnsrship. There are 17 members of staff most of whom have child care qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

Head Start Day Nursery offers good quality care for children. The nursery offers a warm and welcoming environment where children can feel safe and secure. Staff work well as a team and know the children well therefore developing good relationships. The nursery generally takes positive steps to ensure the safety of the children in their care. Activities are well planned and all areas of learning are covered ensuring that children are excited and interested with what is on offer as well as being motivated to learn. Opportunities are provided for children play both inside and outside. Staff at the nursery have developed good relationships with the parents and not only share information on a daily basis but also during parents evenings and open days. Parents are kept informed of the day-to-day routine of the nursery and of the

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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 activities provided.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection an action was made that children under the age of two years should not be in groups of more than 12 children. The nursery now divides any room where numbers necessitate this.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are keen to gain more knowledge and develop their skills and practice by completing on-going training (Standard 2). • The nursery provides a wide range of interesting activities for children of all age groups. Children are motivated to learn and play enthusiastically with the excellent selection of toys and equipment available both indoors and outdoors (Standard 3,5). • Staff know the children well and have developed very good relationships with them. Planning ensures all areas of learning are covered and independence is encouraged (Standard 3). • Staff meet the needs of all the children and have experience of caring for children who have special educational needs as well as those who speak English as a second language (Standard 9,10). • The nursery provides nutritious hot meals at mid-day and all social skills are encouraged (Standard 8).

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What needs to be improved?

• fire drills, to ensure that all children and staff are made fully aware of procedures.

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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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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 ensure all staff and children are familiar with the fire evacuation procedure.

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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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