Children 4 Most at Squirrels Wood

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/12/2004 Inspector Name Barbara Law

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Children 4 Most at Squirrels Wood Setting Address Cemetery Road Audenshaw Manchester M34 5AH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Children 4 Most Address Portland Street North Ashton Under Lyne Lancashire OL6 7HT

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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

Children 4 Most at Squirrels Wood Nursery has been registered since June 2003. It operates from a former Children and Family Centre; a single story building just off the main Ashton to Denton thoroughfare. The building houses five rooms which can accommodate 23 babies and three rooms for 44 children aged between two and five years. Each of the main rooms has direct access to a secure outdoor play area. Bathroom and toilet facilities are conveniently located. The nursery is co-managed by experienced managers, both of whom hold early years qualifications and teaching certificates in early years education, and their deputy. They are assisted by seven staff who hold early years qualifications, four trainees working towards NVQ and two others, who, although not qualified, have experience of working with young children. All nursery staff hold a relevant first aid certificate. Ancillary staff and an administrator are employed.

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Information about the setting

The nursery is open from 07:30 - 18:00 Monday to Friday, closing all statutory bank holidays and for one week over the Christmas/New Year period. The nursery is registered to provide care for 67 children. There are currently 54 children on roll, 12 of whom are in receipt of early years funding. Children with additional needs are supported.

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How good is the Day Care?

Children 4 Most at Squirrels Wood Nursery provides a good standard of care. The rooms of the nursery are well organised to facilitate the different ages and stages of development of children. The staff are deployed to maximise on their skills and experience to best meet the needs of the children, whilst ensuring that adult child ratios are maintained. A key worker system is in operation. This ensures that children are regarded as individuals and their needs known and met by staff. This assists children to feel safe and secure. The nursery has a range of policies in relation to the safety and well being of the children and staff, though an area of practice has been identified to enhance this further. There are routines in place for each of the rooms including set times for

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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 eating, sleeping and playing. This further develops children's sense of security, safety and confidence. Mealtimes are in designated rooms and staff sit with the children. This provides a social atmosphere. Meals are well prepared and provide a balanced, nutritional diet for the children. Good hygiene practices are maintained. Resources within the nursery promote equality of opportunity for all children. Staff awareness of the policy enhances this further and provides an inclusive environment for children. A clear policy with defined strategies is in place for the managing of children's behaviour. The nursery provides an extensive range of interesting and exciting activities and opportunities to the children that promote their learning, development and well being. They maximise on the available space, both indoors and out.

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How good is the Day Care?

There are effective systems in place for the sharing of information with parents, including a newsletter each term and a notice board situated in the foyer.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery organises space and staff well to best meet the needs of the children and provide them with an extensive range of exciting and interesting play and learning opportunities. • Staff are aware of the clear policies in place which underpin the practice. This helps to ensure the safety and well being of the children. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and consistently. • There are a range of food choices available to the children, which meet all dietary requirements and promote healthy eating. Mealtimes are social events where children chatter freely and exercise choice. They interact with staff and each other. • Staff have experience of working with parents and other agencies to best meet the needs of children. This helps to provide consistent care and promote good working relationships with parents.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The extensive range of resources providing exciting, interesting play and learning opportunities for all children (Standard 3).

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What needs to be improved?

• the recording of staff on the room registers • the maintaining of confidential accident and medication records • the availability of the telephone number for the regulatory body.

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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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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 2 ensure staff attendance is recorded on the room registers 7 ensure accident and medication records are kept in a confidential manner 12 ensure the telephone number for the regulating body is displayed

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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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