Parsonage Farm Day Nursery Limited

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/03/2005 Inspector Name Jenny Kane

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Parsonage Farm Day Nursery Setting Address Parsonage Farm Wardsbrook Lane Ticehurst East Sussex TN5 7DL

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Parsonage Farm Day Nursery was registered in March 2004. It operates from six rooms of a single storey converted building in a rural area of Ticehurst. There is access to two fully enclosed outside play areas. The group serves the local area and surrounding areas. A maximum of 38 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00 all year round. Children attend on a sessional or full time basis. There are currently 50 children on role aged from 6 months to 5 years. Of these several receive funding for nursery education. The group supports children with special needs. The nursery employs 11 full and part time staff. Over half of the staff hold appropriate early years childcare qualifications. Three hold current first aid certificates. The group receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and The Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Parsonage Farm Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. Staff work well as a team under the leadership of the supervisor and deputy. They share tasks, working flexibly to provide continuity of care. There are clear policies available to parents and prospective users which outline the service offered. However, some staff records and qualification certificates are not in place. There is a commitment to staff training and development and staff attend training courses when available. Children are cared for in a safe environment where security is good and staff know where children are at all times. Children move around the nursery safely and are encouraged to be independent, choosing where they play and taking themselves to the toilet. However, some improvements are needed in the toilet areas to improve hygiene and nappy changing. Healthy, nutritious meals are cooked on the premises daily. Meal times for the older children are a social time, table manners are good and

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

staff interaction is good. Babies and toddlers eat in a small group but staff would

p.2

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 benefit from adult size chairs. A wide range of good quality toys and play equipment is available. Children can reach the toys and are encouraged to make choices about what they play with and which activities they partake in. Staff have a good knowledge of child development and plan appropriate activities which are linked to birth to three matters and the foundation stage. Babies and toddlers receive good 1:1 care and have their own designated play and sleeping area. During some times in the day older and younger children are able to mix. All children benefit from having a key worker. Children enjoy using the garden areas daily and are taken for nature walks. Parents receive clear written information about the service and notice boards in reception hold useful information. Staff are approachable and key workers feedback

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

information about children's progress and achievements on a daily basis.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The staff work well together as a team, sharing tasks and duties. They are keen to develop their skills and attend workshops and training courses when possible. The supervisor and deputy have good leadership skills. • Children approach adults with confidence, they are well settled and have good relationships with staff. Staff listen to the children, they join in with activities and are enthusiastic. As a result children's behaviour is good. • Staff plan interesting activities for babies, toddlers and older children. There are good opportunities for children of all ages to partake in outside play each day. Older children also enjoy going on nature walks locally. • Space is well used, the rooms are set out attractively and children's work is displayed on the walls. Children are able to choose from the range of toys and equipment, which are accessible and at child height. • Nutritious meals are cooked on the premises daily using fresh ingredients.

p.3

What is being done well?

Menus are shared with parents weekly. Children sit together for meals and are able to eat at their own pace.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the records relating to staff • the facilities in the toilet area • the provision suitable seating for adults

p.3

PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS (This section applies only to inspections carried out

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 5 Provide suitable seating for adult use when feeding babies 7 improve the facilities in the toilet area 14 Ensure that all records relating to staff are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6