First Footsteps (Norris Green)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/03/2004 Inspector Name Marie Therese Hall

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name First Footsteps Ltd Setting Address Fairwinds, Broad Lane Norris Green Liverpool Merseyside L11 1AD

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name First Footsteps Ltd Address 17 Oakfield Anfield Liverpool L4 2QH

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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

First Footsteps LTD are located on the periphery of Liverpool city centre and in close proximity to public transport. The nursery premises occupy two floors of a converted detached house. They primarily serve families living or working in the local community. They operate Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm. They provide an all year round service with the exception of bank holidays. Children are cared for in three age related groups for their care and play experiences. They are registered to care for 40 children aged under five. There are milk preparation and nappy change rooms. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area. They provide funded places for three and four year olds. Activities are topic based and planned around the foundation stage early learning goals. The manager is NNEB qualified and has been managing the nursery for about twelve months. There is a staff team of eleven trained to either NNEB or NVQ2 standard.

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Information about the setting

All staff are experienced in child care.

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How good is the Day Care?

First Footsteps provides satisfactory care for children. Staff provides a warm and welcoming environment where children are encouraged to participate in activities. There is a high ratio of qualified staff but they were not effectively deployed therefore children's play and learning were not always supported. There are sufficient resources for the registered number of children but they were not used effectively. There is good planning throughout the nursery with a lot of structured activities on the education element of the 6 areas of learning but limited opportunities were available for children to self select toys and activities. Children are well behaved and have a clear understanding of expected behaviour and relate well to each other. Good hygiene practices are incorporated into the children's daily routines. Food provided is freshly prepared and nutritious but children were not always given the encouragement to eat. Good systems are in

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How good is the Day Care?

place to keep children safe and secure. These include regular risks assessment. There are detailed records and documents to cover most of the required areas and

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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 there is also a comprehensive operational plan. These are shared with parents and staff have familiarised themselves with all policies and procedures. Policy regarding child protection requires further development. Effective systems are in place for keeping parents informed about their children's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There have been two visits since registration. Three out of the four actions have been completed. A record of complaints is now maintained. A complaint policy is in place and it includes details of the regulator, Ofsted. Good hygiene procedures are now in place including checklist for staff to sign, but there needs to be further developments in this area. Child Protection procedures regarding allegations against staff have not yet been developed, this is now carried over as an action.

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What is being done well?

• Relevant information is obtained from parents to enable staff to provide individual care to the children. The staff operate an effective key worker system, which allows them to develop a good relationship with the children and their families that they are responsible for. • The recording of information is good, most policies and procedures are written and in place. • There is good communication both verbal and in writing which ensures parents are kept informed of their child's life at nursery. Parent's knowledge or consent are always sought before anything is done to or carried out with the children

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What needs to be improved?

• the organisation of toys and activities so as to provide sufficient resources for the children who attend • the privacy of children regarding the toiletting area • the procedures to be followed in the event of allegation made against a member of staff in the child protection policy • the deployment of staff • the records of medication • the temperature of the changing room.

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Outcome of the 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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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 4 ensure that the baby changing room is maintained at an adequate and comfortable temperature 08/04/2004

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

13 prepare a procedure to be followed should there be any cause for concern or if an allegation is made against staff 08/04/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 ensure that the deployment of staff and resources are effective

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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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