The Elmfield Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/08/2003 Inspector Name Marie Mcconville

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Elmfield Day Nursery Setting Address 1 Westfield Grove Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear NE3 4YA

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Jesmond Nurseries Ltd Address 8 Osborne Road Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear NE2 2AA

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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

Elmfield Nursery provides care and education for 60 children aged 0-5 years. The nursery is a converted house in a residential area on the outskirts of the city of Newcastle Upon Tyne. The nursery is open 51 weeks per year, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 5.45 p.m. There is access to good public transport systems, although many parents travel to and from the nursery by car. The nursery serves the wider community with some parents travelling longer distances to access the provision. Children attending the provision are cared for in small groups until they reach 3 years when the largest group size is 16. Children are progressed through the nursery taking into account age and maturity. The nursery is in receipt of Nursery Education grant for 3 and 4 year olds. The nursery endeavours to provide a homely environment for children who are cared for and educated.

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How good is the Day Care?

The day care provided for children is satisfactory with some very good aspects: the safety and well being of children is of paramount importance, staff are vigilant about children’s health and risk assessments of all areas of the nursery are carried out regularly, at the time of the inspection a damaged stair gate was repaired with immediate effect after staff drew attention to it. The effective deployment of staff and grouping of children help children to settle, gain confidence and build good relationships. Key staff have a good understanding of how children learn and generally good progress is being made in areas of development and learning, but there are insufficient positive images of disability available. The very good planning for older children results in stimulating and challenging activities being provided, however, there are insufficient opportunities for some younger children to make choices about what they want to do.

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How good is the Day Care?

Good behaviour is valued and encouraged, children are learning right from wrong and developing good manners, staff provide positive role models, they are courteous to the children, listen well and intervene in children’s activities appropriately, they question children well and encourage children to become problem solvers. Parents are well informed about the nursery through access to an informative handbook and access to information about topics and the programme of activities. They are kept up to date about their children’s progress, they are invited to take part in bi-annual reviews and are able to share their children’s records of achievement

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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 whenever they wish. Policies and procedures are extensive and are reviewed regularly. The newly appointed manager will receive support and guidance during her period of probation by the Principal of the setting.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, minor actions were raised which related to the storing of information and the checking of the contents of First Aid box's all of which have been addressed.

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What is being done well?

• The effective deployment of staff and grouping of children help children to feel confident, secure and build good relationships. Staff are very knowledgeable about the individual personalities and characteristics of the children in their care. • Key staff have a good understanding of how children learn through their play and their relationships with others. The very good planning for older children help them make progress in their development and learning. • Risk assessments are extensive and evaluative providing a good mechanism to ensure the safety and well being of children. • Good behaviour is valued, children are well behaved and are learning right from wrong through the good role models provided by the staff.

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities for some younger children to make choices about what they do. • the provision of resources, to ensure positive images of disability are available. • the mechanisms in place to support the newly appointed manager.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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

Std Action Date 1 Provide an action plan that shows how the newly appointed manager will be supported during the probationary period. 30/09/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 5 Extend the opportunities for younger children to take part in a broader range of activities to fully promote their development, freedom of choice and independence. 9 Ensure positive images of disability are available.

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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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